Koigu Badjeros Scarf Knitting Pattern

Koigu Badjeros Scarf

What Is Being Made

The Koigu Badjeros Scarf is a long, rectangular knitted accessory measuring 21cm (8.5") wide by 220cm (88") long. Designed by Irina Poludnenko, this scarf showcases vibrant color work through an intricate striping pattern that progresses throughout the piece. The scarf is constructed in three vertical strips that are seamlessly joined together during the knitting process, creating a unified finished garment with no seaming required after completion.

Techniques Used

This scarf employs several key knitting techniques that create both visual interest and structural integrity:

• Bottom-up construction: The scarf is worked from the bottom edge upward, allowing knitters to see the developing striping pattern as they progress.
• Seamless multi-strip assembly: Rather than knitting a single piece, the design uses three vertical strips that are attached to one another by knitting the final stitch of each new strip together with the selvage stitch from the previous strip. This eliminates the need for seaming while maintaining clean edges.
• Worked flat: The scarf is knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making it accessible to knitters of all skill levels.
• Striped color work: The pattern features alternating two-row stripes in multiple color combinations, with varying numbers of stripes in each color sequence. This creates a dynamic, multi-colored design without the complexity of intarsia or fair isle techniques.
• Increases and decreases: Strategic increases using the knit-front-and-back (KFB) technique and decreases using knit-two-together (K2tog) and slip-slip-knit (SSK) methods shape the strips and create the tapered sections of the finished scarf.

Stitches Used

The Badjeros Scarf is worked primarily in garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row. This fundamental stitch provides a textured, reversible fabric with excellent drape suitable for a scarf. The pattern incorporates the following stitch abbreviations and techniques:

• K (knit): The primary stitch throughout the piece
• P (purl): Used selectively at the edges for selvage definition
• Sl (slip stitch): Applied at the beginning of rows to create neat, finished edges
• KFB (knit into front and back): An increase stitch that creates two stitches from one, used to shape the strips
• K2tog (knit two stitches together): A right-leaning decrease used to shape the tapered sections
• SSK (slip-slip-knit): A left-leaning decrease that provides balanced shaping
• K3tog: A double decrease used during the final bind-off sections

Materials and Tools

The Koigu Badjeros Scarf pattern calls for premium yarn and appropriately sized needles to achieve the intended finished dimensions:

• Yarn: The pattern requires two types of Koigu yarn. Knitters use Koigu KPPPM (one 50g skein with 175 yards/160 meters) and Koigu KPM (one 50g skein with 175 yards/160 meters). The pattern specifies six individual color selections: P768 (A), P850 (B), P818 (C), 1020 (D), 2320 (E), and 1010 (F). These Koigu yarns are known for their exceptional color saturation and quality, making them ideal for showcasing the striped design.
• Needles: 3.75mm (US 5) needles or the size needed to obtain proper gauge
• Additional tools: A tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 5.5 stitches and 12 rows per 1 inch in garter stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements of 21cm (8.5") wide by 220cm (88") long. The scarf's generous length makes it versatile for various styling options, while the moderate width provides comfortable wear without excessive bulk.