Snowflake Scarf
Since opening Purl Soho over ten years ago, we have often dreamed of creating our very own yarn. A yarn that would be as wonderful we could imagine: soft and luxurious, colorful and friendly, warm and beautiful. So, I’m thrilled to now be sharing my Snowflake Scarf with you, created with our first ever Purl Soho yarn: Super Soft Merino!
Super Soft Merino makes every lovely detail of the Rosette Stitch glow with a gentle halo of warmth. A chunky single ply of 100% merino wool, this yarn knits up with such a lavish drape and sumptuous coziness that even the most bitter winter wind is a breeze!
Stay tuned for more amazing patterns as we welcome Super Soft Merino into our lives. We hope you welcome it into yours! -Joelle
Materials
- 4 skeins of Purl Soho’s Super Soft Merino, 100% merino wool. Each skein is 87 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 348 yards required. We used Heirloom White.
- US 15 (10 mm) straight or circular knitting needles
Gauge
12 stitches = 4 inches in stitch pattern
Size
Finished Dimensions: 10 inches wide x 70 inches long
Pattern
Cast on 30 stitches.
Row 1 (Right Side): Knit.
Row 2: *P2tog, leaving stitches on left needle, bring yarn to back of work and k2tog through same stitches, drop stitches from left needle, repeat from * to end.
Row 3: Knit.
Row 4: P1, *p2tog, leaving stitches on left needle, bring yarn to back of work and k2tog through same stitches, drop stitches from left needle, repeat from * until 1 stitch remains, p1.
Repeat Rows 1-4 until approximately 30 inches of yarn remains, ending with a wrong side row. Bind off on right side in knit.
Weave in the ends and wrap yourself up!
Update: Our Snowflake Scarf In Franca!
September 30, 2019
Manos del Uruguay’s super soft Franca is an absolute party in a skein! In fact, we used three skeins of the color Party to pull our Snowflake Scarf from the archive and give it a colorful update. You’ll need the same US 15 needles as well as the pattern as written above and simply knit until the piece measures 70 inches from the cast-on edge. After that, weave in the ends and wrap yourself up!
Hi I ave been browsing your site after adding a scarf to my pinterest page but as I live in Australia just wondering the ply I should look for Its the snowflake scarf in pure merino.
Oh dear. I just looked at where you are and I was in New York in April. I could have come in and bought some wool. I have a friend actually staying in Soho in September but by then will be too warm to start knitting.
🙁
Hi Elizabeth-
We think this yarn is equivalent to a Australian 12 ply. The page posted below contains a lot of great info for converting US yarn sizes to Australian and UK sizes: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yarn_weight
Thanks!
Molly
Hi again. I have ordered the wool for the fluted cowl. Can't wait for it to arrive. Which method should I use to cast on. It's a few years since I knitted something.
Hi Elizabeth-
We recommend a long tail cast on. Here is a tutorial: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/cast-on-tutorial/
Thanks so much for your questions and good luck with the project!
Molly
How much does it roll? My daughter loves this but if it rolls she doesn't want it. Don't want to put in the work and then she doesn't like it.
Hello Annie-
It shouldn't curl, if it does it's very little and it can be blocked out.
Thank you!
Faye
In terms of weaving in the ends. Do I just need to buy an especially large tapestry needle, or is there some other trick for this bulky weight yarn? Thanks!
Hi Ann-
There's no trick. Just get a large tapestry needle!
Thanks for writing in!
Molly
Hi!
Beautiful scarf and I'm trying to knit it as we speak. I'm having a problem tho. I'm on the second row and somehow I end up with one stitch left. I started with p2tog and leave the stitch on the left needle then k2tog after as directed and im left with one stitch. Have I don't something wrong with it? Assuming the first cast on count as stitch 1? Hope I'm not confusing you. Cannot wait till I finish this off! 🙂
Thank you in advance 🙂
Hi Knightyo,
If I assume you have an even number of stitches cast on, you should only have an extra stitch at the end of your row on Row 4. Are you refefring to Row 2 or Row 4?
On Row 4, you should p1, then work in pairs of stitches to the last stitch, and then p1.
But on Row 2, you should not have an extra stitch at the end.
Please write me back with any other questions!
