I’ve always been fascinated with complex twisted stitch patterns. Normally worked in the round to avoid having to work crossings on wrong side rows, these beautifully meandering stitches leave behind the impression of embossed designs on old parchment. I couldn’t help but challenge myself to design an oversized scarf with these rich textures even if it meant working those tricky wrong side rows. I’m thrilled with the results and hope you will be as well. If you’re a bit wary you can knit the matching hat first, in the round, to familiarize yourself with the motifs.
I don't mind telling you that I had planned to have this pattern ready to go for fall '08. The rust color and the leaf design details were to be a herald for approaching change... in the trees and in the air.
Instead, this project turned into a comfort knit for me, not unlike comfort food on a cold, snowy day. Sadly, fall always seems to bring change in more than just the weather for me.
I was glad to have this intricate knit occupying my hands and my thoughts, something to really dig into.
This is not scarf not for dressing up a jacket but for keeping warm from the first cool autumn breezes right through the winter's worst. Of course, you could make it shorter by working less chart repeats.
Speaking of charts... this is a charted design and I have included full charts (not pieces) for both the scarf and the hat. Full stitch instructions are included in the chart key for all the crossings both on the front side and the back side. Instructions are also given for knitters using a cable needle and those going without one.
Size:
One size.
Finished length can be altered by adding or subtracting chart repeats.
Finished Measurements
Scarf width measures about 10 inches after blocking.
Sample scarf measures 94 inches long after blocking.
Hat circumference measures 18 inches after blocking.
Yarn
Vermont Organic Fiber Company’s
O~Wool Classic worsted
100% certified organic merino wool
3.5 ounces / 100 grams per hank
198 yards / 181 meters per hank
Approx. 4 hanks for scarf and 1 for hat.
Sample shown in color “Rust”
Needles
US#7 (4.5mm) needles.
US#7 (4.5mm) double point needles for hat.
Extras
Cable needle if desired, tapestry needle to weave yarn ends.
Skill level
Experienced.
Skills Needed
Working from a chart, working cable crossings and twist stitches on both the front and back of knitted piece.
Gauge
18 sts/25 rows= 4 inches over stockinette stitch.
Price: $6.00
Your printable pattern will be immediately downloadable in Adobe PDF (v5.0 or later) format
Beautiful - I really enjoyed your previous posting on the twisted stitches - very informative! Congratulations, it's a gorgeous piece of work.
Posted by: mel | January 28, 2009 at 08:05 AM
Really beautiful! Thank you for offering the pattern.
Posted by: Debbie | January 28, 2009 at 07:11 AM
That is beautiful. Not being a knitter, myself, I am awed that such a thing can be done.
Posted by: Faith | January 27, 2009 at 09:09 PM
Oh wow!
Posted by: bezzie | January 27, 2009 at 07:36 PM
I love your description of 'embossed designs on old parchment'. I like to think that the pattern looks kind of Anglo-Saxon (being the history nerd that I am).
It's gorgeous, whatever (is there a photo of the hat?); I've just queued it on Rav... well done you!
Posted by: clarabelle | January 27, 2009 at 07:01 PM
(audible gasp as the page loads) Oh, Marie Grace, that is a show-stopper. Gorgeous.
Posted by: elizabeth m | January 27, 2009 at 04:32 PM
Gorgeous! I've been waiting to see this one.
Posted by: Dani | January 27, 2009 at 01:49 PM
So beautiful!
Posted by: Amy | January 27, 2009 at 12:13 PM