Design story

I am the sort of person who can't wait for the warmer weather so I can get out of the house without wearing a coat or a jacket. And yet, I love scarves. This scarf is the perfect compromise. The triangular shape keeps your neck warm, but the tapering ends mean that you don't have the bulk of the traditional scarf. Instructions are provided for two versions, one in a medium weight yarn and the other in a sock yarn which is lighter and longer. Both are worked in garter stitch throughout so they are reversible.

The scarf is worked from point to point and the curly fringe is knitted as you go, so the only finishing is a short twisted cord at each end. This project particularly suits a space dyed yarn, as the varying lengths of rows create constantly changing patterns.

To make the curly fringe, I cast on stitches at the beginning of the row and then cast them off again. I used the "loop" method for casting on - this method is often used for button holes. To do this, have the work facing you as if to start a new row, loop the yarn around your right thumb and slide the loop on to the needle. Most knitting books have instructions for this and you can find tutorials on line.

Lightweight version

Materials

Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock, 80% Superwash Wool, 20% Nylon (196m (215 yds) per 60g skein)
2 skeins - shade Shadow

1 pair 2.5 mm (US #2) needles

Tension

Not critical as the scarf does not have to fit! But if you know your tension in loose or tight, go up or down one needle size.

Finished Measurements

160 cm (63 inches) long and 25 cm (10 inches) at the widest point (not counting the fringe).

Pattern notes

Before you start, reserve two lengths of yarn, each 30 cm (12 inches) long, for the twisted cord.

Pattern

Cast on 2 stitches using 2.5mm (US #2) needles.

Rows 1-3: Knit.
Row 4: Inc 1 by knitting into front and back of first stitch, knit to end (3 stitches on needle). Repeat these four rows, increasing on the same side, until there are 20 stitches on the needle and the work measures about 20cm (8 inches).

Start curly fringe

*Knit 3 rows. At the beginning of the next row, cast on 10 stitches using the "loop" method (see note above), and immediately cast off 9 of them. Knit to the end of the row (21 stitches on the needle). **
Repeat from * to ** until you have used half the yarn (one skein).

Now start to decrease as follows.
*** Knit 3 rows. At the beginning of the next row, decrease one stitch by casting on 9 stitches using the loop method, and immediately casting off 10 sts. Knit to the end of the row. ****
Repeat 4 rows from *** to **** until 20 stitches remain on the needle.

Continue in garter stitch, decreasing one stitch at the beginning of every 4th row until 2 stitches remain. Cast off. Sew in ends.

To finish

Using the two lengths of yarn you put to one side, fold each in half and twist until it is tight. Let the cord twist up on itself. Using a crochet hook pull the looped end though the pointed end of the scarf, and feed the other end of the braid through the loop to secure. Knot the other end and trim ends.

Also see the Medium weight version

This pattern is not to be used commercially or to be resold.  Copyright © Dittany Matthews 2009