So, as I was going through a box of clutter in my soon-to-be-lamented craft closet, I ran across an old steno pad with some very interesting notes on it. It is, in fact, the pad where I took the notes for the Silly Monkey, Charlie’s baby sweater, the Abominable Baby Slippers, and many, many other projects from the first days of my designing. There’s one, in particular, that I’ve always meant to write up and share – it’s close to my heart as my very first knitting project ever (barring a square in stockinette to learn the stitches and 1/6 of a basketweave scarf that I bound off and tossed because I detested it so).
As I went to write it up this morning, I realized that I don’t know the amount of yarn I used. I don’t know the gauge. I don’t even know the length I worked it to. As it was a gift, I can’t just go measure it, either. Still, I thought I would put the directions I’ve deciphered up here for anyone who wants them before I go back to the heavy lifting.
Crossed-Stitch Scarf
Materials:
Worsted weight yarn, Main Color (what do you guys think, 200 yards?) plus small amount Contrast Color
Size 8/5.0mm straight knitting needles
Tapestry Needle
Terms:
cross 2 RK = Knit into the front of the second stitch on the left needle, do not drop off. Knit into the front of the first (skipped) stitch on the left needle, and allow the first and second stitch to drop off of the needle together.
patt:
RS: P1, *cross 2 RK, p1. Repeat from * across.
WS: K1, *p2, k1. Repeat from * across.
Directions:
Cast on 28.
Knit all stitches across for 4 rows.
Beginning with a WS row, work in patt. for 6 repetitions (12 rows) ending after a RS row.
Knit across for 4 rows.
Beginning with a WS row, work in patt. for 5 repetitions (10 rows) ending after a RS row.
Knit across for 4 rows.
Beginning with a WS row, work in patt. until total length measures 43″ (OR until total length measures desired length minus the length of the garter-stitch-enclosed section), ending after a RS row.
Knit across for 4 rows.
Beginning with a WS row, work in patt. for 5 repetitions (10 rows) ending after a RS row.
Knit across for 4 rows.
Beginning with a WS row, work in patt. for 6 repetitions (12 rows) ending after a RS row.
Knit across for 4 rows, bind off and weave in ends.
To Finish:
1) With contrasting color, make cross stitches across garter row sections (except for the ones at the very ends) as pictured. (This link should help if you don’t know how. Let me know if it goes dead, ok?)
2) With main color held double on your tapestry needle, gather the ribs in the section between the cross-stitches as per the diagram.
So there you go! I hope you like it. I’m happy it’s not loitering any more. Speaking of loitering, I’d better quit doing that, myself, and get on the ball. Later!
That is such a cute scarf. Looks a little too complicated for me with the crossing of stitches. It’s good that you took a picture of it. I make things for other people and I forget to take pictures of them. Oh well.
Hi! You’ve been making really cute stuff lately! Grats on that even though I bet preparing for the move is stressful. Best of luck with that
Also! If you get the time, I tagged you for the 7 Facts Meme.
Hope all is going well! ~ Liz
want the pattern for the lovely red hat you are wearing..
thanks
pearl
Hi, Pearl! You can buy the pattern for the Sweetbrier hat here. Hope this helps!
Is there a video that shows how to cross the stitches? My scarf is coming out a bit too loose. Thanks.
Hi, Nicole. I don’t have a video by you might try going down a needle size to help you tighten it up.
A very nice scarf!
Great scarf. Ideal for gifts. I also like the fact it uses a small amount of yarn and since I’m into immediate gratification, it can be made up so quickly. Thanks for sharing.
I do not understand what you mean by knit in front of stitch. Help please.
It means to knit into the ‘leg’ in front rather than the one in the back. Hope this helps.