I have a new pattern to introduce today – the Elizabeth Scarf. This is available in three different versions and all of them are fully reversible. This is so important for a scarf because if it is reversible, you can just throw it on without worrying whether you have the right side showing. Just wrap it around your neck and you can be on your way!
However, this isn't the only benefit of a reversible design, as I discovered a few years ago. I had been gathering examples of reversible knitting stitches and designing some new ones. As each appeared, I added them in to a sampler like a huge long scarf. After a while there were about 100 different stitches – and that is when I made my discovery:
The whole scarf... every reversible stitch in the sample was flat!
However, this isn't the only benefit of a reversible design, as I discovered a few years ago. I had been gathering examples of reversible knitting stitches and designing some new ones. As each appeared, I added them in to a sampler like a huge long scarf. After a while there were about 100 different stitches – and that is when I made my discovery:
The whole scarf... every reversible stitch in the sample was flat!
So I started to think about this and after a while it made perfect sense. After all, it's the imbalance between knits and purls that make a Stocking Stitch fabric curl inwards. The purls are trying to force themselves outwards in one direction while the knits recede. Put too many of them together and the knitting will curl into a roll.
It's also the reason why Garter Stitch becomes so compressed: because the lines of purl bumps on the back force themselves outwards to form pronounced ridges while the knits recede into valleys.
Reversible fabrics, though, have a wonderful balance between knits and purls on both sides and the fabric lies compliant and flat while showing stunning textural effects. Simple!
It's also the reason why Garter Stitch becomes so compressed: because the lines of purl bumps on the back force themselves outwards to form pronounced ridges while the knits recede into valleys.
Reversible fabrics, though, have a wonderful balance between knits and purls on both sides and the fabric lies compliant and flat while showing stunning textural effects. Simple!
So from that day onwards, I have always used a reversible knitting stitch when knitting scarves.
For the Elizabeth Scarf, I used one of my favourite stitches from our Reversible Knitting Stitches book, Hatfield Check. This is an easy stitch to work but still has a lot of interest with a deep texture and contrasting vertical and cross-wise stripes. The scarf also features extra bands of Garter Stitch at each end for extra definition and detail.
For the Elizabeth Scarf, I used one of my favourite stitches from our Reversible Knitting Stitches book, Hatfield Check. This is an easy stitch to work but still has a lot of interest with a deep texture and contrasting vertical and cross-wise stripes. The scarf also features extra bands of Garter Stitch at each end for extra definition and detail.
I worked three different scarves using a variety of yarn types and thicknesses. In the green scarf shown above, I used a fine, fingering weight yarn with two ends held together.
This is a great technique of adding extra warmth into your work. The two strands lying side-by-side trap tiny pockets of air into the knitting, increasing the warmth of the finished article without adding any extra weight.
This is a great technique of adding extra warmth into your work. The two strands lying side-by-side trap tiny pockets of air into the knitting, increasing the warmth of the finished article without adding any extra weight.
The second scarf in the set has been worked in Swish, which is a DK wool yarn from KnitPicks. This has a wonderful drape and has already become one of my firm favourites this year.
I made this scarf a little longer and have found it lends itself to all kinds of fancy scarf tie-ups. You can find lots of examples of interesting scarf knots and tying techniques on the internet, so this version is perfect for experimenting with all the new ideas. In the photo above, for example, you can see our daughter Anna modelling the scarf tied in a four-way knot.
I made this scarf a little longer and have found it lends itself to all kinds of fancy scarf tie-ups. You can find lots of examples of interesting scarf knots and tying techniques on the internet, so this version is perfect for experimenting with all the new ideas. In the photo above, for example, you can see our daughter Anna modelling the scarf tied in a four-way knot.
Then the third version has been worked in a chunky wool mix yarn, giving an altogether softer and bolder appearance. This is slightly shorter, so is easy to tuck into the neckline of a jacket. The added thickness is perfect to stop those wintry draughts at your neck when you are cycling home!
To see more details about the Elizabeth Scarf pattern, please click here. The pattern is available for instant download from the site so you will be able to start work on your new scarf today.
To read more about the benefits of using reversible stitches in your work, please click here, and for more information about our Reversible Knitting Stitches book, please click here.
Happy Scarf Knitting!
Moira
To see more details about the Elizabeth Scarf pattern, please click here. The pattern is available for instant download from the site so you will be able to start work on your new scarf today.
To read more about the benefits of using reversible stitches in your work, please click here, and for more information about our Reversible Knitting Stitches book, please click here.
Happy Scarf Knitting!
Moira
 | Last Blogpost: Mentmore Socks Next Up: Rare Earth Cushions Our book: Reversible Knitting Stitches My Website: www.wyndlestrawdesigns.com |
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