Laura
Trying to make this for a friend, but the stitches are so tight! I'm sure I'm doing them right because the "rosettes" are formingbut it breaks my hands to knit it. Is there any way to make it easier/looser to knit? thanks!
Hi Caroline,
Often times when people work stitch patterns like this one (that involve working into a single stitch multiple times or dropping stitches of the needle) their tension gets abnormally tight compared to how they typically work The best way to compensate for the tautness, would be to go up in needle size. This will immediately loosen the fabric up. Or, sometimes, it just takes a little practice to get used to the rhythm of the pattern, and tension will loosen the more comfortable you get, so just some swatching or practicing before hand will help.
Let us know if you have any other questions!
Thanks,
Laura
Hello: I have just finished knitting this scarf and it is gorgeous! I love the feel of the wool, and the stitch pattern looks great. I would like to block since the ends have curled a bit and would appreciate any direction. Do you have a blocking tutorial? I use your short rows and weaving ends tutorials all the time! Thanks and happy new year.
I love the pattern of this scarf. I am new to knitting but just finished the learn to knit scarf kit and would like to try a new pattern. Would this pattern work with a chunky alpaca yarn instead of the merino? I would like to try a slightly different yarn after using the merino from the kit! Thank you for the beautiful things that inspired me to learn to knit!
Hi Stacy-
This stitch pattern would work with any yarn, you will just need to adjust the needle size to fit whatever yarn you are using. Try knitting a swatch with a needle on the large size of what is recommended for your particular yarn and see if you like it! Just make sure to cast on a multiple of 2 and the pattern will work!
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
Hi Andrea-
We do have a blocking tutorial. You can find it here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/knitting-tutorials-finishing/2006/11/13/blocking.html
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
I have recently discovered your site. I soo love this pattern. I'm a novice and have not knitted beyond caps and scarves. This is exactly the pattern I was looking for, a bit complicated than garter and not too difficult that I lose interest!
thanks and take care
Samina
Beautiful pattern for a scarf, unfortunately mine seems to turn in a bit at the sides. Do you think it would stay straight if on the Knit rows the first and last 2 stitches were done in purl? Or perhaps this would mess up the pattern at the edges…
Hi Teddy,
We always encourage people to play around with our patterns. It seems as though purling those stitches would definitely with the curled edge. It will interrupt the fabric like quality of this piece, but it's important you like what you end up with! We did find that after finishing the scarf and steam blocking it, the edges relaxed some. There is still a slight subtle curl at the edges, but not as dramatic as when it was being worked up.
Hope this helps.
Best.
Laura
Hi there! I love this design and am thinking of making it for cold days in a warmer climate. The Purl Soho Super Soft Merino may be a little too warm for that though. Is there an alternative yarn I could use for a more equatorial climate (to use in cold air-conditioned offices or slightly cooler days)?
Thanks!
Serene
Hi Serene-
We don't have anything in this gauge that would work in a wamer climate. However the stitch pattern will work with any yarn and in any gauge! I think linen like this might be lovely: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/380-Louet-Euroflax-Originals using a size 5 needle.
Whatever yarn you choose, make sure to to a gauge swatch first to figure out how many stitches to cast on. The pattern will work with any multiple of 2 stitches cast on.
Thank you!
Molly
Great! Thanks for the advice, Molly!
Cheers
Serene
Hi! Is there a particular way you recommend for joining new balls of yarn using this pattern? I feel like "knitting in" the new yarn would be too complicated.
Hi Christina-
We recommend that you knit to the end of a row and leave a 6-inch tail from the old ball of yarn and then start the new ball of yarn also leaving a 6-inch tail. Don't tie a knot or anything, just begin knitting with the new yarn. When you are done with your project you can weave in the tails.
Here is our tutorial for weaving in the ends: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/knitting-tutorials-finishing/2011/7/14/weaving-in-your-ends.html
Thank you!
Molly
Hi there! First of all, I love this site! I’m getting started early this year so I have time to make pretty much everything on here for Christmas season 🙂
I love this scarf but was wondering if it was possible to knit this in the round? Is there an easy way to convert more complicated patterns like this to the round? I’m not the best knitter (understatement!) so am still learning how to change things as I go.
Thanks so much for your help!
