C oral R eef S carf by Lisa Hannes / maliha designs

This scarf features a variation of the same eye-catching, travelling rib motif
that I developed for my previous designs, the Coral Reef Wrap and Coral
Reef Socks that can be found here:
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/coral-reef-wrap-2
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/coral-reef-socks-3

© Lisa Hannes, 2023 - For any questions or comments regarding this pattern, please contact me at: maliha on Ravelry or [email protected] - This pattern is for personal, non-commercial use only.
 Shape & Measurements Notes How to Make the S h aw l
Coral Reef Scarf is a shallow sideways-knit shawlette or This scarf features a combination of ribbing and travelling The pattern contains fully written as well as charted
scarf. You start knitting with just a few stitches at one tip, lines that look wonderful on both sides. So, there is no real instructions, so you can choose which you prefer to
then work your way across to the opposite tip, creating “wrong side” and it can be worn with either side showing, work from. The row numbering is the same on both
an elongated, rounded triangular shape by increasing/ which makes it really easy to wear (see photos on pg. 11). versions, so you can also work from one and use the
decreasing along one of the edges. other as reference if you like. Please follow the main
The schematic shows the finished shape and the The pattern is written for a DK weight yarn, but the pattern directions on pgs. 3-4.
measurements of the sample: is easily adjustable if you wish to use a different yarn,
weight and/or make a smaller/larger shawl according to the The shawl starts with one tip and is worked with
length approx. 193 cm / 76“ yardage you have available. increases along one edge until the final desired width is
achieved. The middle section is then continued in this
The edges are worked with a built-in i-cord edging. Please width and once half of the desired length is reached

bind-off
cast-on

be careful to work your edge stitches fairly loosely so they (or half of the yarn is used up), the second half with a
width approx. 27 cm / 10.5“
can stretch properly for blocking. decreasing section is worked mirroring the first half
and ending in the opposite tip.

direction of knitting
A b b r e v i at i o n s I highly recommend you wash and gently block your
finished shawl to the shape shown in the schematic
k = knit m1Rp = “make 1 right
as this will even out the stitches and give the knitted
k2tog = knit 2 sts together purlwise”, right leaning
fabric a nice drape.
(1 st decreased) increase purlwise: Lift
M at e r i a l s & G a u g e k3tog = knit 3 sts together strand between the needles
Enjoy your new scarf!
Yarn: Designed for DK weight yarn. The pattern is easily (2 sts decreased) from back to front and purl
adjustable for other yarn weights and/or yardages. m = marker into the front loop. (1 st
Yarn used for sample: m1L = “make 1 left”, left increased)
Cardiff Cashmere Classic (DK weight, 100% Natural leaning increase: Lift strand p = purl
Cashmere, 25 g = 112 m / 120 yds), 3.7 balls used (92.5 g = between the needles from rep = repeat
406 m / 444 yds) in colour 511 brown. front to back and knit RS = right side of work
into the back loop. (1 st sl = slip purlwise
Gauge: Is not critical for this project, but differences will increased) sl1wyif = slip 1 st with yarn
affect yardage requirements and the finished size. Be sure m1Lp = “make 1 left in front of work
to use a larger needle size than may be recommended for purlwise”, left leaning sl3wyif = slip 3 sts with yarn
your yarn to allow a good drape of the finished item. increase purlwise: Lift in front of work
Gauge on sample: 24 sts x 24 rows = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4“ in strand between the needles sm = slip marker
2/2 ribbing after light blocking. from front to back and purl ssk = slip slip knit: Slip
into the back loop. (1 st next 2 sts knitwise, one at
Needles: 4.5 mm / US 7 or size to obtain gauge increased) a time, then knit these 2 sts
m1R = “make 1 right”, together through the back
Other: Tapestry needle to weave in ends, stitch markers right leaning increase: Lift loops. (1 st decreased)
(removable ones recommended), scales to weigh your strand between the needles st(s) = stitch(es)
yarn will be helpful, blocking tools. from back to front and knit WS = wrong side of work
into the front loop. (1 st wyif = with yarn in front of
increased) work

