Lima

Lima Knit Scarf by Melissa LaBarre

What is Being Made

Lima is a rectangular knit scarf measuring 70 inches in length and approximately 8 inches in width. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a lightweight yet textured accessory worked from side to side at a large gauge, allowing for quick completion despite the scarf's finished dimensions.

Craft and Primary Technique

Lima is designed as a knitting project suitable for intermediate-level knitters. The scarf is worked using the Long Tail Cast-on method and features a repeating lace pattern that creates visual interest through strategic yarn overs and decreases. Working the scarf from side to side—rather than lengthwise—means the 210 cast-on stitches create the width, while rows build the length. This construction method, combined with chunky yarn and larger needles, significantly reduces overall knitting time.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The Lima scarf showcases a Wave Pattern that repeats over a multiple of 30 stitches. The pattern is a 6-row repeat worked over right-side and wrong-side rows:

• Row 1 (RS): Purl across
• Row 2 (WS): Knit across
• Rows 3 and 5: *K1, [k2tog] 4 times, k2, [yo, k1] 3 times, yo, k2, [yo, k1] 3 times, yo, k2, [ssk] 4 times, k1; repeat from * to end
• Rows 4 and 6: Purl across

The pattern incorporates k2tog (knit two together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit) decreases paired with yo (yarn over) increases to create the characteristic wave texture. A chart is provided for visual reference. The scarf is worked until 7 full Wave Pattern repeats are completed.

Materials and Gauge

Lima requires 3 skeins of The Plucky Knitter Bulky yarn in the Sagebrush colorway. This yarn is composed of 100% merino fiber, with each skein providing approximately 135 yards per 100 grams. Knitters will need one pair of US 10½ (6.5 mm) needles, or the size necessary to achieve the correct gauge.

The specified gauge for the Wave Pattern is 12 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished scarf meets the intended finished measurements and drapes properly.

Design Notes

The Lima scarf demonstrates how a straightforward lace pattern can produce striking visual results when executed in hand-dyed bulky yarn. The combination of chunky yarn weight, large gauge, and side-to-side construction makes this an efficient project that knits up quickly while delivering an elegant finished accessory.