Free Pattern: Handspun Scarf/Cowl

Last year's Tour de Fleece and Spinzilla events left we with a healthy stash of handspun yarn. I have gifted many skeins to knitting friends (especially those who don't spin), but there are a few skeins that I knew I wanted to save just for me. I was particularly enamored with a Falkland 2-ply I'd made with hand-dyed roving from Hearthside Fibers and Pumpkinhaus. Both of my winter coats just happened to coordinate perfectly with the resulting yarn, and I decided on a simple knit to let all of the variegated colors take center stage.

I should preface this by saying that I really hate knitting scarves - they seem to go on and on without end, and I usually tire of the process. However, I have tons of cowls and shawls in my collection, and it would be nice to have an actual scarf that is big and snuggly. As I was knitting, I thought it would also be nice to have the option of draping it around my neck several times like a cowl, so I decided to add buttonholes before binding off, allowing me to convert it into an infinity scarf if I was so inclined.

The result is a versatile accessory that is my absolute new favorite. I'm sure there are plenty of garter scarf patterns out here, so I don't claim to have created something brand-new here. However, I thought I'd share the details for anyone who is interested in making something similar, whether it's using handspun or commercially available yarn.

Enjoy!

Handspun Garter Scarf/Cowl by Stefanie Goodwin-Ritter

Materials:

Approx. 257 yards 2-Ply Falkland Handspun Yarn (6 WPI) - a Bulky or Super Bulky yarn would be an appropriate substitute if you are looking to use a commercially spun yarn
US #13 (9mm) straight needles
Darning needle
4 Buttons (1" diameter)

Gauge:

12.5 sts and 20 rows = 4" in garter stitch; however, it is not crucial for this project.

Finished Measurements:

Scarf measures approx. 7" wide and 80" long.

Instructions:

Cast on 24 stitches. Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for approx. 76 inches (or desired length). Be sure to leave enough yarn to work the following rows:

Buttonhole row: [K3, YO, K2tog] four times, K4.

Next row: K all sts.

Bind off knitwise.

Sew buttons on opposite end of buttonholes/bound-off edge.

Wear and enjoy!

Click here to queue on Ravelry.

Comments

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