This pattern includes a chart, and is best suited for experienced knitters or adventurous beginners.

The Mother of Pearl scarf is so named for two reasons: first, the bamboo content of Panda Silk DK creates a shimmery fabric, reminiscent of nacre, or mother of pearl. Second, the stitch patterns used in the scarf resemble mollusk shells: clams and scallops in the center panel, oysters and mussels along the edges.

This scarf explores motifs with fluctuating stitch counts. The hand and flow of the fabric is transformed when increases and decreases aren’t paired, resulting in a wonderful three-dimensional landscape. Thoughtful placement of knit and purl stitches further raises the “shells” from the background, creating a sense of embossment. In addition, the number of knits and purls is balanced: the scarf does not curl after light blocking, and the wrong side looks neat and orderly.

Panda Silk DK makes the perfect spring scarf: light and soft, but with enough wool content for the unavoidable April snowstorm.