The Eleventh Hour Scarf
I wanted to come up with an idea that would answer the pressing need of the last minute gift without sacrificing quality, a gift that we can give without sheepishness or apologies. In fact, one that will be given with pride and received with gratitude, and one that, not insignificantly, you can start at the beginning of a movie and finish before the final credits roll! -Whitney
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Whitney Van Nes.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, and #PurlSohoTheEleventhHourScarf. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 3 skeins of Blue Sky Alpacas Bulky, 50% alpaca and 50% wool. This color is “Grasshopper” #1212. (Alternatively, you can use 1 skein of Cascade’s Magnum, 100% wool.)
- Skacel’s US size 36 needles, either 32 inch circular or 14 inch straight
Gauge
3 stitches = 4 inches in seed stitch, with yarn held double
Size
5 inches wide x 70 inches long
Note
The yarn is doubled throughout this pattern. For the first two balls, just pull one strand from each ball. For the third ball, you have a couple of options. One is to pull one strand from the center of the ball and one strand from the outside of the ball (my preferred method). The other is to wind the one ball into two balls as evenly as possible.
Pattern
Cast on 7 stitches.
Row 1: Slip 1 knitwise, *p1, k1; repeat from * two times.
Repeat Row 1 for every row.
Bind off loosely in pattern.
Weave in the ends. (Note: It’s neater to weave each strand in separately rather than keeping the ends doubled.)
The scarf is cool but I love the hat. What yarn was used?
Hi Lori-
This hat is vintage and is sewn from plush fabric, not knit or crocheted.
Thanks for getting in touch, and sorry we couldn't be of more help!
Molly
I love the yarn used here and was wondering if you have a crochet alternative for this scarf?
Hi Sarah-
We don’t have a crocheted version of this particular scarf but we do have several crochet patterns that you can see here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/category/crochet/projects-crochet/
Thank you!
Molly
How many stitches would I cast on if Inwere to use size 15 US (10 mm) knitting needles?
Hi Heidi-
The doubled yarn used in this project probably won’t work if you go down so drastically in needle size but if you wanted to use this yarn in single ply (or another yarn all together) and your size 15 needles needles you could use the stitch pattern to make your own version, just make sure to cast on an odd number of stitches.
To determine how many stitches to cast on you’ll need to do a gauge swatch in pattern to figure out how many stitches you are getting per inch. Multiply the stitches per inch by 5 (or however wide you want it to be) and then round that number up to the nearest odd number (if it’s not odd already) to get your cast on.
Please let us know if you have any more questions!
Best-
Molly
I like this pattern, but then I like seed stitch. I made it for my grandson , who turned 16 last week. I used size 35 needles, and 4 strands of bulky yarn – two in his school color (wine), one navy, and one variegated (medium blue to dark blue to fuschia). Now all the grandkids want hats, scarves, etc. It came out slightly open and oh, so soft.
Hi,
Love the scarf, wondering if it can be knitted on single needles, and if so what size needles would you recommend. A new knitter that haven’t worked with circular needles yet.
Kathy
Hi Kathy-
Yes, this can be made with straight needles! We use circular needles for everything but the “Materials” section of this pattern says that you can either use a US#36 circular or straight. In that section We recommend a US#36 with a 14-inch length. You don’t have to alter the pattern at all.
Thanks for getting in touch and good luck with the project!
Molly
If I use one skein of magnum the do I double it or leave it single? Not clear to me in the pattern if I go with the magnum bulky yarn. Thanks and can’t wait to make it!!
Hi Lara-
You will still be doubling the yarn if you use the Magnum. Please see the “Note” section on how to pull two strands at the same time from one ball.
Thank you for getting in touch and please let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly
Hi Molly, I have 5 skeins of Bernat blanket #6 yarn, each is 220 yards. I would love to make a blanket from this pattern about 60 inches by 70 inches. How many stitches will I need to cast on and will I be able to double the yarn with what I have or should I use single strand?
Love your patterns – I made this for my 25 year old for last Christmas and she loved it, I see her wearing it all the time if weather permits.
Thanking you in advance
Mickey
Hello Mickey!
We’re so glad that you enjoy our patterns! Bernat Blanket yarn can create about 2 stitches to every inch, and the gauge of our Eleventh Hour Blanket (seen here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2011/11/30/whits-knits-eleventh-hour-blanket/) is less than 1 stitch per inch. Therefore, you will need to double the yarn if you’d like to make a blanket with a similar squishy stitch as ours!
I wouldn’t be able to guess the cast on number without knowing how many stitches per inch you’re able to get after doubling the yarn and making a little swatch. Once you know that number of stitches per inch, then I would multiply by 60, make sure its an odd number and then use that as your cast on amount.
I hope this helps! Don’t hesitate to write in again for any more questions that come your way! Thanks! -Alyson
The eleventh hour scarf you wrote we could use us 36 knitting needles 14 in long….I have checked everywhere for 36 knitting needles and can’t find them would they be us29
Love this scarf and would like to knit it
Hello Jenny!
We have US 35 straight needles available here: https://www.purlsoho.com/tools/knitting-needles/jumbo-straight-bamboo-needles.html, as well as circular needles in US size 36 available here: https://www.purlsoho.com/tools/knitting-needles/addi-big-stitch-circular-needles.html
This scarf is perfect for quick and easy holiday gifts! Best of luck! -Alyson
Hi!
What does Slip 1knitwise mean? For the first row. Thanks!
Love this……
Hello Maryann,
This technique is used to create a clean and finished edge. All you will have to do is transfer the first stitch of each row onto your right needle by entering it into the stitch as you would if you were going to knit it. That’s the definition of “knitwise.” Hope this helps! Enjoy! -Alyson
I am going to give this a try
As osteoarthritis takes me over … I keep my fingers working with needlework and recently the ukulele. Here in Wymondham UK we enjoy the Needlework Shop where you can still buy the single chosen button instead of a nondescript packet ! –
An Inspirational Shop – and so is your wonderfully helpful website …. and which completed ideas for my wish to knit my gifts this year for my granddaughters … since I now spend more time having to sit down. Many thanks – and apologies for not giving personal details which must remain personal.
What Purl Soho yarn would work best for this pattern? I have some Gentle Giant and some Super Soft Merino in my stash.
Thanks!
Heather
Hi Heather,
Great question! We had the same idea, and recently reworked this scarf in Gentle Giant, both in a solid version and a marl. If you wanted to follow the original Eleventh Hour Scarf pattern above, Super Soft Merino would be a great substitute for Blue Sky Bulky!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Thankyou thislookss. Like an4easyscarf what about the hat very pretty is their a password ttern
Hi Fern,
Thanks for writing in! This scarf is definitely easy so we highly recommend it. We don’t have a matching hat pattern to go along with it, but think it’s a wonderful idea! Please let us know if that was what you were asking for, or if there’s something else we can help you with!
All the best,
Lili