scarf • The Knitting Vortex

Ink Scarf

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Nov 102024

Worked in the round from one end to the other, Ink Scarf uses the helix knitting technique to create easy jogless one-row stripes on a long tubular scarf. Completely reversible thanks to invisible color changes, one side displays stockinette stitch and the other reverse stockinette, each with a slipped stitch decorative linear detail. Pair two contrasting tonal yarns as in the red sample, or introduce an array of leftovers as shown in the blue. Versatile fingering weight yarn makes a lightweight scarf that can be knit to any length. Construction: the helix knitting technique avoids the jog in color between stripe rounds, as well as removes the ridge where yarns are carried on the reverse of the work, making the scarf delightfully reversible. Helix knitting is used in the striped sections of the Ink scarf, with 8 stationary markers to indicate the position of the vertical slipped stitch columns. No EOR marker is needed, as the “round” is constantly spiraling around the work. The solid sections utilize normal circular knitting, where an EOR marker is . . .

Rhombic Flow

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Oct 032024

A current of rhombus shapes flows along the length of this stole, expanding and contracting within a bed of comforting garter stitch. Worked in ethereal lace weight yarn, this scarf can be made as long as your yardage allows, while maintaining a featherlight quality that spans the seasons. Construction: Rhombic Flow begins at one end and is worked to the other, with geometrically expanding and contracting interlocking lace diamonds and a wide garter border. Techniques & Skills Used: longtail CO, knit/purl, increasing/decreasing, easy lace; this pattern is both fully written and charted. Size: 108” length and 13” width, customizable. Yarn: Forbidden Fiber Company Whisper (70% alpaca, 20% silk, 10% cashmere; 875 yards/800m/100g); 1 skein, or 870 yards of luxury wool blend lace weight yarn. Any amount of yarn may be used. The sample was made with discontinued Whisper shown in color Winter Dusk, and as written used approximately 823 yards. Other Materials: US 5 (3.75mm) 24” circular needle, or size to match gauge; Markers (3, or more if marking repeats); Yarn needle. Gauge: 17 st and 34 rows/4” in garter . . .

PatchRib Scarf

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Nov 142022

Choose the PatchRib Set ebook, and make the matching collection of scarf, hat and infinity loop. Two colors interact in a fluffy reversible Fisherman’s rib, dominating and receding to create an overscale patchwork effect with a different appearance on each side. Add fun pompoms and fling it about your neck for a fashionable frosty season. Construction: Worked back and forth from one end to the other, the PatchRib Scarf is cast on and bound off using the tubular method for a smooth, infinity edge. Color 2 is introduced after the CO for the Fisherman’s rib colorwork, which cycles through the color progression. The fluffy rib stitch pattern is a four-row repeat, in which two RS rows are worked with alternating colors by sliding the stitches to the other end of the circular needle after the first row, then the work is turned and two WS rows are worked similarly, using only one color at a time. Slipped stitch edges keep the color changes invisible and create a tidy and sophisticated appearance. Techniques & Skills Used: tubular CO, knit/purl, . . .

Yoli Loop

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Dec 242014

Diagonal mesh and simple garter edges run the length of this long and narrow infinity loop. Yoli Loop begins with a provisional cast on and is worked in one piece to the end, then grafted. Wear it looped as many times as you like; the reversible stitch pattern looks great from both sides. Easily customizable in length and width, the Yoli Loop can be adapted to any yarn and any amount of yardage. Construction: The Yoli Loop begins with a provisional CO, which is grafted to the final row. Stitch gauge determines width, while row gauge determines length. Any amount of any weight yarn may be used, and dimensions may be adjusted according to your preference. Techniques & Skills Used: provisional CO, knit, easy lace, grafting; links are included to my grafting tutorials. Size: 92” circumference and 4.5” width; see Designer’s Notes for customizing for various amounts of yardage. Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Silky Merino (51% silk, 49% merino wool, 150 yards/ 137m/50g), shown in Green Grey; 2 skeins, or 300 yards of wool and silk blend dk weight . . .