Hi Hayley-
There isn’t a simple way to knit this in the round to create a tubular shape, but we do recommend that you use circular needles when knitting this pattern. You use them as you would straight needles.
Thanks for your question!
Molly
Hiya 🙂 Just wanted to drop a quick line. I am currently making this scarf. It’s a fun stitch, a beautiful stitch…and absolutely fun to work! I am using Loops & Threads Charisma…in Black Raspberry. Stunning scarf…and thank you so much for this pattern!
Hello!
I am wondering if this pattern would be okay to knit with 9mm needles?
Thanks!
Hi Bailey-
It might be. When a needle size is listed in a pattern it is always just a suggestion, the most important thing is that you are getting the correct gauge. You can use any size needles you like as long as you are getting the right gauge.
With that said, on a pattern like this that doesn’t need to fit in the same way a sock, sweater or hat would you don’t need to be too precise with the gauge. So if you like the fabric you create with the 9mm needles then it should be fine!
Thanks for your question!
Molly
Thanks a lot 🙂
I really lik this pattern so I wanted yo try it with my 9mm! Thanks again!
Hello,
I have problem to do row2. I don’t really understand how to do it, my stitches became 10 at the end 🙁 Is there any picture to show all the steps of row2?
Thank you!
Hi Jean,
We don’t have any photos, but maybe I can explain it a little for you!
When you purl 2 together, you don’t quite finish the stitch, instead, you keep the two stitches on the left needle (and you have one new stitch on the right needle). Now bring the yarn to the back of the work (to the knit position) and insert the right needle back into the two stitches on the left needle (the ones that you left there when you purled 2 together) and knit 2 together. This time allow the two stitches to fall from the left needle. You should have two new stitches on the right needle!
I hope this gets you on the right path! Please let us know if you have any more questions and thanks for this one!
Whitney
I love the look of this scarf but not sure if I can make it. I have “advanced” this year from scarfs to hats…is there a video for rows 2 & 4? I really want to make this.
Hi Denise-
There is not a video but we are happy to help you with any specific questions. If you have made a hat you can certainly make this! Please let us know if there’s anything you don’t understand about the pattern and we’ll try to get you on the right track.
Best-
Molly
I would love to makes this scarf for a good friend but I would like to use Blue Sky Bulky. Would you recommend this yarn ad an alternative for this project and if so, how many skeins would I need?
Thanks so much I love your site and store!
Best wishes
Monique
Hi Monique-
The Blue Sky Bulky would be an good alternative. You would need 8 skeins for this project.
Thank you for your questions!
Molly
Thanks Molly!!
Hi,
Once I P2tog and then k2tog, do I move the yarn forward to start again P2tog or leave it on the other side as I finish k2tog.
I noticed that if I leave it, I created another stich. Not sure if it should be like that. Please advice 🙂
Thank you!
Hi Ana-
You move the yarn forward before you start the purl. You definitely don’t want to create a new stitch! Unless otherwise noted you always move your yarn forward before you purl and move it to the back before you knit.
Thanks so much for getting in touch about this and good luck with the project!
Molly
I’ve read to get neater edges you should slip the first stitch and knit the last stitch. If I added two stitches to do that, would it disturb the pattern at all? Thanks!
Hi Sarah-
It shouldn’t disturb the pattern to add those two stitches, as long as you remember they are there!
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
Hi!
Just wanted to drop in to say my scarf is done and I am blocking it now. Ended up using Rowan brushed fleece and its lovely! Maybe a little less stitch definition as the merino would have given but very cosy and a quick knit too. A row counter helped immensely to keep me on track!
Now I am wondering if this pattern can be worked in the round? My friend is in love with her new scarf and she would love a matching hat!
Thanks for all your help 🙂
Warm wishes
Monique from Holland
Hi Monique-
Unfortunately this stitch doesn’t translate to the round very easily. You may want to look at some of our other hat patterns to see if you see anything that might look nice with the scarf: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/category/knit/projects-knit/accessories-projects-knit/hats-projects-knit/
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
Help! I accidentally skipped Row 3 about 12 inches in… how on earth do I frog this stitch? Any tips?? I would hate to start over. 🙁
Hi Kristin!