Coral Reef Scarf - © Lisa Hannes, 2023 - pg. 2

Directions
Please make sure you weigh your yarn before you start! INCREASE SECTION • INCREASE SIDE BRANCH (Rows 1-16),
If you have plenty of yardage and would just like to work + 8 sts = 64 sts total.
your shawl the same as the original sample, you don’t Cast on 16 sts using the long-tail or your preferred cast-
have to do this, but this pattern is easily customizable to on method and work in the following order. • OPENING CENTRE BRANCH (Rows 1-16, with 3 markers
the yardage you have available or your desired size. So, to creating 3 branch motifs slanting to the right).
be able to take advantage of this flexibility, I recommend Note on how to modify: You can stop after any INCREASE
weighing your yarn to start with and after each section to SIDE BRANCH part once you’ve reached your desired • INCREASE SIDE BRANCH (Rows 1-16),
calculate how many more sections you’ll be able to knit. width or have used almost half of your yarn, making it + 8 sts = 72 sts total.
smaller or larger as the sample if you prefer according to
I highly suggest placing a main marker to identify the RS the yardage you have available. You have now reached the original sample width.
which can easily be confused with the WS in ribbing. Place
a removable marker on the fabric once you’ve worked • 24 rows of STRAIGHT RIBBING (Rows R1+R2, 12 times). ⇛If you wish to add even more width, repeat alternating
the first two rows and then move it up before each new OPENING CENTRE BRANCHES (adding 1 more motif every
section as you go. This marker will also help you to easily • INCREASE TIP (Rows 1-16), other time as established once you have enough sts) and
count the number of rows for the straight ribbing sections. + 8 sts = 24 sts total. INCREASE SIDE BRANCHES until you have reached your
desired width.
Please use the written instructions on pgs. 5-7 or the • 16 rows of STRAIGHT RIBBING (Rows R1+R2, 8 times). Make sure you save at least a bit over half of your yarn!
charts on pgs. 8-11 and refer to the directions below. Then work the Straight Middle Section.
• INCREASE SIDE BRANCH (Rows 1-16),
+ 8 sts = 32 sts total. ⇛If you like this as your final width, weigh your yarn so you
know how much you’ve used for your complete Increase
• OPENING CENTRE BRANCH (Rows 1-16, with 1 marker Section. Then work the Straight Middle Section.
creating 1 branch motif slanting to the right).
STRAIGHT MIDDLE SECTION
• INCREASE SIDE BRANCH (Rows 1-16),
+ 8 sts = 40 sts total. For the sample shown, I worked:

• OPENING CENTRE BRANCH (Rows 1-16, with 1 marker • 8 rows of STRAIGHT RIBBING (Rows R1+R2, 4 times)
creating 1 branch motif slanting to the right). before starting the decrease section.

• INCREASE SIDE BRANCH (Rows 1-16), But this part is really flexible and you can work as many
+ 8 sts = 48 sts total. rows of Straight Ribbing as you like or your remaining
yarn allows until you have reached your desired length
• OPENING CENTRE BRANCH (Rows 1-16, with 2 markers before starting the decrease part. Make sure you save the
creating 2 branch motifs slanting to the right). same amount of yarn as you used for the increase part!

• INCREASE SIDE BRANCH (Rows 1-16), Then continue with the directions for the Decrease
+ 8 sts = 56 sts total. Section on the next page.

• OPENING CENTRE BRANCH (Rows 1-16, with 2 markers

creating 2 branch motifs slanting to the right).

Coral Reef Scarf - © Lisa Hannes, 2023 - pg. 3

Directions
DECREASE SECTION

You’re now creating a mirror image to the first increase • DECREASE SIDE BRANCH (Rows 1-16),
section, which means you’re working the same number of - 8 sts = 32 sts total.
rows but in reversed order.
• CLOSING CENTRE BRANCH (Rows 1-16, with 1 marker
Depending on the final width you chose, continue as creating 1 branch motif slanting to the left).
indicated below and work all sections to the end in the
order as listed: • DECREASE SIDE BRANCH (Rows 1-16),
If you stopped at 56 sts total for your final width, start - 8 sts = 24 sts total.
here.
If you stopped at 64 sts total for your final width, start • 16 rows of STRAIGHT RIBBING (Rows R1+R2, 8 times).
here.
If you stopped at 72 sts total for your final width, start • DECREASE TIP (Rows 1-16),
here (sample size).* - 8 sts = 16 sts total.

