Shibui Knits Mix No. 18 Wrap Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Mix No. 18 Shawl: Design Summary

What Is Being Made

Shibui Knits Mix No. 18 is a supple triangular scarf and shawl designed by Daniela Nii. This versatile wrap features an array of angular geometric shapes in contrasting colors and can be worn casually as a kerchief-style wrap or draped elegantly over the shoulders. The finished dimensions measure 48.5 inches in wingspan and 26.5 inches in depth, making it a substantial accessory that adds a bold pop of color to any outfit.

Knitting Techniques

This pattern employs several advanced knitting techniques suitable for experienced crafters:

• Bottom-up construction: The shawl is worked from the tip to the top edge, building from a small cast-on at the point upward
• Seamless, worked flat: The entire piece is created on a single circular needle without seaming, maintaining clean lines throughout
• Intarsia colorwork: Color changes are executed using the intarsia technique, which requires holding separate balls of yarn for each color section. At each color change, the new and old yarns are locked together by bringing the new color up from underneath the old yarn, trapping it to prevent holes and maintain fabric integrity
• Surface embroidery: Thin linear elements are chain stitched directly onto the finished knitted fabric after completion, adding decorative detail and visual interest to the geometric design

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The foundation of Mix No. 18 is garter stitch, which creates a reversible, textured fabric with prominent horizontal ridges. Garter stitch is worked by knitting every row, producing a durable and supple fabric ideal for wraps and shawls. The pattern incorporates increases (kfb, or knit front and back) to shape the triangular silhouette. Chart-based shaping guides the placement of color blocks and geometric forms. On right-side rows, knitters follow the provided chart; on wrong-side rows, all stitches are knitted while maintaining the colors of the previous row. Embroidered chain stitch lines are added after knitting is complete, with markers placed according to the chart to indicate starting and ending points for these embellishments.

Materials and Gauge

Shibui Knits Mix No. 18 is constructed using Shibui Cima yarn, a blend of 70% superbaby alpaca and 30% fine merino. This luxurious fiber combination creates a soft, supple fabric with excellent drape. The pattern requires 4 skeins of Color A and 2 skeins of Color B, with a total yardage of 328 yards per 50-gram skein. The sample shown features Ivory as Color A and Lime as Color B.

Two strands of yarn are held together throughout the entire project, creating a thicker, more substantial fabric. The recommended gauge is 24 stitches and 44 rows (22 ridges) over 4 inches in garter stitch with 2 strands held together, measured after blocking. Knitters use a Size 4 (3.5 mm) circular needle measuring 29 inches or longer to accommodate the expanding width of the shawl. A tapestry needle is required for weaving in ends and executing the chain stitch embroidery.

Pattern Details

The pattern begins with a three-stitch cast-on and includes a set-up row worked on the wrong side. The shawl expands through strategic increases worked on right-side rows, with the shaping guided by a comprehensive chart. The pattern is provided twice: once formatted to print on standard 8.5 by 11-inch paper and again on an 11 by 17-inch sheet for those preferring a larger reference. This dual-format approach accommodates different printing preferences and work styles. The skill level is rated as Experienced, reflecting the complexity of managing multiple yarn strands, executing intarsia colorwork, and completing surface embroidery details.