Mara

Mara Shawlette by Audrey Borrego

What is Being Made

Mara is a versatile small scarf or shawlette designed by Audrey Borrego, offering knitters a customizable accessory that can be adjusted to any desired size based on available yarn. The design showcases two finished examples: a green scarf measuring 125 cm (49 ¼ inches) in length and 23 cm (9 inches) in depth, and a red shawl measuring 160 cm (63 inches) in length and 46 cm (18 inches) in depth. The pattern's flexibility allows crafters to work with any yardage amount, making it an adaptable project for stash-busting or using specific yarn quantities on hand.

Knitting Techniques Used

Mara employs several fundamental knitting techniques that create visual interest and texture throughout the piece. The pattern features a combination of knit and purl stitches that form a textured pattern base, paired with lace elements that add delicate openwork sections. The shawlette is worked sideways, a construction method that allows for the customizable length feature—knitters can simply continue working rows until they reach their desired dimensions or exhaust their yarn supply. I-cord borders frame the edges, providing a finished, polished appearance and structural definition to the piece.

Stitches and Pattern Details

• Knit and purl texture stitches forming the primary pattern structure
• Lace stitches creating openwork sections for visual interest and drape
• I-cord borders worked along the edges for a professional finish
• Sideways construction enabling adjustable sizing

Yarn and Materials

Mara is designed to work with fingering weight yarn, though the pattern provides flexibility in yardage requirements. The green scarf sample utilized approximately 240–265 meters (260–290 yards) of Yarneline Merinos Superwash in the colorway Mme Sauvage, while the red shawl sample used approximately 400 meters (437 yards) of Purl Soho Linen Quill in Kiln Red. Knitters should use 3.5 mm (US 4) needles or the size required to achieve the specified gauge. The recommended gauge is 24 stitches by 32 rows per 10 cm (4 inches) in the texture pattern after blocking, ensuring proper drape and finished dimensions.

Skill Level and Pattern Format

Mara is rated as an intermediate difficulty project, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable working with texture patterns and lace elements. The pattern is provided as a free downloadable PDF, designed for personal use only. Crafters are encouraged to share their finished projects using the hashtag #marashawlette on social media, building a community around this customizable design.