Seafaring Scarf
Fisherman’s Rib was once named for the rustic seafaring men it warmed. But in Purl Soho’s newest yarn, the incredibly sumptuous wool-angora Lanecardate Feltro, Fisherman’s Rib is also suitable for the most sensitive of landlubbers.
Feltro’s magically lofty structure lends itself perfectly to this age-old stitch. Its simple cord-like spin captures beautiful nuances, well defining the important moments of Fisherman’s Rib: its steep crests, deep troughs and waves of crosscurrents.
If you’re weathering the elements on land or at sea these coming cold months, be safely wrapped in our big, gorgeous Seafaring Scarf! -Laura
Update: New Yarn
October 6, 2019
Our classic Seafaring Scarf In Big Good Wool is just the right vehicle for our gorgeous Big Good Wool (no longer available). One hundred percent Andean highland wool in the colors of the sheep themselves, our chunky weight Big Good Wool is always dynamic and beautiful! Choose from five natural, undyed colors, in a range from this soft and subtle Winter Grass to rustic Hickory Nut. And Big Good Wool comes in big skeins, so you’ll need just two for your own Seafaring Scarf!
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Laura Ferguson.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, and #PurlSohoSeafaringScarf. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 7 skeins of Purl Soho’s Lanecardate Feltro, 75% superfine wool, 25% Caregora angora. Each skein is 98 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 650 yards required. This is the color Amur, Very Light Gray. (NOTE: We no longer offer Lanecardate Feltro, but choose from one of our other super bulky weight yarns.)
- US 13 (9 mm) needles
Gauge
8 stitches = 4 inches in Fisherman’s Rib
Size
15 inches wide x 70 inches long
Notes
The pattern is worked over a multiple of 2 + 1 stitches.
k1b [knit one below]: Insert the tip of the right needle into the stitch below the next stitch, knit normally (wrapping the yarn around the needle and pulling it back through the stitch below) and let the stitch above fall from the left needle.
To see a “k1b” in action, check out this video tutorial…
Pattern
Cast on 31 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Row 1: *K1, p1, repeat from * to last stitch, k1.
Row 2: K1, *k1b, p1, rep from * to last two stitches, k1b, k1.
Row 3: K1, *p1, k1b, rep from * to last two stitches, p1, k1.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until piece is just shy of desired finished length, ending with Row 2.
Bind off in 1 x 1 rib. Here’s how…K1, *p1, pass first stitch over the second stitch and off right needle, k1, pass first stitch over the second stitch and off right needle, repeat from * to end of row.
Weave in the ends and gently block, if desired.
You no longer sell the Lanecardate Feltro yarn. Which of your yarn is a substitute for this yarn and what adjustments, if any, need to be made to the pattern?
Thanks
Hi Joyce,
Thanks for writing in! I would suggest using our new Big Good Wool held double to match the gauge of Lanecardate Feltro. It is always a good idea to knit a gauge swatch when substituting a different yarn, but it should knit up to the correct gauge for this scarf so you won’t have to make any adjustments!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi – the result looks like the brioche stitch. Is it? Thanks
Hello Nancy,
This is a great observation! This stitch is called a Fisherman’s Rib and is very similar to a Brioche stitch.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I am a bit confused-the original post says to use Size 8 needles, but when I view the pattern it says size 13. Is the size 13 only if you use the big wool that you sell?
Hi Phyllis,
Thanks for reaching out! For the Big Good Wool version of our Seafaring Scarf, we used a single strand of Big Good Wool on a US 8 needle for a smaller gauge, but still cast on the same number of stitches and otherwise followed the pattern above, resulting in a narrower scarf.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
I am still not clear. If I use a size 8 needles, what weight yarn do I use if I am not using the Big Good Wool, and do I follow the pattern as is or do I have to make some adjustments? Thank you!
Hi Phyllis,
I apologize for the confusion! Big Good Wool is a bulky or chunky weight yarn, and other than using US 8 needles, you do not have to make any adjustments to the pattern.
Best,
Julianna
what other yarn could be used in this scarf, it needs to be washable he will be wearing it for outdoor work in Colorado near Boulder
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for writing in! Madelinetosh Tosh Merino, Anzula For Better or Worsted, and Manos del Uruguay Serpentina are all wonderful washable wools that you could use for the Big Good Wool version of our Seafaring Scarf!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
I would like to confirm when k1b, it’s always on a knit stitch and not a purl stitch, correct? The Seafaring Scarf instructions seem to start k1b on purl stitches.
Hello Susan,
Thank you for reaching out! k1b stands for “knit 1 below” so you will be knit the stitch below. In the Seafaring Scarf the stitch below that you are knitting into is also a knit stitch. The reverse of a knit stitch is a purl stitch so when you purl a stitch and then turn your work it will be a knit stitch on the other side.
