The Ironbark Scarf is a timeless winter staple, strong, structured, and effortlessly refined. Fully reversible and worked entirely in knit and purl stitches, it combines bold angular motifs with soft horizontal accents, echoing the rugged elegance of tree bark and firelit cabins.

Designed with men in mind but appealing to all, it offers an engaging yet approachable knit that’s as satisfying for adventurous beginners as it is meditative for seasoned knitters. Cozy, versatile, and deeply textured, it’s the kind of scarf that brings quiet strength and natural charm to any wardrobe.

The scarf comes in one size but can be lengthened easily by adding extra pattern repeats as desired.

Techniques used

Ironbark Scarf is a timeless and versatile knit that blends simple stitches with bold, textured details. Designed to be fully reversible, it uses the following techniques:

• garter stitch: the simplest textured stitch pattern, created by knitting every row when working flat
• k st tbl: knit a stitch through the back loop
• sl st p-wise wyif: slip a stitch purl-wise with the yarn in front (a technique often used for selvedge stitches to create a neat, elegant edge)

The pattern includes both charted and written instructions so you can follow your preferred format or use them together. A schematic of the finished scarf is also included for reference.

Blocking is essential to reveal the full stitch pattern. The knit and purl textures naturally pull in, causing the fabric to narrow. Proper blocking will stretch and open up the design, allowing the angular and horizontal motifs to show clearly.

Gauge

24 sts and 32 rows = 4” (10 cm) in Horizontal lines pattern

Materials

• U.S. size 2.5 (3 mm) or needles to obtain gauge
• Three stitch markers
• Row counter
• Tapestry needle to weave in ends

Yarn

Recommended: Light (#3) DK

Used in the pattern: DROPS Daisy (100% extra fine merino wool), 50 g / 1.8 oz / 110 m / 120 yds, color mix 14

Approximate yarn requirements: about 4 skeins (450 yds)