This is a very tough question to answer. This stitch is definitely more difficult to pull back on. I would suggest pulling out to row 2 or 4, and then pull that row out 1 by 1 as you put the needle in on row 1 or 3. Since those rows are knit rows, it should be a little easier to pick back up.
Thanks for your question!
Thomas
Love the stitch pattern! I want to make an afghan for a wedding gift. I am thinking 40″x 50″ so will cast on 140 stitches right? Not good at calculating yardage, will 6 skeins be enough? Is there a formula you use for yardage calculations? Thank you for your help.
Hi Lori,
Your planned size is 4 times the width, so you would need more like 120 stitches for the cast-on. For yardage, your size is more than twice as big as the scarf in area, so I think you’ll need more than 6 skeins. perhaps 11 to 12 would be enough?
Thanks for your question!
Thomas
Hi there! Is there any chance that you might have a video to show how to create this beautiful scarf? I’m new to knitting and love the video tutorials… A picture (or video) is worth a thousand words… And if you have one, I’d love to see it! Thanks so much!
Hi Bev-
We don’t have a video for this scarf but are happy to answer any questions you may have. Is there a particular step you’re having trouble with?
Best-
Molly
I don’t knit the “right” way- I don’t hold the working end in my left hand, I use my right hand to loop the yarn around the right needle. Is there a less awkward way to move the yarn from the back to the front and vice versa? Or is it awkward feeling because of my particular way of knitting! Thanks!
Hello Marsha,
You don’t knit wrong at all! That is called the English style of knitting versus the Continental style. No way is the right way! Some people try and wrap the yarn around a finger on their right hand and so you can sort of “throw” it in between the needles easily. Take a look at our tutorial videos on our website for some visual aid.
Happy Knitting!
Alyson
I am a new knitter and am struggling with this pattern which i think is lovely, if i cast on 30 stitches and p2 tog means 15 stitches, k2 tog means 7 stitches. if the pattern calls for k2 and p2 together where is my width gone, what am i doing wrong, help
Hi Lesley,
Thank you for your question. When you do the p2tog you leave the stitches on the left needle, then move the yarn to the back of the work and with the right needle go back into those same stitches to create a knit stitch. For every time you p2tog and k2tog it is referring to the same 2 stitches so you will not end up decreasing or changing the number of stitches in that row.
I hope that clarifies things for you, good luck!
Jake
Hello, Purl Bee!
This pattern is the first I ever decipher (as a newbie), and it is so simple, fast and elegant. From your indications, i’m working correctly and yet my scarf doesn’t look this perfect. Actually until reading carefully your answers to 3 users above, i’ve believed to have accidentally “invent” a new pattern 🙂 Might the different result be caused by using an acrylic yarn and bigger needles and, most important, a loose knitting? Unfortunately i can’t provide any picture.
Thank you for this lovely pattern!
Tried many times to work this pattern. Can’t figure it out. Need a video. Any chance?
Hi Jo Ann,
Thank you for the comment! Unfortunately we do not have a video for this project, I will put in a request to have one made so hopefully that will happen in the near future.
In the meantime if you are having any specific questions feel free to respond to this comment or you can call our shop at 212-420-8796 and we’d be happy to walk you through it!
Good Luck!
Jake
Is there a pattern for a hat to match the snowflake scarf?
Hello Becky!
These hats are all knit with the same squishy and lovely yarn as the Snowflake Scarf! https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2012/11/23/whits-knits-super-soft-merino-hats-for-everyone/
I would stick to a more simple hat so it doesn’t detract from the beautiful texture of the scarf’s unique stitch pattern.
Enjoy! -Alyson
Hi, I found this video on YouTube who explains the stitch. The name is “Rosette Stitch”
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9_6uYbyN6ys
Hello Monique!
Thank you for sharing your findings! Keep up the good work! -Alyson
I would like to knit this with a less bulky yarn ie 100 grams/216 yards. Could you offer suggestions to convert this ie size needles and number cast on stitches?
Thanks for your help
Hello, s miller!
Thank you so much for writing in! Is your 100g yarn really lightweight like a laceweight? Or is it closer to a Sport or DK weight? Since there is 216 yards in the skein, I think it might be closer to a DK weight. If that is the case, I recommend starting with a US size 8 needle and making a swatch in the stitch pattern. This might be a case of trial and error regarding needle size to get the look that you want. Once you’ve found the right needle to compliment your yarn then you can turn to your swatch to help you calculate the number of stitches to cast on.
