26 February 2012

Either Way Up - The Elizabeth Scarf.

Elizabeth Scarf by Moira Ravenscroft, Wyndlestraw Designs
I have a new pattern to introduce today – the Elizabeth ScarfThis is available in two versions for either a DK-weight wool or a soft chunky yarn and both versions are fully reversible. ​This is so important for a scarf because if it is reversible, you can just throw it on without worrying whether you have the right side showing. Just wrap it around your neck and you can be on your way!

However, this isn't the only benefit of a reversible design, as I discovered a few years ago. I had been gathering examples of reversible knitting stitches and designing some new ones. As each appeared, I added them in to a sampler like a huge long scarf. After a while there were about 100 different stitches – and that is when I made my discovery:

Every reversible stitch in the sample was flat!
Elizabeth Scarf by Moira Ravenscroft, Wyndlestraw Designs
So I started to think about this and after a while it made perfect sense. After all, it's the imbalance between knits and purls that make a Stocking Stitch fabric curl inwards. The purls are trying to force themselves outwards in one direction while the knits recede. Put too many of them together and the knitting will curl into a roll.

It's also the reason why Garter Stitch becomes so compressed: because the lines of purl bumps on the back force themselves outwards to form pronounced ridges while the knits recede into tight valleys.

Reversible fabrics, though, have a wonderful balance between knits and purls on both sides, so the fabric lies compliant and flat while showing stunning textural effects. Simple!
Elizabeth Scarf by Moira Ravenscroft, Wyndlestraw Designs
So from that day onwards, I have always used a reversible knitting stitch when knitting scarves.

For the Elizabeth Scarf, I used one of my favourite stitches from our Reversible Knitting Stitches book, Hatfield Check. This is an easy stitch to work but still has a lot of interest with a deep texture and contrasting vertical and cross-wise stripes. The scarf also features extra bands of Garter Stitch at each end for extra definition and detail.
Elizabeth Scarf by Moira Ravenscroft, Wyndlestraw Designs
The first version in the pattern uses a yarn called Swish, which is a DK merino wool yarn from KnitPicks. This has a wonderful drape and has already become one of my firm favourites this year.

I like long scarves as they lend themselves to all kinds of fancy scarf tie-ups, so I made this one 185cm/72 ins long. You can find lots of examples of interesting scarf knots and tying techniques on the internet, so this version is perfect for experimenting with all the new ideas. ​In the photo above, for example, you can see our daughter Anna modelling the scarf tied in a four-way knot. If you would like to see how this is worked, then please click here.
Elizabeth Scarf by Moira Ravenscroft, Wyndlestraw Designs
However, sometimes you want a shorter scarf so that it can easily tuck into your neckline while you are cycling or walking in the countryside. So the second version in the pattern is a neat length of 150cm/60 ins long. This is worked in a chunky wool mix yarn, giving an altogether softer and bolder appearance. The added thickness is perfect to stop those wintry draughts at your neck when you are cycling home!

To see more details about the Elizabeth Scarf pattern, please click here. The pattern is available for instant download from the site so you will be able to start work on your new scarf today.

To read more about the benefits of using reversible stitches in your work, please click here, and for more information about our Reversible Knitting Stitches book, please click here.

Happy Scarf Knitting!

Moira 
Keywords: Patterns/Women’s Scarves & Wraps, Book/Reversible Knitting Stitches,
reversible knitting, reversible stitches, flat, stitches stay flat, scarf, scarves, ladies scarf, DK yarn, chunky yarn, wool, merino wool, maroon, purple, z-R231114

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