• DECREASE SIDE BRANCH (Rows 1-16), • 24 rows of STRAIGHT RIBBING (Rows R1+R2, 12 times).
- 8 sts = 64 sts total.

• CLOSING CENTRE BRANCH (Rows 1-16, with 3 markers Bind off all stitches loosely in classic lifted bind-off as
creating 3 branch motifs slanting to the left). follows: k3tog, (work next st as it appears, lift first st over
second) rep to last 3 sts, k3tog, lift first st over second.
• DECREASE SIDE BRANCH (Rows 1-16),
- 8 sts = 56 sts total. Cut your yarn. Pull yarn end through last st to secure.
Weave in all your yarn ends and wash & block your
• CLOSING CENTRE BRANCH (Rows 1-16, with 2 markers finished item.
creating 2 branch motifs slanting to the left).
Enjoy your new scarf!
• DECREASE SIDE BRANCH (Rows 1-16),
- 8 sts = 48 sts total.

• CLOSING CENTRE BRANCH (Rows 1-16, with 2 markers

creating 2 branch motifs slanting to the left).

• DECREASE SIDE BRANCH (Rows 1-16),

- 8 sts = 40 sts total. _______________________________________________
* If you added more width than shown on the sample, work
• CLOSING CENTRE BRANCH (Rows 1-16, with 1 marker alternating sections of DECREASE SIDE BRANCHES and
creating 1 branch motif slanting to the left). CLOSING CENTRE BRANCHES now to mirror your first half until
you’ve reached 72 sts again and then follow the list as written.

Coral Reef Scarf - © Lisa Hannes, 2023 - pg. 4

Written Instructions
STRAIGHT RIBBING INCREASE TIP INCREASE SIDE BRANCH

Row R1 (RS): K7, (p2, k2) rep to last 5 sts, k2, sl3wyif. Row 1 (RS): K7, p2, k2, m1L, k2, sl3wyif. (17 sts) Place a marker after the first 11 sts to indicate the place of
the increases.
Row R2 (WS): K5, (p2, k2) rep to last 3 sts, sl3wyif. Row 2 (WS) and all following WS rows: K5, work all sts in
pattern / as they appear to last 5 sts, k2, sl3wyif. Row 1 (RS): K7, p2, k2, sm, m1L, (p2, k2) rep to last 5 sts,
k2, sl3wyif. (+ 1 st)
Row 3: K7, p2, k2, m1L, k3, sl3wyif. (18 sts)
Row 2 (WS) and all following WS rows: K5, work all sts in
Row 5: K7, p2, k2, m1Lp, k4, sl3wyif. (19 sts) pattern / as they appear slipping the marker as you come
to it to last 5 sts, k2, sl3wyif.
Row 7: K7, p2, k2, m1Lp, p1, k4, sl3wyif. (20 sts)
Row 3: K7, p2, k2, sm, m1L, k1, (p2, k2) rep to last 5 sts, k2,
Row 9: K7, p2, k2, m1L, p2, k4, sl3wyif. (21 sts) sl3wyif. (+ 1 st)

Row 11: K7, p2, k2, m1L, k1, p2, k4, sl3wyif. (22 sts) Row 5: K7, p2, k2, sm, m1Lp, k2, (p2, k2) rep to last 5 sts,
k2, sl3wyif. (+ 1 st)
Row 13: K7, p2, k2, m1Lp, k2, p2, k4, sl3wyif. (23 sts)
Row 7: K7, p2, k2, sm, m1Lp, p1, k2, (p2, k2) rep to last 5
Row 15: K7, p2, k2, m1Lp, p1, k2, p2, k4, sl3wyif. (24 sts) sts, k2, sl3wyif. (+ 1 st)

Row 16 (WS): K5, (p2, k2) × 4, sl3wyif. Row 9: K7, p2, k2, sm, m1L, (p2, k2) rep to last 5 sts, k2,
sl3wyif. (+ 1 st)
8 sts increased = 24 sts total.
Row 11: K7, p2, k2, sm, m1L, k1, (p2, k2) rep to last 5 sts,
k2, sl3wyif. (+ 1 st)
Note for the markers used in the next sections:
Row 13: K7, p2, k2, sm, m1Lp, k2, (p2, k2) rep to last 5 sts,
Please take your markers out after each section and place k2, sl3wyif. (+ 1 st)
new ones for each new section.
Row 15: K7, p2, k2, sm, m1Lp, p1, k2, (p2, k2) rep to last 5
sts, k2, sl3wyif. (+ 1 st)

Row 16 (WS): K5, (p2, k2) rep to last 3 sts, sl3wyif.

