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
If you love the yarn used in this project, you’ll love all of our other yarn, too! Explore our 35+ lovingly created yarn collections, in nearly every natural fiber and spectacular color you can imagine… Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn shop!
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
Shop our wonderful collection of super bulky-weight yarn to find a suitable substitute for this project, and remember that it’s always a good idea to check your gauge before you cast on… Our All About Gauge Tutorial shows you how!
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.)
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
That is adorable! I don’t even have any last-minute gifts to make and I am still going to make one tonight! I have just the yarn… 🙂
Can it be crocheted? I’m not too good with knitting… :S
I LOVE the hat, too. Will you post the pattern for it as well? Pretty please?!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
You’ve totally saved me from insanity. (VBG)
For dividing one skein of yarn into two an easy way, if you have a kitchen scale, is put the skein on the scale and wind away until the yarn on the skein weighs 1/2 of its weight before winding.
Yikes! What does “slip one knitwise” mean? I get the rest, but I’ve never seen that before…help! Gracias!
Slip one knitwise was new to me too! I found a helpful site that shows video. It’s under SL1K. http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/knitting-glossary
Love the scarf! Will be making it for sure…and do you carry the needles? How about the hat does it have a pattern? The combo together is quite something.
Wow, I got this email this morning… printed it… went to the yarn store and bought the Twinkle Soft Chunky yarn and made *two* of these between 5 and 9pm. Amazing. And they are beautiful! Thanks so much. Btw, with the Twinkle, I only used two skeins to get the required length! Whoo hoo!
Ooh! Where’d you get the sparkly needles? Does Purl Soho sell them??
Hi Catherine,
The US size 36 needles from Skacel (circulars and straights too) are sparkly, and yes, we sell them! You can find them at this link:
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/needlelist/company,16
This just became my new idiot knitting project for when I am tired but still need to knit. I just love it. Your site is amazing. Thank you. Valli
I just knitted this last night. Mine seems to be a more “open” weave, but I stll like it. I would love a simple hat pattern to complement this scarf! Thanks so much!!! Beth
Gorgeous! I would love love love the pattern for the hat too!
Yikes! I’m new to knitting and confused.
If the directions say:
Cast on 7 stitches.
Row 1: Slip 1 knitwise, [p1, k1] three times.
**If you do row 1 three times then don’t you need to cast on 9 instead of 7??
Please help!
Thanks
Hi Ro,
The pattern should say, “[p1, k1] two times”. Thanks for pointing this out! I’ll change it now. It seems like you’re catching on to knitting quite well!
I need a bit of help understanding this pattern please…
is the first row: SL1K, p1, k1 then SL1K, p1, k1, SL1K
and I follow that pattern on the next row? If so, mine is not coming out very well…
Thank you for your help!
Hi Vanessa,
Every row should be knit as follows:
SL1K, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1
you are only repeating the part in the brackets.
Hope this helps.
Thank you! This is just like the “seed” stitch, no? I like the edge created by slipping the first stitch! I love your site and am learning so much! Never before have I been confident enough in pattern interpretation- you ladies make it so much more approachable! Many, MANY thanks!!!
Hi, I tried this pattern for a chunky yarn and it’s lovely =)
Thank You very much for sharing with us!
May I ask if I wanted to adapt the pattern with a less chunky yarn (anyone tried before?), how can I add the number of cast-on stitches (multiple of 7)? Any inputs or suggestion on how to work on the pattern using different yarn maybe?
Anyways, awesome job! =D
Hi Sheepdip,
As long as you have an odd number of cast on stitches the pattern will work. The stitch is called Seed Stitch and Whitney has included a nice detail to make the edge look tidy which is to slip the first stitch as if to knit. To adapt the pattern, cast on any odd number of stitches and work as follows:
Slip 1 knitwise, *p1, k1; repeat from * to end of row.
I just completed the 11th hr. scarf using size 36 circular needles and 3 skeins of the Blue Sky alpaca (bulky). I doubled the yarn, per the instructions, and it turned out beautifully. My only concern was that the scarf was only 56 inches in length, nowhere near the 70 inches. What caused the shortage?
thank you!
Hi Sleepy,
Sounds like your gauge might be a little tight which would cause the scarf to be smaller overall. You might want to try blocking it to see if it will relax a little and get a bit bigger.
I saw several people asking for hats to go with this lovely scarf… has anyone come up with it yet. I bought some really pretty pink yarn to make the scarf, but need to find the needles. My LYS had the scarf knitted in a green and the pattern printed out.
I think you mean for this to say
Row 1: Slip 1 knitwise, [p1, k1] three times.
to consume the 7 stitches that are cast on.
Hi Jeri,
Its funny because it used to say that and then we changed it. I think you’re right, but I’m going to change it to say
Row 1: Slip 1 knitwise, *p1, k1; repeat from * 2 times.
I think that should solve the problem!
I am new to knitting. Would it look different if I S1 purlwise? How would it look different? Thanks in advance.
I love this! And I would LOVE a matching hat pattern as well. Can’t wait to get my big, fat needles so I can try this.
I just loved the pattern, its perfect for the yarn 🙂
I got Merino Wool from Manos del Uruguay and started the scarf to gift a friend!!!
Thank you so much for so beautiful things you produce and show to us!
This is such a great pattern and makes a really beautiful scarf. Thanks for sharing it!!
