Either way up – Using reversible stitches for scarves

I love reversible stitches and use them whenever I can in my new projects. They have such a great combination of qualities not least of which is that, by definition, both sides look good, as you can see in the photo of the Petersfield Scarf above and the Lamberhurst Scarf below.

This is so important for many patterns, but especially when you are knitting a scarf, shawl or wrap. 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!

If you had selected a regular knitting stitch with a lovely pattern on one side and a not-so-good wrong side then you might find the finished result unsatisfactory. You elegantly wrap your stole around you as you are leaving the theatre but then emerge into the better-lit foyer to find your beautiful knitting pattern is hidden from sight!
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I suppose it is called the “Wrong Side” for a reason!

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:

​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 tight valleys.
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However, reversible fabrics tend to have a wonderful balance between knits and purls on both sides and the fabric lies compliant and flat while showing stunning textural effects. Simple!

Another advantage of a reversible stitch as a choice for scarves is that you don't always need to add a border. When you use a non-reversible stitch, you'll usually need to stabilise the edges with a non-curling border, but with a reversible stitch this isn’t always necessary. For example, in the Petersfield Scarf pictured above, the stitch pattern allows a completely edge-to-edge design for a clean, modern look.

This is Granite Stitch from our Reversible Knitting Stitches book. It is an easy stitch to work with a really interesting texture and depth.
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Of course, not having to work a border simplifies the knitting too. The only stitch that has to be worked differently is the end selvedge stitch! So this is an advantage while you are travelling or when you are with other people in a group on holiday get-togethers.

Vertically-patterned scarves also benefit from the choice of a reversible stitch as they tend to improve the overall drape of the scarf. This is, again, due to the flat nature of reversible stitches. There is no tendency to curl at any point along the whole length of the scarf producing a lovely, draping effect.

For example, in the Avebury Scarf pictured above, I selected Northern Tape Stitch from our Reversible Knitting Stitches book. This is another easy stitch to work with a wonderful interplay of texture and shade. The subtle colour stripes and soft wool yarn used here emphasise this texture, giving a really interesting result.

So for your next scarf, think about using a reversible stitch – you won't be disappointed! To read more about using reversible stitches in your work please click here, and to order a copy of the book please visit my Etsy store here.

Happy Knitting!

Moira

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