Shibui Knits Traverse Scarf Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Traverse Striped Scarf

What is Being Made

The Traverse is a lightweight summer scarf designed by Antonia Shankland for Shibui Knits. This elegant accessory measures 16.5 inches wide by 91.25 inches long, making it a versatile layering piece perfect for warmer seasons. The scarf features bold horizontal stripes created through strategic color changes, offering simple elegance with unexpected color combinations that add visual interest to any outfit.

Knitting Techniques Used

Traverse is constructed using several key knitting techniques that make it an accessible project for knitters of various skill levels. The scarf is worked flat on straight needles from bottom to top in a bottom-up construction method, meaning you begin by casting on stitches and work toward the bind-off edge. The design is entirely seamless, requiring no seaming or assembly after knitting is complete. The striped pattern is achieved through strategic yarn breaks and joins, where you discontinue one color and introduce the next color in a predetermined sequence. This technique creates clean, bold horizontal lines without the need for complex colorwork or intarsia methods.

Stitches Used

The Traverse pattern relies primarily on Stockinette Stitch (St st) throughout the entire scarf, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking a straightforward, meditative knitting experience. Stockinette Stitch is created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the classic smooth, flat fabric characteristic of this scarf. The pattern begins with setup rows that include garter stitch elements (knit rows on both sides) to establish a stable edge before transitioning to the main Stockinette Stitch body. The final rows incorporate purl stitches to create a decorative transition before binding off loosely.

Stripe Sequence and Pattern Structure

The scarf features two alternating stripe sequences, each spanning 64 rows, that create the distinctive color blocking effect. Stripe Sequence A consists of 4 rows in one color, followed by 14 rows in a second color, then 28 rows in a third color, and finally 18 rows in a fourth color. Stripe Sequence B follows the same row counts but rotates through the colors in a different order. The complete pattern involves working 24 initial rows, then repeating Stripe Sequence A three times followed by Stripe Sequence B once, then Stripe Sequence A twice, and Stripe Sequence B once more, with additional color blocks at the conclusion. Two colorway versions are shown: Version 1 in White, Ash, Suit, and Paloma, and Version 2 in White, Bone, Paloma, and Suit.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Traverse is knit using Shibui Koan, a premium yarn blend consisting of 70% linen and 30% mulberry silk. This fiber composition creates a smooth, supple fabric ideal for summer layering, with linen providing breathability and structure while mulberry silk adds lustrous softness and drape. The yarn is worked with a single strand throughout the project. The pattern requires a total of 6 skeins of Shibui Koan (248 yards per 50-gram skein): 2 skeins in color A, 2 skeins in color B, 1 skein in color C, and 1 skein in color D, allowing for flexibility in color selection across the four-color striping scheme.

Tools and Gauge

The Traverse scarf is knit on size 7 (4.5mm) needles, or whatever needle size is necessary to achieve the correct gauge. The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch after blocking, which is essential for achieving the finished dimensions. A tapestry needle is required for weaving in yarn ends during the finishing process. The scarf is cast on with 90 stitches and worked to the specified length before binding off loosely to maintain a soft, flexible edge.

Skill Level and Finishing

Classified as an Easy skill level project, Traverse is suitable for knitters with basic proficiency in fundamental techniques. The straightforward Stockinette Stitch construction, combined with simple color changes, makes this an excellent choice for those seeking to practice consistency and tension while creating a beautiful, wearable garment. Finishing involves weaving in all yarn ends where colors were joined and blocking the scarf to the specified measurements to even out the fabric and set the stitches, ensuring a polished final product.