Speckled Scarf
In the world of mosaic knitting, the stitch pattern we chose for our Speckled Scarf is typically used as a calming background to offset more elaborate motifs. But we think, all by itself, this pattern has its own grace and beauty.
And it’s easy, too! Without ever having to handle more than one strand of yarn at a time, a simple combination of slip stitches emerges as a striking and textured fabric. In our beautiful Linen Quill, it is as warm, light, and gorgeous as a speckled feather!
Yarn lovers, if you adore the yarn used in this project, you’ll love exploring all of our other yarn collections! Discover over 45 thoughtfully designed yarns in nearly every natural fiber and in every spectacular color you can imagine. Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn store, where every skein is created with care and your creativity in mind!
If you’re new to color work or if you’d just like to take a fresh look at slip stitch patterns, start with our Speckled Scarf. It’s a super fun, and seriously beautiful, knit! –Kristy
UPDATE: NOW ALSO A WRAP IN LINEN QUILL + LINE WEIGHT
MARCH 2023
Adding even more depth and fascination to this textured fabric, we knit the Speckled Wrap using two of our fingering weight beauties: Linen Quill and Line Weight. Hearty wool-alpaca-linen Linen Quill and graceful 100% merino Line Weight: Together, they are light and warm, textured and soft. High contrast or low, bright or subdued, pick up a Speckled Wrap Bundle (no longer available) to knit your own swath of speckly beauty!
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Kristina McGowan. Click here to see even more of Kristina’s designs!
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoSpeckledScarf, and #PurlSohoLinenQuill. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
NOTE: Due to a miscalculation, we originally recommended 2 skeins of Color A for this project when 1 skein should be just enough. We used nearly every yard to make our Scarf. To avoid running short, please reuse your swatch yarn, double check your gauge, and be conservative with tails!
- Color A: 1 skein of Purl Soho’s Linen Quill, 50% fine highland wool, 35% alpaca, and 15% linen. Each skein of this fingering weight yarn is 439 yards; approximately 439 yards required. We used Kettle Black.
- Color B: 1 skein of Purl Soho’s Linen Quill. Each skein is 439 yards; approximately 305 yards required. We used Pale Oats.
- US 3 (3.25mm) knitting needles, straight or circular
We think this color combination looks nice, too!
- Color A: Heirloom White
- Color B: Stillwater Blue
Gauge
30 stitches = 4 inches in stitch pattern
Size
Finished Measurements: 8 inches wide x 70 inches long
Notes
On all right side rows, slip all of the slipped stitches with yarn in back.
On all wrong side rows, slip all of the slipped stitches with yarn in front.
Pattern
With Color A, cast on 59 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Row 1 (wrong side): With Color A, knit.
Row 2 (right side): With Color B, k1, *slip 1, k1, repeat from * to end of row. [See Notes, above, for slipping instructions.]
Row 3 (wrong side): With Color B, k1, *slip 1, knit 1, repeat from * to end of row.
Row 4 (right side): With Color A, knit.
Repeat Rows 1-4 until your scarf measures 70 inches from cast-on edge, ending with Row 4.
With Color A, bind off all stitches knitwise.
Weave in the ends, block as desired, and you’re done!
Learn About Linen Quill + All Our Beautiful Yarns
We designed this project to highlight the uniquely beautiful qualities of our Linen Quill, a wonderful fingering-weight yarn that is a blend of 50% wool, 35% alpaca, and 15% linen. It feels amazing in your hands, and in 70 jaw-droppingly gorgeous colors, Linen Quill is the candy store of yarn! Want to play with lots of those amazing colors? Check out our Linen Quill Minis, available in 40- and 20- color bundles!
More Free Knitting Patterns
- Be sure to explore our vast collection of (mostly free!) Linen Quill knitting patterns and cast on!
More Fingering-Weight Yarns
- Shop our entire collection of fingering-weight yarns
- If you want to use a different yarn, be sure to take the time to get the correct gauge. Need help? Check our All About Gauge Tutorial!
More Yarns With Similar Fibers
- Shop wool yarn
- Shop alpaca yarn
- Shop linen yarn
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!
Thanks so much for the pdf version…very helpful. This is a beautiful scarf.
How did you get the PDF version?
Where’s the PDF version?
Hi Kristine and Kenn,
When you click on the “print” link (on the top right corner of the pattern just under the “Save to Favorites” tab) it will give you the option to “print,” “pdf” or “email” the pattern. If you click on “pdf” you will be able to download the file. I hope this helps and please let us know if you have any further questions!