Fish Moderne Scarf

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Jan 302014

Modern fishermen and women need to look stylish and stay warm when trolling about in winter. The fully reversible Fish Moderne scarf is worked in heavily textured Mistake and Twisted Rib, framing a wide ribbed cable. The generous length can be wrapped easily, while the thick and cozy fabric keeps out wind and weather. This scarf is a companion to the Fish Moderne Hat; purchase either one and automatically save 50% on the other! Techniques & Skills Used: Cable CO, knit/purl, twisted stitches, cables; this pattern is both written and charted. Size: 8” wide and 68” long, after gentle blocking. Yarn: Cascade Yarns Ecological Wool (100% wool; 478 yards/437m/ 250g), shown in 8010 Natural; 1 skein, or about 460 yards of heavy aran weight wool yarn. Other Materials: US 10 (6mm) needles, or size to match gauge; Stitch markers (2); Cable needle; Yarn needle. Gauge: 21 st and 18 rows/4” in scarf pattern, after gentle blocking. One cable repeat is 3.5” tall and 3” wide. The ribbed cable and Mistake Rib compress the scarf fabric . . .

Folderol-over-and-over-again

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Oct 282013

I promised another indie re-release of a design initially published in a magazine, and since it’s getting chilly, what’s better than a soft and warm tucked wrap made with worsted merino? The individual pattern download features a link to my video tutorial for the tuck stitch, and expanded notes and photos, all presented in my user- and printer-friendly format. “Folderol” means foolish nonsense, but this worsted crescent shawl is no trifle; the cozy wrap is made extra thick and warm with triple folds, curved gently with short rows, and finished neatly with applied I-cord. Knit from the bottom up and given texture and shape with tucks and decreases, Folderol is completely reversible and absolutely worthy. Techniques & Skills Used: cable and provisional CO, knit/purl, tucks, picking up stitches, short rows, decreasing, applied I-cord; this pattern includes written instructions as well as a link to my tuck stitch video tutorial. Size: 58” length, and 10” depth. Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted (100% Merino) 210 yards/192m/ 100g; 3 skeins shown in Tuareg. The sample used approximately 525 . . .

Roam Cowl

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Oct 272013

Roam around in this luxury moebius cowl, featuring the reversible Roman Stripe lace stitch pattern. Using a moebius cast on, this infinity scarf is knit outward from the cast on edge, which becomes the middle of the cowl, until the outside edge is reached and bound off. Long rounds are balanced by a simple 7 row repeat that looks beautiful from both sides and lends itself to the infinity structure. Techniques & Skills Used: moebius CO, knit/purl, working in the round, easy lace; the lace stitch pattern is both written and charted. Size: 46” circumference and 10” tall. Yarn: String Theory Hand Dyed Yarn & Fiber Caper Sock (80% Merino, 10% Cashmere, 10% Nylon; 400 yards/366m/113g), sample shown in Oban; 1 skein, or 400 yards of fingering weight yarn. Other Materials: US 6 (4mm) 40” circular needle or size to match gauge; Stitch marker (1); Yarn needle. Gauge: 14 st and 35 rows/4” in Roman Stripe stitch pattern. Gauge is not critical for this project, however a different gauge may result in a smaller or larger finished cowl, and different . . .

Very Chic Scarf

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Sep 262011

Part of the Very Chic series, this scarf is a fantastic introduction to the technique of dropping stitches between cables, to make soft and drapey accessories. With no grafting or shaping, the focus is on the panel of three staggered, elongated cables, made extra fluid by dropping stitches strategically between select cable twists. The result is a fluffy and flowing skinny scarf that naturally curls slightly inward, creating an attractive and wrappable semi-tube that is both functional and fun. Techniques & Skills Used: longtil CO, knit/purl, cables, dropped stitches; this pattern includes both a chart and written instructions. Size: 5” wide and 80” long, after gentle blocking. Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Worsted (100% Merino Wool; 210 yards/192m/100g); 2 skeins, shown in Violetas. Other Materials: US 9 (5.5mm) needles; Stitch Markers (3); Cable needle; Yarn needle; Crochet hook (any size) to help with raveling. Gauge: 16 st and 20 rows/4” in stockinette stitch; one cable is approximately 2.5” wide. Gauge is not critical for this project, however a different gauge may result in a smaller or larger . . .