= 8 sts increased per section.

In this photo, I’m wearing the scarf together with the matching
Coral Reef Hat. The pattern for this design can be found here:
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/coral-reef-hat-2

Coral Reef Scarf - © Lisa Hannes, 2023 - pg. 5

Written Instructions
OPENING CENTRE BRANCH Row 9: K7, (work all sts in pattern until 7 sts before m, Row 1 (RS): K7, (work all sts in pattern to m, m1R, sm, k2,
k2tog, k1, p2, k2, sm, m1L) rep to last 9 sts, p2, k4, sl3wyif. p2, k1, ssk) rep to last 12 sts, p1, k2, p2, k4, sl3wyif.
Place your marker(s) as follows to indicate the place of the
increases, which are always worked after the marker: Row 11: K7, (work all sts in pattern until 7 sts before m, Row 2 (WS) and all following WS rows: K5, work all sts
First marker 5 sts before the end of the sts on your needles. k2tog, k1, p2, k2, sm, m1L) rep to last 10 sts, k1, p2, k4, in pattern / as they appear slipping the marker(s) as you
Once you’ve reached a stitch count where you work sl3wyif. come to them to last 5 sts, k2, sl3wyif.
multiple Branch repeats (see list below), place the next
marker always 16 sts further to the right from the previous Row 13: K7, (work all sts in pattern until 7 sts before m, Row 3: K7, (work all sts in pattern to m, m1R, sm, k2, p2, k1,
one. k2tog, k1, p2, k2, sm, m1Lp) rep to last 11 sts, k2, p2, k4, ssk) rep to last 11 sts, k2, p2, k4, sl3wyif.
The markers will automatically shift 1 st per RS row to the sl3wyif.
right as you work your way up. Row 5: K7, (work all sts in pattern to m, m1Rp, sm, k2, p2,
The decreases are always worked 7 sts before the marker. Row 15: K7, (work all sts in pattern until 7 sts before m, k1, ssk) rep to last 10 sts, k1, p2, k4, sl3wyif.
k2tog, k1, p2, k2, sm, m1Lp) rep to last 12 sts, p1, k2, p2,
At a total stitch count of: k4, sl3wyif. Row 7: K7, (work all sts in pattern to m, m1Rp, sm, k2, p2,
32 sts, place 1 marker = work Branch repeat 1x. k1, ssk) rep to last 9 sts, p2, k4, sl3wyif.
40 sts, place 1 marker = work Branch repeat 1x. Row 16 (WS): K5, (p2, k2) rep to last 3 sts, sl3wyif.
48 sts, place 2 markers = work Branch repeat 2x. Row 9: K7, (work all sts in pattern to m, m1R, sm, k2, p2, k1,
56 sts, place 2 markers = work Branch repeat 2x. C LO S I N G C E N T R E B R A N C H ssk) rep to last 8 sts, p1, k4, sl3wyif.
64 sts, place 3 markers = work Branch repeat 3x.
Sample size stops here. If you’re doing a larger version, Place your marker(s) as follows to indicate the place of the Row 11: K7, (work all sts in pattern to m, m1R, sm, k2, p2,
continue as follows: increases, which are always worked before the marker: k1, ssk) rep to last 7 sts, k4, sl3wyif.
72 sts, place 3 markers = work Branch repeat 3x. First marker 19 sts before the end of the sts on your
80 sts, place 4 markers = work Branch repeat 4x. needles, the next marker always 16 sts further to the right Row 13: K7, (work all sts in pattern to m, m1Rp, sm, k2, p2,
88 sts, place 4 markers = work Branch repeat 4x. from the previous one. Once you’ve reached a stitch count k1, ssk) rep to last 6 sts, k3, sl3wyif.
Continue in this manner for an even larger version. where you work only one Branch repeat (see list below),
place only the first marker. Row 15: K7, (work all sts in pattern to m, m1Rp, sm, k2, p2,
Row 1 (RS): K7, (work all sts in pattern until 7 sts before The markers will now automatically shift to the left. k1, ssk) rep to last 5 sts, k2, sl3wyif.
m, k2tog, k1, p2, k2, sm, m1L) rep to last 5 sts, k2, sl3wyif. The decreases are always worked 5 sts after the marker.
Row 16 (WS): K5, (p2, k2) rep to last 3 sts, sl3wyif.
Row 2 (WS) and all following WS rows: K5, work all sts At a total stitch count of (first three postitions only apply
in pattern / as they appear slipping the marker(s) as you if you’re making a larger version, please start at your stitch
come to them to last 5 sts, k2, sl3wyif. count accordingly):
88 sts, place 4 markers = work Branch repeat 4x.
Row 3: K7, (work all sts in pattern until 7 sts before m, 80 sts, place 4 markers = work Branch repeat 4x.
k2tog, k1, p2, k2, sm, m1L) rep to last 6 sts, k3, sl3wyif. 72 sts, place 3 markers = work Branch repeat 3x.
Sample size starts here:
Row 5: K7, (work all sts in pattern until 7 sts before m, 64 sts, place 3 markers = work Branch repeat 3x.
k2tog, k1, p2, k2, sm, m1Lp) rep to last 7 sts, k4, sl3wyif. 56 sts, place 2 markers = work Branch repeat 2x.
48 sts, place 2 markers = work Branch repeat 2x.
Row 7: K7, (work all sts in pattern until 7 sts before m, 40 sts, place 1 marker = work Branch repeat 1x.
k2tog, k1, p2, k2, sm, m1Lp) rep to last 8 sts, p1, k4, sl3wyif. 32 sts, place 1 marker = work Branch repeat 1x.

