For this simple scarf you only need to cable on four out of the forty pattern rows, making it a great ‘first cables’ project or an easy one for a knitter with experience. The remaining rows are worked in rib.
Made in a fuzzy alpaca or alpaca blend yarn, it is warm but super light. My sample weighs under 100g (3.5 oz).

The sample was made with Katia Air Alpaca which is discontinued, but possible substitutions with alpaca are Rowan Mode, Plymouth Avita, Knit Picks Oceana or Lang Suri Alpaca. Otherwise, look for a yarn with a halo and little memory. Springy yarns will likely pull in more on the rib, making the scarf narrower.

Finished dimensions after a light blocking: 140 cm long x 20 cm wide (55 inches x 8 inches).

Gauge: 30 st per 10 cm (4 inches). Gauge is not critical, but a different gauge will affect yarn usage and dimensions of the finished item.

Sample has 8 pattern repeats plus 20 rows.

You will need:

Approx 400-460m (440-500 yards) Air Alpaca or similar yarn. Allow more need more yarn if you want a longer scarf or if your gauge is tighter. (Note: this free pattern hasn’t been tested and amounts are approximate.)

5mm needles (or size to meet gauge). You will be working back and forth in rows.

Cable needle.

Sewing up needle.