To do this you’ll count how many stitches you get in 1-inch of your swatch. The scarf in our pattern is 10-inches wide, so to get the same width you will take the number of stitches you get in 1-inch of your swatch and multiply that by 10. For example, for the original pattern you get 3 stitches in 1-inch, so 3 times 10 is 30 – the cast on is 30 stitches. Does that make sense?
If you have further questions, please us know!
Happy Knitting,
Kumeko
Hello!
I am new to knitting and have been practicing this pattern before I jump in and start making the full scarf. I have never purchased circular needles and I noticed in one of the comments you suggested using them vs straight needles. What length circular needles do you recommend for this and perhaps knitting scarfs in general? Thank you!
Hi, Danielle!
Thank you very much for writing in! Sorry about the delayed response! We often recommend circular needles for projects that are too wide to fit comfortably on straight needles. As a general rule you would select a circular needle length that is a few inches shorter (or a few inches larger) than the finished dimension of the project. Circular needles generally come in the following lengths: 12″, 16″, 20″, 24″, 29″, 32″, 40″, 47″, and 60″. For example, if you were knitting a blanket that is 30 inches wide you would choose a needle that is either 24″, 29″ or 32″ long.
For this project, the finished width of the scarf is 10-inches, so a circular needle that is 12 inches long will easily accommodate that width.
If you have further questions, please let us know!
Happy knitting,
Kumeko
Would this work with the Lanecardate Feltro? If so how many skeins and would I use the recommended needle size for the Feltro?
Hello Eryn,
That’s a great question! Yes, Feltro is about the same weight as Super Soft, so you would be able to substitute it. The fabric will be slightly different since Feltro is a softly felted yarn and Super Soft Merino is a fluffy single ply. I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks so much.
Happy knitting,
Allison
Hi from London to you lovely Purl Soho people!
I have knitted this wonderful pattern in Blue Sky Alpacas bulky, the gorgeous boysenberry colourway, and am bored with the scarf format – I am really keen to knit the stitch as a triangular shawl. Do you have any tips for doing this before I frog and get going again ? I’m thinking especially of how to handle the edges and the centre line. I can use something like a cdd maybe with yos at the centre but can’t quite see how best to do that. Then maybe seed or garter stitches at the side to give it a stable non-curling edge (thought the stitch probably wouldn’t curl) – any suggestions hugely welcome as I thunk it will look great if I can figure out the right stitches to work with the existing pattern.
Thanks so much,
Carolyn
Hi Carolyn,
What a lovely idea! Thanks by the way for the kind words as well! I think that you might be able to make this into a triangle by increasing one stitch each side every knit row. By doing so you will automatically stagger the snowflake pattern, so there is no needle to p1 in row 3. You could also play with using short rows! Let us know how it goes!
-Adam
Thanks for your advice Adam, will get onto a test and will put it on Ravelry as Purple Snowflake if it takes off!
Carolyn
Hi, this scarf is absolutely amazing. I found it in Pinterest and since then (two days:) I’m trying to make it. I’m using 9mm needles and my practice yarn. I read the instructions a million times but somehow I’m wrong. It’ s just not the same pattern. I have a picture of what I made, but don’t know how to show you. I really want you to see it and tell me where I messed up.
Hi Gergana,
Thanks for the lovely comment! I suggest you email your picture and question to store@purlsoho.com and we’ll get back to you with some advice. Thanks again!
-Adam
Hi – I just bought 3 skeins of purl soho merino in red and want to do this pattern. Can I just do it with 3??
Hello Gretchen,
Thanks for writing in! You can certainly knit this scarf with three skeins instead of four. The finished scarf will just be shorter.
I hope this helps!
-Marilla
Hello,
Would this pattern be nice to make a man scarf ? Is it too much feminine pattern for a man scarf ?
If this is not a good pattern.
Could you please suggest me a different pattern ?
Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Jenny
Hi Jenny,
This scarf would make a lovely addition into any mans wardrobe. The detailing is very subtle. if you wanted something with more of a pattern, you could do the speckled scarf in linen quill.
I hope this helps,
Melissa