Aphasia

Aphasia Scarf and Shawl by Patti Waters

Project Overview

Aphasia is a downloadable knitting pattern for a beaded scarf or shawl designed by Patti Waters. This intermediate-level project offers two finished size options: a scarf measuring 11" by 49" or a larger shawl measuring 22" by 49" after blocking. The design incorporates decorative seed beads integrated directly into the knitted fabric, creating an elegant beaded texture throughout the piece.

What Is Being Made

The Aphasia pattern produces a rectangular knitted accessory available in two versatile sizes. The scarf version is ideal for everyday wear, while the shawl option provides a larger, more dramatic drape. Both versions feature the same beaded stitch pattern, with the shawl requiring double the yarn and beads due to its increased dimensions. The finished piece showcases beadwork distributed across the knitted surface, adding visual interest and subtle shimmer to the garment.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This pattern employs charted knitting instructions, which guide the placement of both stitches and beads throughout the project. The design uses a repeating pattern that can be worked multiple times to achieve the desired finished length. Stitch markers are optional but recommended for tracking pattern repeats and maintaining stitch accuracy across rows.

The pattern notes specify that wrong-side rows are not depicted on the charts, meaning knitters will need to work these rows as established by the pattern instructions or as reverse stockinette, depending on the design structure. This is a common approach in charted patterns to reduce chart complexity.

Bead Placement Methods

The pattern offers flexibility in how beads are incorporated into the knitting. Knitters may choose between two techniques:

• Pre-stringing method: String all required beads onto the yarn before casting on, then slide beads into position as indicated by the chart during knitting
• Individual placement method: Place each bead using a 0.75 mm crochet hook onto individual stitches before knitting them, which is the technique demonstrated in the sample shown in the pattern photography

The number of beads required depends on pattern repeats. The sample shown has worked the full pattern 4 times. For each additional repeat added, knitters will need 27 beads for the scarf version or 54 beads for the shawl version.

Materials Required

Yarn: Hand Maiden Sea Sock yarn in the specified colorway. The scarf requires 1 skein while the shawl requires 2 skeins. Each skein contains 400 meters and weighs 100 grams. This yarn is a luxury blend composed of 15% silk, 29% superwash merino wool, and 20% seacell, creating a soft, durable, and lustrous fiber suitable for beaded projects.

Needles and Notions: US 4 / 3.5 mm knitting needles for the main knitting. Stitch markers are optional but helpful for tracking pattern repeats. A 0.75 mm crochet hook is required for the individual bead placement method. The pattern calls for 108 seed beads in size 6/0 for the scarf or 216 beads for the shawl, though the exact quantity will vary based on the number of pattern repeats worked.

Skill Level

Aphasia is rated as an intermediate knitting pattern. This difficulty level assumes knitters are comfortable reading charted instructions, managing multiple pattern repeats, and incorporating beads into their knitting using either the pre-stringing or hook-placement technique. Prior experience with beaded knitting or chart reading is beneficial for completing this project successfully.

Pattern Details

The pattern includes detailed charts showing the placement of both knitting stitches and beads throughout the design. Photography by Alexander Jardine documents the finished sample, providing visual reference for the completed project. This pattern was designed and is copyrighted by Patti Waters, an independent knitwear designer.