Noro Akaora Knitting Pattern

Noro Akaora Knitted Scarf

What is Being Made

The Noro Akaora is an intermediate-level knitted scarf designed by Sandi Prosser. This elegant accessory features finished measurements of 11½ inches (29cm) in width and an impressive 87 inches (221cm) in length, making it a generous wrap-style scarf suitable for layering and styling versatility.

Techniques Used

This design incorporates several intermediate knitting techniques that add visual interest and texture to the finished piece. The primary techniques include:

• Cable work – The scarf features cable patterns (labeled as Cables A and B) that can be worked from either written text instructions or chart diagrams, providing flexibility for knitters who prefer different instructional formats.
• Twist stitches – Right Twist (RT) and Left Twist (LT) techniques are used throughout the pattern. These are created by knitting the second stitch on the left-hand needle before the first stitch, either in front or behind, without dropping stitches from the needle, creating decorative crossed-stitch effects.
• Selvage stitches – The first stitch of every row is slipped with yarn in front (wyif) and the last stitch is knitted, creating neat finished edges ideal for seaming or displaying.

Stitches Used

The Noro Akaora employs a combination of fundamental and decorative stitches to create its textured appearance:

• Knit stitch (k) – The basic foundation stitch used throughout the design.
• Purl stitch (p) – Used to create contrast and texture within the pattern.
• Yarn over (yo) – Creates new stitches and contributes to the pattern's visual complexity.
• Cable stitches – 4-stitch Right Cross (RC) and Left Cross (LC) cables, worked by slipping stitches to a cable needle and holding them to the back or front while knitting subsequent stitches.
• Rib pattern – A repeating pattern over multiples of 4 stitches that alternates between knit and purl stitches, creating vertical ridges and elasticity.

Materials and Tools

The Noro Akaora is constructed using premium materials that showcase beautiful color work and drape:

• Yarn – Three 150-gram hanks of Noro Haunui Silk in three coordinating colorways: #110 (A), #107 (B), and #109 (C). The Haunui Silk yarn provides a luxurious blend of fibers with excellent sheen and fluidity.
• Needles – One pair of US size 8 (5mm) needles, or the size required to achieve proper gauge.
• Additional tools – A cable needle is essential for working the cable and twist stitch patterns throughout the design.

Gauge and Pattern Notes

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 22 stitches and 27 rows over 4 inches (10cm) when measured over the cable pattern using size US 8 (5mm) needles and blocked fabric. Achieving proper gauge is critical for obtaining the correct finished dimensions. The pattern setup includes 66 stitches after the initial increase row, and knitters have the option to follow cable instructions from either written text or chart diagrams, depending on their preference.