Aokiji

Aokiji Knitted Shawl by MarGueNée

What Is Being Made

Aokiji is an intermediate-level knitted shawl design created by Marianne Munier under the MarGueNée Designs label. This downloadable PDF pattern produces a finished triangular or crescent shawl available in two size options: approximately 82 inches and 59 inches in length. The shawl is designed to be worked from a small cast-on edge and increased progressively throughout the pattern sections, creating an elegant draped garment suitable for layering or as a statement accessory.

Techniques Used

The Aokiji pattern employs several fundamental and decorative knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate knitters. The construction relies heavily on yarn overs to create lace elements and strategic increases throughout the piece. Knit-front-and-back (kfb) increases are used to shape the shawl's expansion, while knit two together (k2tog) decreases provide shaping and textural balance. The pattern incorporates slip stitches for edge definition and texture variation, and features elongated stitches created by wrapping yarn multiple times around the needle to produce a deliberately loose, flowing appearance in select rows. A decorative picot edge is worked into the pattern, created by casting on and binding off small stitch groups to form a delicate scalloped or beaded border detail.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) – the fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl (p) – used selectively for textural contrast
• Yarn over (yo) – creates openwork lace elements and decorative increases
• Knit front and back (kfb) – increases one stitch by working into both the front and back loops
• Knit two together (k2tog) – decreases one stitch by working two stitches as one
• Slip stitch (sl) – stitches slipped with yarn held in front for edge and texture work
• Elongated stitch (el st) – created by wrapping yarn two times around the needle before knitting, producing a deliberately loose stitch
• Picot edge – a decorative border technique alternating cast-on and bind-off sequences
• Stocking stitch – the primary fabric base, worked in knit and purl rows in alternation

Materials and Specifications

The Aokiji pattern calls for 4-ply weight yarn, classified as fingering weight for delicate, refined drape. The pattern is worked with 4 mm (US 6) needles. The yardage requirement is approximately 880 yards total, requiring 2 skeins of yarn. The pattern was originally designed and tested using Laines « Malouines et Soie » yarn in the colorway « L'effet Kiss Cool », though any compatible fingering-weight yarn may be substituted. The blocked gauge is 18 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches in stocking stitch, which is essential to verify before beginning to ensure proper finished dimensions. Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern sections and construction progress.

Pattern Structure

The Aokiji design is organized into clearly defined sections that build upon one another. The pattern begins with a small cast-on of 5 stitches and progresses through multiple rows of increases, lace elements, and textural variations. Each section introduces new stitch combinations and techniques, with the M7 motif (a seven-stitch increase worked into a single stitch) serving as a signature decorative element. The structured approach makes the pattern manageable for intermediate knitters while producing sophisticated visual interest through the interplay of yarn overs, elongated stitches, and strategic decreases.