Last year, I watched a delightful anime series with my family, in which a small group of teenagers go camping, both alone and together. The series is gentle and slow, with a focus on friendship, food, and care for the natural world. It was a giant hug for my soul, and it reminded me of the beauty that can be found in the smallest, most simple things. As it is set during the colder months, all the characters are wearing large scarves to rug up against the cold, and I immediately wanted to create my own scarf: something big, warm, and comforting. A hug for the neck, if you will, exactly how I felt when watching this show. It is a piece that represents an appreciation for simple joys: the natural world, good company, delicious food, and a slow pace that allows time for noticing the little things.

Photos show Sample knit in: White Gum Wool 10ply/Aran (70% Merino, 30% Tussah silk, 100g/3.5oz, 190g/270 yds) in “Fairy Wren”.

LAIDBACK is knitted flat, from start to finish, in one piece. The scarf has a 3x3 rib section at the beginning and end, and the main body is worked in Garter stitch. Slipped and dipped stitches are worked on one side only, but in such a way that the reverse side of the scarf still looks simple and clean. I-Cord edges keep everything neat and round.

SIZING
One size. The finished fabric is full and lofty. If substituting yarn, I recommend choosing something with a high wool content and sharp stitch definition.

Approx. finished size, after blocking: 28cm/11” wide and 200cm/78” long.

YARN
White Gum Wool Silk Merino 10ply/Aran (70% Merino, 30% Tussah silk, 100g/3.5oz, 190g/270 yds)
White Gum Wool 10 ply/Aran (100% Superfine Merino 100g/3.5oz, 190m/207 yds)
Augustbird Kookaburra (100% Australian Merino 10ply, 100g/3.5oz, 190g/270 yds)
722 metres (790 yards) or 4 balls required, plus extra for swatching

GAUGE
18sts x 32 rows over 10cm in Garter st, after blocking, on 4.5mm (US 7) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge.

This pattern has been tech edited and test knitted.

Thank you to Nan, of White Gum Wool, and Rebecca of Augustbird, for yarn support; Molly, of The Purl Edit, for her tech editing skills; and my wonderful test knitters, for sharing their time and feedback.