Coral Reef Scarf - © Lisa Hannes, 2023 - pg. 6

Written Instructions
DECREASE SIDE BRANCH DECREASE TIP

Place a marker after the first 10 sts to indicate the place of Row 1 (RS): K7, p2, k1, ssk, p1, k2, p2, k4, sl3wyif. (23 sts)
the decreases.
Row 2 (WS) and all following WS rows: K5, work all sts in
Row 1 (RS): K7, p2, k1, sm, ssk, p1, k2, (p2, k2) rep to last 5 pattern / as they appear to last 5 sts, k2, sl3wyif.
sts, k2, sl3wyif. (- 1 st)
Row 3: K7, p2, k1, ssk, k2, p2, k4, sl3wyif. (22 sts)
Row 2 (WS) and all following WS rows: K5, work all sts in
pattern / as they appear slipping the marker as you come Row 5: K7, p2, k1, ssk, k1, p2, k4, sl3wyif. (21 sts)
to it to last 5 sts, k2, sl3wyif.
Row 7: K7, p2, k1, ssk, p2, k4, sl3wyif. (20 sts)
Row 3: K7, p2, k1, sm, ssk, k2, (p2, k2) rep to last 5 sts, k2,
sl3wyif. (- 1 st) Row 9: K7, p2, k1, ssk, p1, k4, sl3wyif. (19 sts)

Row 5: K7, p2, k1, sm, ssk, k1, (p2, k2) rep to last 5 sts, k2, Row 11: K7, p2, k1, ssk, k4, sl3wyif. (18 sts)
sl3wyif. (- 1 st)
Row 13: K7, p2, k1, ssk, k3, sl3wyif. (17 sts)
Row 7: K7, p2, k1, sm, ssk, (p2, k2) rep to last 5 sts, k2,
sl3wyif. (- 1 st) Row 15: K7, p2, k1, ssk, k2, sl3wyif. (16 sts)

Row 9: K7, p2, k1, sm, ssk, p1, k2, (p2, k2) rep to last 5 sts, Row 16 (WS): K5, (p2, k2) x 2, sl3wyif.
k2, sl3wyif. (- 1 st)
8 sts decreased = 16 sts total.
Row 11: K7, p2, k1, sm, ssk, k2, (p2, k2) rep to last 5 sts, k2,
sl3wyif. (- 1 st)

Row 13: K7, p2, k1, sm, ssk, k1, (p2, k2) rep to last 5 sts, k2,
sl3wyif. (- 1 st)

Row 15: K7, p2, k1, sm, ssk, (p2, k2) rep to last 5 sts, k2,
sl3wyif. (- 1 st)

Row 16 (WS): K5, (p2, k2) rep to last 3 sts, sl3wyif.