I hope this clears things up for you, but if not just let us know!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
With the fisherman’s scarf. The second row starts the kib. This is confusing to me. Do you have any suggestions to enlighten me. When you are a few inches in it makes sense but on the second row it is confusing I must be missing something or perhaps I need sleep. .
Hello Liane,
Thank you for reaching out! For this project you will need to do a long tail cast on. You should be able to knit below with a long tail cast on. If your stitches are still causing you grief I would just knit one foundational row of K1, P1 rib before beginning your pattern.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Love the scarf and I’m almost done with mine! Would you kindly suggest a hat pattern to use the extra skein I bought in the store?
I couldn’t resist buying extra of the big WOOL ?
Hi Claudia,
Thanks for reaching out, and I’m happy to hear that your scarf is such a success! I would try knitting our Snow Day Hat using Big Good Wool held double, or possibly triple. It is just a bit thinner than Super Soft Merino, so you will definitely need to check your gauge, but it should match the Seafaring Scarf nicely!
Best,
Julianna
I would like to knit Fisherman’s rib scarf , new to knitting ? I was advised to use 14 ply wool with 9 mm needles from my local wool shop , are these suitable ? I tried but my knitting is loose , hence holey appearance .
Would appreciate your help please
Look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Dunlop
Hi Sue!
Everyone’s gauge is a bit different, so sometimes you’ll need to adjust your needle size to work with your chosen yarn. The Fisherman’s Rib stitch is also a bit more open than some other stitch patterns, so if you’re finding your swatch to be too loose, try using a smaller needle to get a fabric that looks good to you!
Happy Knitting!
Cassandra
What type of cast on should I use to match the bind off?
Hi Clara,
Thanks for asking about this! We used a long-tail cast on for this scarf project.
Happy Knitting!
Cassandra
Hello,
I am in Scotland and have some shetland wool (the croft, west yorkshire spinners aran)
What size of cast on would you suggest for this aran weight wool with 5mm pins?
Thank you in advance
Julie
Hi Julie,
Thanks for reaching out! That sounds very similar to our Big Good Wool! Fortunately we adjusted this pattern to accommodate this yarn, you can find the pattern here! We use a US 8 (5mm) needle and cast on 31 stitches!
All the best,
Gianna
Fab! thanks Gianna 😊
Hi – I’m curious, was this the pattern used for the scarf in the Apple Mini Ad with Tierra Whack?
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for reaching out! This isn’t the scarf in the one in the ad but it definitely looks similar! I would assume that the scarf in the add is also a Fisherman’s Rib stitch or some variation of brioche!
All the best,
Gianna
Thanks for the reply and the great pattern!
I love this pattern, but I prefer how the Lanecardate Feltro made the scarf look a bit fuzzy and softer, rather than the neater look of the Big Good Wool. I’d also really like a yarn with more color options. Is there another yarn you might recommend to get a softer/chunkier look? And if so, what adjustments might I need to make in terms of pattern or needle size?
Thank you in advance!
Hi Sarala,
Thanks for reaching out! I would recommend using our Super Soft Merino, it is a wonderfully soft and fuzzy yarn and comes in a beautiful selection of colors! You can follow the original Seafaring Scarf pattern using a US 13 circular or straight needles! I do recommend working a gauge swatch prior to starting to insure you are consistent with the pattern!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Thank you so much for your beautiful patterns! I made my entire family Snow Day hats from the super soft merino for Christmas this year and they all absolutely love them!! I’m hoping to make matching scarves for next Christmas. This pattern looks like it would work well! If I double the yarn as with the Snow Day hat pattern, would I need to change the needle gauge and then swatch? Also, how many skeins do you think I would need? Thanks so much!
Hi Sarah-Anne,
Thanks for reaching out! You can absolutely use Super Soft Merino doubled for this scarf pattern. You’ll just need to change the number of stitches you cast on so that it comes to the correct dimensions.
To figure out your cast-on number, you will want to first knit a gauge swatch in pattern with the needles you’re planning to use. Once you know how many stitches you are getting per inch, you can multiply that number by the width (15 inches) and cast on the nearest odd number. Then you can follow the pattern as written!
And you would need the same yardage as listed in the pattern, so you would need 8 skeins of Super Soft Merino, since that yarn has less yardage per skein than the original yarn this pattern was designed in. Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Thank you so much! I’m looking forward to getting started. To clarify, if I double the yarn, one strand each of two colors, would I need 4 skeins of each color? Or 8 of each color? Thanks again!
Hi Sarah-Anne,
Thanks for your question! You would need 4 skeins of each color of Super Soft Merino for a total of 8 skeins. This is because doubling Super Soft Merino for this pattern would create yarn that is thicker than the Lanecardate Feltro held single, and to adjust for that you would need to do a swatch and cast on less stitches.
