Shibui Knits Lapse Scarf Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Lapse Monochrome Collection Scarf

What is Being Made

The Lapse is a sophisticated double-layered scarf designed by Kirsten Johnstone that showcases innovative use of perspective and negative space. This knitted accessory features square motifs that evolve from minute icons to prominent frames throughout the length of the piece, creating a dynamic visual progression. The finished scarf measures 10 inches in width and 73.5 inches in length, making it a versatile accessory suitable for various styling applications.

Knitting Techniques

This scarf employs several advanced knitting techniques that contribute to its refined aesthetic:

• Seamless Construction: The scarf is knit in the round as a long tube, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a polished, continuous fabric.
• Crochet Provisional Cast-On: The pattern begins with a crochet provisional cast-on method, which allows for a clean, reversible edge and enables grafting at both ends.
• Kitchener Stitch Grafting: Upon completion of the knitting, both ends of the tube are grafted closed using the Kitchener stitch, a technique that creates an invisible seam and maintains the seamless aesthetic throughout the entire piece.
• Stranded Color Work: Charted patterns are worked using the stranded color work method, a technique where two colors are carried across the row to create intricate designs. The pattern includes specific instructions for trapping floats of non-working yarn at regular intervals (no more than every 5th stitch) to prevent long, loose strands on the reverse side and ensure even tension across color changes.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The scarf is primarily worked in stockinette stitch (St st) in the round using two strands of yarn held together. This creates a smooth, refined fabric surface that allows the stranded color work patterns to stand out prominently. The use of two strands contributes to the fabric's structure and drape while maintaining the delicate, airy quality characteristic of the finished piece.

Materials and Specifications

The Lapse is knit using Shibui Pebble, a luxurious yarn blend composed of 48% recycled silk, 36% fine merino wool, and 16% cashmere. This sophisticated fiber combination creates an almost weightless fabric with exceptional softness and subtle sheen. The pattern calls for 8 skeins of Color A and 6 skeins of Color B, with the sample shown in Ivory (Color A) and Ash (Color B). A darker color for the B position is recommended to enhance the contrast and visibility of the stranded color work pattern.

Required tools include a Size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches in length, a crochet hook for the provisional cast-on, waste yarn, a stitch marker, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and optional blocking wires for finishing. The gauge is 24 stitches and 26 rounds to 4 inches when worked in stranded color work in the round in stockinette stitch with two strands of Pebble held together, measured after blocking.

Skill Level

This pattern is designed for experienced knitters. The combination of working in the round, managing stranded color work with float trapping, understanding provisional cast-on techniques, and executing the Kitchener stitch graft requires solid foundational knowledge and comfort with advanced knitting methods.