https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/directional-block-scarf • Posted by Creative Publishing international
The unique characteristics of self-striping yarn are used create a scarf with directional blocks. This scarf is made by knitting a narrow center panel and then adding long strips along the sides and finishing with small strips at each narrow end. The technique is somewhat like making a quilt and it can be used with self-striping yarns as shown, but it would also be very effective with different colors. Materials: YARN • 4 medium weight self-striping yarn, approx. 310 yd (283.5 m) NEEDLES AND NOTIONS • US size 7 (4.5 mm) 9" (23 cm) single-pointed needles or size needed to achieve gauge • US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needle at least 32" (81 cm) long, or two sizes smaller than size needed to achieve gauge • Yarn needle for weaving in ends • Rustproof pins for blocking EQUIPMENT • Iron • Ironing board Gauge • 20 sts = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette stitch Finished Dimensions • 6" (15 cm) wide by 51" (130 cm) long Skills • Achieving different effects from the same self striping yarn • Joining blocks of knitting by picking up stitches
The unique characteristics of self-striping yarn are used create a scarf with directional blocks. This scarf is made by knitting a narrow center panel and then adding long strips along the sides and finishing with small strips at each narrow end. The technique is somewhat like making a quilt and it can be used with self-striping yarns as shown, but it would also be very effective with different colors. Materials: YARN • 4 medium weight self-striping yarn, approx. 310 yd (283.5 m) NEEDLES AND NOTIONS • US size 7 (4.5 mm) 9" (23 cm) single-pointed needles or size needed to achieve gauge • US size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needle at least 32" (81 cm) long, or two sizes smaller than size needed to achieve gauge • Yarn needle for weaving in ends • Rustproof pins for blocking EQUIPMENT • Iron • Ironing board Gauge • 20 sts = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette stitch Finished Dimensions • 6" (15 cm) wide by 51" (130 cm) long Skills • Achieving different effects from the same self striping yarn • Joining blocks of knitting by picking up stitches
How to Knit the Directional Blocks Scarf: • Knit center panel Using larger needle, cast on 17 sts Row 1 (RS): Knit. Row 2: Purl.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 (stockinette stitch) until length from cast-on edge is approximately 46" (117 cm). Bind off stitches.
Pick up stitches for first side block using the smaller needle. Position the center panel with the right side facing you and the length running from side to side. Starting from the right corner and using the smaller needle, pick up and knit 3 stitches for every 4 rows of knitting. Work across the entire long edge; you should have about 225 stitches. Don’t worry if your stitch count varies by a few stitches. Your goal should be to pick up somewhere in the neighborhood of 225 stitches.
Knit side band. After picking up the stitches for the side band, work 16 rows in garter stitch (knit every row). Bind off from the wrong side. If you have a tendency to bind off tightly (your bound-off edges tend to curve), then use a needle one or two sizes larger for the bind-off needle.
Repeat steps 2 and 3 for other side of center panel.
Pick up stitches for end bands. Position the scarf with the right side facing you and the short edge up. Starting from the right corner of the short edge of the side band, pick up and knit 8 stitches from the side band, 15 stitches from the center panel, and 8 stitches from the other side band. There should be a total of 31 stitches. When picking up stitches from the side bands, pick up 1 stitch from each garter ridge.
Knit end band. After picking up the stitches for the end band, work 16 rows in garter stitch (knit every row). Bind off from the wrong side.
Repeat steps 5 and 6 for other end.
Finish scarf by weaving in all loose ends and steam blocking.