Shibui Knits Wanderwell Accessory Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Wanderwell Collar Neckpiece

What is Being Made

Wanderwell is a sophisticated collar neckpiece designed to elevate any outfit with elegant simplicity. This one-size accessory features a 24.5" neck circumference with decorative collar points extending 5.25" at their longest points. The piece combines practicality with refined aesthetics, making it an ideal summer accessory that transitions seamlessly from casual to dressed-up occasions.

Construction Techniques

Wanderwell is constructed using a bottom-up, seamless, worked-flat approach that creates a polished, professional finish. The pattern employs short-row shaping to create the distinctive collar points, with each point knit individually from the bottom before being joined together. The construction method involves:

• Knitting each left and right collar point separately using short-row shaping techniques
• Joining the shaped collar sections in the round for the neckband
• Finishing with a fold-over hem for a refined edge

Stitches and Stitch Details

The pattern uses fundamental knitting stitches suitable for an Easy+ skill level. The primary stitch structure is Stockinette Stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric. Additional stitch techniques include:

• German Twisted Cast-On method for securing stitches at the beginning
• Slipped Stitch Edging for a polished selvage finish
• Short-row techniques with wrapped stitches for shaping the collar points

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Wanderwell is designed to showcase two complementary Shibui Knits yarns worked together as a two-strand blend:

• Shibui Knits Lunar: 60% Extra Fine Merino, 40% Mulberry Silk; 401 yards per 50g; 1 skein required (using two strands)
• Shibui Knits Vine: 41% Paper, 31% Cotton, 28% Silk; 160 yards per 30g; 1 skein required (using one strand)

This yarn combination creates a sophisticated blend of natural fibers with a luxurious feel. The Extra Fine Merino provides softness and elasticity, while the Mulberry Silk adds sheen and drape. The Vine yarn introduces texture and visual interest through its paper and plant-based fiber content.

Tools and Needles

The pattern requires circular needles in two sizes to achieve proper gauge and construction:

• Size 6 (4 mm) 24" circular needle
• Size 7 (4.5 mm) 24" circular needle
• Stitch holders for managing stitches during construction
• Stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and finishing

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch when worked with one strand of Lunar and one strand of Vine held together on size 7 needles, after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished dimensions of 24.5" neck circumference and 5.25" length at the longest collar points.

Skill Level and Project Suitability

Wanderwell is rated as an Easy+ project, making it an excellent introduction to Shibui Knits' newest yarn offerings. The pattern is accessible to knitters with foundational skills while introducing techniques such as short-row shaping and working with multiple yarn strands held together. This makes it an ideal summer project for expanding knitting technique knowledge without overwhelming complexity.