Garden Steps Asymmetrical Scarf by Melissa Burke

Garden Steps Asymmetrical Scarf

Knitting
April 2014
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches
in Stockinette Stitch, blocked
US 6 - 4.0 mm
370 - 380 yards (338 - 347 m)
Finished, blocked scarf measures approximately 71” (180.5 cm) wide along top edge and 13” (33 cm) in depth.
English
This pattern is available for $6.50 USD
buy it now or visit pattern website

The Garden Steps Asymmetrical Scarf is inspired by the hidden grottos, rusted wrought iron and damp, moss covered stones that inhabit the shady corners of all secret gardens, both imaginary and real.

The pattern has been professionally tech edited and test knit to reduce the potential for error.

CONSTRUCTION

The Garden Steps Asymmetrical Scarf is worked from side to side using a 24” (61 cm) circular needle. Yarn overs and uniformly placed decreases are used to shape the scarf. Beads are added to the corner of each ‘step’ and add visual interest while enhancing the scarfs’ drape.

The finished scarf measures in at a generous 71” (180.5 cm) long, though it is a mere 13” (33 cm) in depth at its fullest part. The scarf is shaped as a scalene triangle with the “stepped” part measuring approximately 49” (124.5 cm) long while the non-stepped part measures approximately 22” (56 cm) long. This shaping allows the point of the triangle to rest at the elbow area when the scarf is worn as a wrap with enough of the remaining length of each end for a fold-over tie in the front, if desired.

The Garden Steps Scarf is NOT intended to be a true shawl (rather, it is designed to be a frill) although, as pictured, it can be worn as a wrap. Please review all the pictures (I have purposely posted many views) to get an idea of its overall dimensions and size when worn.

For best results, DO NOT work the lower (stepped) selvedge edge of the scarf tightly. These stitches need ease to be successfully blocked. Blocking is essential to an attractive finished project.

Omitting the beads is NOT recommended as (aside from being an attractive finishing touch) they aid in the scarf’s drape and help maintain a crisp, scalloped edge.

REQUIRED SKILLS

  • Knit and purl stitches
  • Increase and decrease stitches - YO, SSK, K2TOG, K1BL
  • Slipped stitches

INSTRUCTIONS

The pattern is fully charted, but also includes complete written directions so the ability to read a chart is not necessary to work this pattern.

YARN NOTES

A fingering weight yarn with good stitch definition and little to no halo is recommended. Slight tonals work well, but highly variegated yarn will distract from the lace pattern.

ADDITIONAL NOTIONS

You will also need:
Tapestry/blunt yarn needle
Stitch marker (1)
T-pins
Blocking wires
Buttonhole Thread
Sewing needle
Beads (13-2 mm silver round, 39-4x6 mm faceted glass,
13-6x8 mm faceted glass)