Mae Scarf Knitting Pattern

Mae Scarf in Rowan Kid Classic

What is Being Made

The Mae Scarf is an intermediate-level knitted scarf measuring 26 cm wide and 180 cm long (excluding fringe). This design features decorative cable panels running vertically down the center, flanked by stockinette stitch sections on either side. The finished scarf is embellished with knotted fringe along both the cast-on and bind-off edges, creating a polished, textured finish.

Techniques Used

This scarf employs several key knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters:

• Cable knitting – The centerpiece of the design, using cable abbreviations C6B (cable 6 back) and C6F (cable 6 front) to create twisted rope-like textures
• Increases and decreases – Strategic increases worked into the cast-on row to expand the stitch count, and corresponding decreases at the bind-off to return to the original stitch count
• Fringe finishing – 78 strands of yarn (32 cm each) are cut and knotted in groups of three, with 26 fringes distributed evenly along both edges
• Pressing and blocking – The finished scarf requires pressing according to the information sheet for professional finishing

Stitches Used

The Mae Scarf combines multiple stitch patterns to achieve its distinctive appearance:

• Stockinette stitch (jersey endroit) – Forms the smooth outer panels on both sides of the scarf, providing a clean, classic base
• Reverse stockinette stitch – Used for purl columns that frame and define the cable panel
• Cable stitches – A 17-stitch cable panel measuring 6 cm wide runs down the center, with cables crossing every 6 rows to create visual interest and texture
• Garter stitch edges – Three stitches of garter stitch (knit on both sides) anchor each long edge, providing stability and a finished appearance

Pattern Structure

The pattern begins with casting on 49 stitches using size 5 needles. The first row includes strategic increases within the cable panel area, bringing the total to 55 stitches. The main pattern repeat consists of 6 rows that establish the interplay between the stockinette sections, purl dividers, and cable twists. This 6-row repeat continues for the full length of the scarf until approximately 180 cm is reached. The final row mirrors the increases with corresponding decreases, returning to 49 stitches before binding off.

Materials

The Mae Scarf is designed to be knitted with Rowan Kid Classic yarn, requiring 4 balls of 50g each (200g total). The pattern specifies size 5 needles for the main knitting and a cable needle for managing the twisted stitches. The gauge is established at 19 stitches and 25 rows over 10 cm when worked in stockinette stitch on size 5 needles.

The photographed sample was created in two complementary colorways: Champagne 898 and Bittersweet 866, demonstrating how color variation can enhance the cable and texture details. The choice of Kid Classic yarn—a soft, lightweight blend—makes this scarf suitable for layering and comfortable wear while providing sufficient structure to showcase the cable definition.