= 8 sts decreased per section.

Coral Reef Scarf - © Lisa Hannes, 2023 - pg. 7

Charts
Note for all charts:

Use these charts and follow the main directions on pgs. 3-4.

Please make sure you always use the corresponding chart for each section.

All odd-numbered rows are RS rows (read from right to left).

All even-numbered rows are WS rows (read from left to right).

The orange marked first two rows (R1+R2) given in each chart are the Straight Ribbing part, which is always the
same. These rows are also given for reference under the charts for the Opening / Closing Centre Branches so it’s
easier to visualize how the motif sits within the regular ribbing. You don’t need to work those rows for these parts
though. Please only work Rows R1+R2 when indicated on pgs. 3 and 4.

Please take your markers out after each section and place new ones for each new section.

INCREASE TIP

KEY:

STRAIGHT RIBBING

Coral Reef Scarf - © Lisa Hannes, 2023 - pg. 8

Charts
INCREASE SIDE BRANCH KEY:

Place a marker here to remind you to

make an increase after the marker.

Place your marker(s) as follows to indicate the place of

OPENING CENTRE BRANCH KEY: the increases, which are always worked after the marker:
First marker 5 sts before the end of the sts on your needles.
Once you’ve reached a stitch count where you work
multiple Branch repeats (see list below), place the next
marker always 16 sts further to the right from the previous
one.
The decreases are always worked 7 sts before the marker.

At a total stitch count of:

32 sts, place 1 marker = work Branch repeat 1x.
40 sts, place 1 marker = work Branch repeat 1x.
48 sts, place 2 markers = work Branch repeat 2x.
56 sts, place 2 markers = work Branch repeat 2x.
64 sts, place 3 markers = work Branch repeat 3x.
Sample size stops here. If you’re doing a larger version:
72 sts, place 3 markers = work Branch repeat 3x.
80 sts, place 4 markers = work Branch repeat 4x.
Place marker(s) here to indicate the place of the increases and 88 sts, place 4 markers = work Branch repeat 4x.
Branch repeats, see detailed explanation in blue box. Continue in this manner for an even larger version.

Coral Reef Scarf - © Lisa Hannes, 2023 - pg. 9

Charts
DECREASE SIDE BRANCH KEY:

Place a marker here to remind you to

make a decrease after the marker.
Place your marker(s) as follows to indicate the place of the
increases, which are always worked before the marker:
C LO S I N G C E N T R E B R A N C H KEY: First marker 19 sts before the end of the sts on your
needles, the next marker always 16 sts further to the right
from the previous one.
Once you’ve reached a stitch count where you work only
one Branch repeat (see list below), place only the first
marker.
The decreases are always worked 5 sts after the marker.

At a total stitch count of (first 3 only apply if you’re making a

larger version, please start at your stitch count accordingly):
88 sts, place 4 markers = work Branch repeat 4x.
80 sts, place 4 markers = work Branch repeat 4x.
72 sts, place 3 markers = work Branch repeat 3x.
Sample size starts here:
64 sts, place 3 markers = work Branch repeat 3x.
56 sts, place 2 markers = work Branch repeat 2x.
48 sts, place 2 markers = work Branch repeat 2x.
Place marker(s) here to indicate the place of the increases and 40 sts, place 1 marker = work Branch repeat 1x.
Branch repeats, see detailed explanation in blue box. 32 sts, place 1 marker = work Branch repeat 1x.

Coral Reef Scarf - © Lisa Hannes, 2023 - pg. 10

Charts
DECREASE TIP

KEY:

These photos show the finished shape of

the shawl.
The right photo is showing the right side of
the fabric. In the left photo, you can see the
wrong side of the fabric.
It’s fully reversible - and while they may not
be completely identical - both sides are
equally beautiful to wear!

Coral Reef Scarf - © Lisa Hannes, 2023 - pg. 11