Shibui Knits M. Scarf Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits M. Scarves by Shellie Anderson

What Is Being Made

The Shibui Knits M. is a seamless knitted scarf available in two sizes: a smaller version measuring 9.5 inches wide by 60 inches long, and a larger version measuring 11 inches wide by 72 inches long. This downloadable PDF pattern from Shibui Knits provides complete instructions for creating an elegant, finished scarf with a structured border design.

Techniques Used

This scarf is worked flat on straight needles using several specialized knitting techniques. The most distinctive feature is the use of I-cord construction, which creates a structured and finished border on all four sides of the piece. The I-cord begins with a specialized cast-on method, continues along both long edges as the scarf is worked, and concludes with an I-cord bind-off technique. Additional edge refinement is achieved by slipping the first 3 stitches of each row purlwise with yarn in back (wyib), then pulling the yarn snug when knitting the first stitch to ensure a consistent edge. The pattern is classified as seamless and worked flat, making it accessible for knitters of various experience levels.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is garter stitch, which creates a reversible, textured fabric ideal for scarves. The pattern incorporates the following stitch techniques:

• Knit stitches (k)
• Purl stitches (p)
• Slipped stitches purlwise (sl pwise)
• Knit front and back increases (kfb)
• Knit two together through the back loop decreases (k2tog tbl)
• Knit two together decreases (k2tog)

The pattern repeats a simple two-row sequence of knit and purl combinations, making it suitable for knitters with easy skill levels.

Materials and Tools

The Shibui Knits M. scarf is designed to be knitted with Shibui Maai yarn, a luxurious blend composed of 70% superbaby alpaca and 30% fine merino wool. Each skein contains 175 yards and weighs 50 grams. The pattern requires 3 skeins for the smaller size and 4 skeins for the larger size, providing approximately 525 yards and 700 yards of yarn respectively.

Essential tools include Size 8 (5 mm) needles for the main fabric and a tapestry needle for finishing. The gauge is approximately 22 stitches and 40 rows over 4 inches in garter stitch before blocking, and 24 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches after blocking. Due to the chainette structure of Maai yarn, the scarf relaxes significantly after washing, making it essential to wash and block swatches to accurately measure gauge before beginning the project.