Malabrigo Baxter Scarf Knitting Pattern

Malabrigo Baxter Textured Pocket Scarf

What is Being Made

The Malabrigo Baxter is a textured pocket scarf designed by Annabelle Speer. This knit accessory features a unique construction with integrated pockets created through strategic turning rows and folding. The finished scarf measures approximately 7½ inches wide by 90 inches long (19 by 228.5 centimeters), making it a generous length suitable for wrapping and styling.

Techniques Used

This scarf is worked flat on straight needles from one end to the other, using a straightforward construction method ideal for knitters of all experience levels. The pattern incorporates turning rows that reverse the right and wrong sides of the fabric, allowing the knitter to create functional pockets without complex shaping or increases and decreases. The finishing process involves folding the ends along the turning rows to form the pockets and sewing the side seams of each pocket closed for a polished, structured appearance.

Stitches Used

The Baxter pattern features a simple yet visually interesting stitch pattern worked over an even number of stitches. The core stitch used is the 2-stitch Left Twist (2-st LT), created by purling two stitches together without dropping them from the left-hand needle, then purling the first stitch again before dropping both stitches. This twist stitch is combined with knit and purl stitches to create the textured pattern. The four-row repeat consists of knit rows on the right side and alternating rows of twisted stitches with edge stitches, building texture and visual interest throughout the scarf.

Materials

The Baxter scarf is worked using Mecha by Malabrigo yarn, a wool fiber available in 3½-ounce (100-gram) hanks with approximately 130 yards (119 meters) per hank. The pattern calls for four hanks in colorway #58 Borrajas. Knitting is performed on size 11 (8 millimeter) needles, or the size needed to obtain the correct gauge. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 18 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when working the pattern stitch on size 11 needles. The pattern begins with casting on 34 stitches.

Skill Level

This design is rated as Easy, making it accessible to beginner and intermediate knitters. The straightforward flat construction, simple stitch pattern, and lack of complex shaping techniques make the Baxter an excellent project for those building their knitting skills while still achieving a sophisticated, textured finished garment.