This simple scarf is an ideal project for the beginner knitter who's adding new techniques to their toolbox. A basic wide rib pattern is punctuated by slip-stitch cables, which frame garter stitch ovals. The easy-to-work stitch pattern is also reversible, a good feature in a scarf. Two versions are provided: with or without a ruffled edge.
Skill Level Easy
Finished Measurements approx 5.5 x 58 inches (instructions given for modifying dimensions)
Yarn approx 400 yds sport weight yarn shown double-stranded using 3 x 50 gm of Elann Lara in Oasis (100% cotton) with 1 x 50 gm KnitPicks Shimmer in Shallows (70% Baby Alpaca, 30% Silk)
Gauge 26 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches in pattern. Correct gauge is not essential for this project.
Needles 4.0mm
Scarf pattern
Ruffle version, first 8 rows
Cast on 51 sts.
If you like a wider scarf, increase sts in multiples of 11.
Row 1 (WS): [Slip 1 purlwise, knit 2], p3, *k6, p5; repeat from * until 6 sts remain, p3, [k3].
[The first and last 3 sts of each row form the selvedge].
Row 2 (and all RS rows): Slip 1, knit to end.
Row 3: Same as Row 1.
Row 5: [Slip 1, k2], k2, p3, *ssk, k2, k2tog, p5; repeat from * until 6 sts remain, p3, [k3]—43 sts.
Row 7: [Slip 1, k2], k2, p3, *ssk, k2tog, p5; repeat from * until 6 sts remain, p3, [k3]—35 sts.
Row 8: Same as Row 2.
Non-ruffle version, first 8 rows
Cast on 35 sts.
If you like a wider scarf, increase stitches in multiples of 7.
Row 1 (WS): [Slip 1 purlwise, knit 2], purl 3, *k2, p5; repeat from * until 6 sts remain, p3, [k3].
[The first and last 3 sts of each row form the selvedge].
Row 2: Slip 1, knit to end.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for a total of 8 rows.
Scarf body, both versions
Begin Cross-Rib Pattern, worked over 10 rows:
Row 1 (WS): [Slip 1, k2], p3, *k2, p5; repeat from * until 6 sts remain, p3, [k3].
Row 2: Slip 1, knit to end.
Rows 3-6: Repeat Rows 1-2.
Row 7: [Slip 1, k2], p2, * sl1 wyif, k2, sl1 wyif, p3; repeat from * until 5 sts remain, p2, [k3].
Row 8: Slip 1, k4, * sl1 wyib, k2, sl1 wyib, k3; repeat from * until 5 sts remain, k5.
Row 9: Repeat Row 7.
Row 10 sounds tricky, but it's not too bad. In this row you are going to cross the slipped stitches.
Row 10: Slip 1, k4, then:
*drop first slipped stitch off needle to front of work, slip next 2 sts to right needle, drop second slipped stitch to front. Pick up first dropped stitch onto left needle, slip same 2 sts back to left needle, then pick up second dropped stitch with tip of right needle and place it on left needle, knit 7,
repeat from * until 2 sts remain, k2.
Repeat these 10 rows a total of 41 times. To modify the length, increase or decrease the number of repeats as desired.
Ruffle version, Last 11 rows
Row 1, 3 and 5 (WS): [Slip 1, k2], p3, *k2, p5; repeat from * until 6 sts remain, p3, [k3].
Row 2 (and all RS rows): Slip 1, knit to end.
Row 7: [Slip 1, k2], p3, *kfb 2 times, p5; repeat from * until 6 sts remain, p3, [k3]—43 sts.
Row 9: [Slip 1, k2], p3, *kfb, k2, kfb, p5; rep from * until 6 sts remain, p3, k3—51 sts.
Row 11: [Slip 1, k2], p3, *k6, p5; repeat from * until 6 sts remain, p3, [k3].
Bind off purlwise.
Non-ruffle version, Last 11 rows
Row 1 and all odd rows (WS): [Slip 1, k2], p3, *k2, p5; repeat from * until 6 sts remain, p3, [k3].
Row 2 (and all RS rows): Slip 1, knit to end.
Work for a total of 11 rows, ending with wrong side.
Bind off purlwise.
Abbreviations
- k knit
- k2tog knit 2 together
- p purl
- RS right side
- sl slip
- ssk Slip 2 sts knitwise, put left needle through front of both slipped sts, knit the two sts together
- WS wrong side
- wyif With yarn in front of work
- wyib With yarn in back of work