Hope this helps!
All the best,
Cat
Thanks so much!! I really appreciate all of your help!
Bonjour où et comment peut-on se procurer cette magnifique laine ? j’habite en France. Et combien vaut-elle ?
Cordialement colette
Hi Colette,
Thanks for writing in! Unfortunately, this yarn has been discontinued, but in its place, I would recommend using our Super Soft Merino yarn!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
How long does it take you to make this scarf?
Hi Theresa,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately, it is hard to estimate how long it will take someone to knit since everyone is different and there are many variables that come into play, like the style of knitting you use, your personal knitting speed, and how long you spend working!
However, I can say that this is very chunky yarn and a pretty large needle so you can likely knit this up pretty quickly!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
I’m interested in knitting this scarf. What yarn would you recommend since Big Good Wool has been discontinued? Also how many skeins of yarn would I need? Thank you.
Hi Lauren,
Thanks for reaching out! Instead of Big Good Wool, I’d suggest using either our Super Soft Merino or Brooklyn Tweed’s Quarry for this scarf! Both are similar in gauge to Big Good Wool, though I would recommend working up a gauge swatch before you begin your project to ensure that you’re using the appropriate needle size to get the gauge called for in the pattern! We have a great tutorial called All About Gauge that you can check out if you need some help with finding your gauge!
I hope this helps, and please let us know if you have any other questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
When using the Super Soft Merino, will the scarf still be 15″ wide? How many skeins of SSM do I need to make the scarf?
Hi Dawn,
Thanks for reaching out! For this scarf, 650 yards are required and each skein of Super Soft Merino is 87 yards, so you will need 8 skeins! You will want to start off by working a gauge swatch to ensure your gauge is consistent with the pattern or if you will need to make any adjustments to your cast on to maintain the 15″ wide width!
I hope this helps!
Gianna
I am totally flummoxed this doesn’t seem beginnerish to me and I used a dark bulky wool and can’t see the kb1 after row 1!
🙁
Hi Nora,
Ah, you’ve encountered the greatest struggle of knitting with a dark color of yarn! It is certainly difficult to see your stitches when using a yarn like this, and I would recommend moving to as well-lit a space as possible. The extra brightness should help illuminate each stitch and make it easier to see where to work the k1b. I hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
I purchased some Good Wool, not Big Good Wool, a couple of years ago and now I would like to make the Seafarer’s scarf. Could I double the Good Wool to achieve the right gauge or would doubling it distort the k1b stitch? Thank you.
Hi Eileen,
Thanks for your question! I’m afraid doubling Good Wool would not be thick enough to match with Big Good Wool, which was a bulky weight yarn. In place of Big Good Wool, I’d suggest either Super Soft Merino or Brooklyn Tweed’s Quarry! Both are quite similar in gauge to Big Good Wool but I would recommend doing up a gauge swatch to make sure you’re consistent with the pattern! We have a tutorial called All About Gauge on that if you’re interested in more information.
I hope this helps! Let us know if you have any other questions!
All the best,
Cat
Hi! I am hoping to knit this scarf using a non-wool-based material that is just as soft and luscious as the scarf is shown, since my mom is allergic to wool. Do you have any recommendations? Thanks!
Hi Nicole,
Thanks for your question! Unfortunately, at the moment, we don’t have a non-wool or animal fiber-based super bulky weight yarn. We’re very sorry for the inconvenience! I would suggest searching online for plant-based or hypoallergenic yarns, like cotton yarns. Separately, cashmere might also be worth looking into because it’s much softer than wool and lacks the lanolin component that’s present in wool yarns, which most people who experience wool allergies find to be irritating to the skin. I hope this helps!
All the best,
Cat
Don’t see any video?
Hi Joyce!
Thank you for your question, and thank you for bringing this to our attention! While we edit this post to reflect the video tutorial, you can find our working into the stitch below tutorial here! You can also take a look at the Fisherman’s Rib Scarf pattern for a photo tutorial of how to knit into the stitch below.
I apologize for the inconvenience and thank you again for pointing this out to us!
All the best,
Margaret
I lost track of if I’m on an even number row or an odd and I don’t have a park stitch until loop #4! Any suggestions on which row (odd or even) I should knit to help fix this?
Hi Alexandra!
Thank you for your question, though I’m sorry to hear you aren’t sure which row comes next! The easiest way to tell whether you are on a right or wrong side row is if your second column of stitches looks like V-shaped stitches, then you are on an even row! This row should be the row of stitches in which you are knitting into the stitch below, too. In addition, adding a removable stitch marker anywhere on the right side of your project will help you keep track of your work, so that you know when the marker is facing you, you’re on a right-side, even-numbered row!
If you would like some extra help with this, please feel free to send a photo of your work so far to customerservice@purlsoho.com!
All the best,
Margaret