Hello,
I’m writing with 2 questions about the 11th Hour scarf pattern.
Your pattern calls for size 36 needles….
1. I had a hard time finding needles this size. I bought size 35 instead. Even though they are a size smaller than what is called for, they look so much bigger than the needles shown in the photo on your page. Do I have the right needles?
2. I used yarn that I thought was pretty thick, but the weave was still pretty loose, whereas the scarf in the picture looks light a nice tight weave. Did I just use yarn that was too thin?
Thank you for any advice you can offer!!
Susan
Hi Susan,
Size 35 should be fine, they are very close to 36's.
If your weave is still very loose then either your yarn is too thin compared to the yarn that Whitney used here, or you forgot to double it through the pattern.
Please let us know if you need more help!
how do you handle the doubling if you are using one kine of of cascades magnum?
Hi again.
I finished this scarf (my first!). Like Sleepy, though, my scarf came out much shorter…55″. I tend to knit with a tight tension…I sort of pulled the yarn a bit to pick up the slack after every stitch. This probably explains it… But, when I tired knitting without doing that, the scarf looked much looser and “holier” than in the photo so I thought I should tighten the slack…
Thoughts?
S
Hello once more,
I think I just realized why my scarf is shorter:
I skein of Cascade Magnum is only 123 yards. 3 skeins of Blue Sky Alpaca is 135. The difference of 12 yards is a likely explanation for the shorter scarf!
Mary-Alice…I just doubled the Cascade using each end of the yarn after the yarn store wound it into a ball for me.
I will give it a try!
I love the scarf! I see several have asked about the hat pattern but I didn't find an answer! Love it! Love your blog too! Too bad I live in Missouri!
Hi Becky-
The hat isn't knit, it's a hat that Whitney bought years ago and it's sewn from plush material.
Thank you for your nice comment!
Aaaw, I wish I could knit* – but I'll try to make one with a similar looking crochet pattern.
*if there was an award for failures in knitting, I'd surely deserve it.
Thank You so much for all the patterns and projects you provide. I have just purchased from Soho the materials to knit this scarf. I have not knitted in many years and am just coming back. The instructions state to knit this with double yarn. Does that also mean to cast on with double yarn? Also, I noticed the first row, cannot see the other end of the scarf in photo, appears to be garter stitch. Is that for a border? Is the other end of the scarf the same?
Hi Val,
Yes, you do cast on with the yarn doubled. And, no, the first row isn't garter stitch. You just start right in with seed stitch!
Thanks for your questions and welcome back to knitting!
Whitney
I love this pattern. Can it be adapted to a less bulky yarn using smaller needles, say size 10 or 11?
Hi Betsy,
You're going to need to cast on more stitches. To determine how many, first make a gauge swatch (in seed stitch), figure out how many stitches you get per inch, multiply that number by the width of the scarf you'd like, and cast on that number (if it's an even number add or subtract one so that it's odd). Here's a tutorial on measuring gauge that you may find helpful: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/swatch-tutorial/
I hope this helps get you on your way! Please let us know if you have any more questions and thanks for this one!
Whitney
I would like to make this all in circulars – joining the ends.
Could you please tell me:
– do I slip the first row – or knit one and slip one for the first and last row?
– how many stiches would I cast on to make the length (width) you have?
Many thanks!!
I was trying to work on another so-called quick knit scarf pattern which called for 4 strands and that was a disaster b/c my yarn kept twisting…driving me crazy. I soon found a helpful tip to avoid the twisting by rolling my 4 strands of yarn into one huge ball and then start my project. l dreaded fooling around with that much yarn…I thought it would take forever to form my ball of yarn – but I finished in no time!
I ran across your site & decided to try this pattern instead, b/c it's prettier. I used my huge bowling ball of 4 strands of worsted weight yarn of different colors I liked & a pair of size US 35 needles.
Took my huge ball of yarn & giant needles, in my tote bag, to the dog park. I had so much fun knitting this pattern! In one hour while my dog enjoyed her time outside – I had my scarf knitted the length of your average scarf! I came home to double that length!!! It's gorgeous! Can't wait to wear it!
…and I'm thinking of making a few of these scarves as Christmas gifts. Thanks for sharing!
HI Naomi,
To make a 70-inch cowl at 3/4 stitches to the inch, you would cast on 92 stitches, place a marker, and join for working in the round, being careful to not twist the stitches. Then you would…
Round 1: *K1, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 2: *P1, k1, repeat from * to end of round.
You would just work the first and last rounds the same way you work the other rounds.
Thanks for asking and please let us know if you have any other questions!
Whitney
Love the fast scarf – What I want to know is how to make the hat in the picture! THAT is adorable. Any clue?
Hi Sheila-
This is an vintage hat and it's sewn from a faux fur material but we don't have any information on it beyond that!
Thank you for your question and sorry we can't be of any more help.
Molly
Would love to get the pattern for the hat. Did the scarf and it was quck and easy!! Love it.
Don't usually read or write comments–I've been knitting for 50+ years–but glad I am reading this. Now I know what to do with my very bulky unspun Cowichan yarn I've hoarded for years. I enjoyed reading the questions and answers. Wish blogs like this were around when I was first knitting– had to figure it out myself using trial and lots of error or wait until someone would drive me to Aunt Nellie's house. Of course there were no computers, so……Happy Holidays !
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