FO and Pattern: Broken Scarf

Monday, April 13, 2009

FO and Pattern: Broken Scarf

Remember the Broken Scarf? I actually finished it last summer, and I've been wearing it this winter. But I never did an official FO post because I wanted to write up a pattern. I finally realized that:

1) The scarf doesn't need a new name.
2) Writing up the pattern (especially a one-row pattern like this one) isn't as hard as it seems.

So I now present to you, the official pattern and FO entry for the Broken Scarf:

I was so excited that I managed to snag the last two skeins of this particular colorway of Malabrigo Silky Merino. I knew I had to do something special that would allow the colors to shine.

Broken Garter Stitch is a great way to show of variegated yarn. It adds some depth without getting in the way of the colors. And it’s super simple. This scarf uses the same pattern row knit over and over again. It makes for great knitting while watching television, and it’s a good choice for beginning knitters.

Many hand dyed and hand painted yarns, such as the Malabrigo used here, will vary a lot from skein to skein, even within the same dye lot. I alternated two skeins every two rows to hide inconsistencies in the two skeins. It’s also a good way to avoid pooling.

If you alternate skeins, you will be switching on the same side of the scarf. Be sure to not to pull too tightly when you switch yarns. This will help keep the sides even.

Yarn: 2 skeins of Malabrigo Silky Merino (shown in Bahia) – 300 yards/274.3 meters

Needles: US Size 5/3.75 mm
(Always use the needle size that will give you proper gauge. My gauge tends to be looser than most, so most knitters will need larger needles.)

Notions: Tapestry Needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge: 20 stitches/32 rows per 4 inches/10 cm

Pattern:
Cast on 23 stitches.

Row 1: Knit 3, Purl 2 across, ending with Knit 3

Repeat this Row until the scarf reaches the desired length. Mine is a little over five feet long (or about 1.5 meters.)

Alternate yarn every two rows if you wish.

Bind Off. Weave in the ends with a tapestry needle.