Best,
Kristy
present for mum sorted – any advise on other colour combos? I really like that lavender opal, but not sure on a contrast colour.
Hello, Sarah!
Thank you for writing in! The Lavender Opal would be beautiful in this scarf! For some drama you could pair it with the Kettle Black or for something more subdued you can pair it with the Heirloom White. The Lavender Opal paired with Pale Oats is also a lovely combination! What do you think? Please let us know!
Best,
Kumeko
Hi Sarah,
The Lavender Opal would be a beautiful choice and, depending on whether you wanted to go lighter or darker with your second color, Trout Brown, Heirloom White or Stillwater Blue would also be lovely choices. I hope this helps! Thanks for writing in!
Kristy
The kiln red, with the yellow would be great too.
I’m working on this scarf right now, using the lavender opal, I paired it with the stillwater blue. One skein of the lavender opal, two of the stillwater blue. Looks really nice together.
Beautiful scarf, willl make this one. thank you for the pattern
Would you please give me your opinion on the colour combination of Kettle Black and Tumeric? Beautiful scarf. Thanks.
Hi Sylvia,
The combination would be striking! The Tumeric is a vibrant, rich shade and would pair beautifully with the Kettle Black! I hope this helps and thanks for writing!
Kristy
I’m new to knitting; how do you switch colors easily between rows?
Hi Dolores,
It’s a great question! When joining the second color of yarn for this scarf (Color B), you will begin at the start of a row, leaving Color A hanging in place, and will simply pick up and attach Color B (leaving a tail that’s at least 6 inches long) and begin knitting with Color B. You will work 2 rows with Color B and will then be ready to work again with Color A, which you will pick up and use to work the next two rows. A video clip that might provide a useful visual in how to attach a new color can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjMcVXXf9ss. I hope this helps! Please let us know if you have any further questions, and thanks for writing!
Kristy
Gorgeous scarf! One question: are we slipping stitches knitwise or purlwise?
Hi Victoria!
The stitches are slipped purlwise! Thanks for asking!
Kristy
Do you slip the stitches knit wise or purl wise?
Hi Kerri,
You’ll slip the stitches purlwise! Thanks for writing and for the chance it gives us to clarify!
Kristy
Im new to knitting. Do you purlwise on both the right side and wrong side? The scarf is beautiful!!
Hi Tanya,
Thanks for writing! On all right side rows, you will slip all of the slipped stitches with your yarn held in back. On all wrong side rows, you’ll slip all of the slipped stitches with yarn in front. I hope this helps! Please let us know if you have any further questions!
Kristy
Lovely, lovely, lovely scarf! Could it be adapted to knit in the round for a cowl?
Hi Ellen,
The pattern would not be hard to use for a cowl! You would just cast an even number of stitches onto your circular or double pointed needles and, making sure to always hold your working yarn in back when slipping your stitches, work as follows:
Round 1: With Color A, purl.
Round 2: With Color B, *k1, slip 1 wyib, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 3: With Color B, *p1, slip 1 wyib, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 4: With Color A, knit.
You could work until your desired length and then bind off on Round 1. I hope this helps and please let us know if you have any further questions! Thanks for writing!
Kristy
Thank you Kristy!
Thanks for asking my question for me, and for the answer! I am making this as a scarf, with your line weight yarn and it’s gorgeous (pale grey and pale green, which is very subtle and reminds me of lichen on stone). But I was thinking as I worked that a cowl would be lovely, and I’m glad I’m not alone! Thanks for the pattern adaptation.
I am allergic to wool. Is there a comparable yarn that would work with this pattern?
Hi Linda,
Karin Oberg’s Kalinka Linen (https://www.purlsoho.com/yarn/knitting-crochet/kalinka.html) is 100% linen and would be a beautiful non-wool alternative for this scarf, also using the same needle size 3. I hope this helps and please let us know if you have any further questions!
Kristy
Thanks!
Hi
How do I download the pdf please? Vijeya
Hello, Vijeya!
a desktop version of the site, you will find a “print” icon in the right column just below the date and tags. If you’re on a mobile version of the site, you will find a “print” icon below the pattern and above the comments.
Follow the easy on-screen instructions to delete whichever parts of the pattern you don’t want to print or save. For example, you may decide to shorten the pattern by omitting certain images or the list of materials.
Best,
Kumeko
How would the denim grey (main) look with the kiln red (contrast)?
Hi Megan,
That color combination sounds great! The Kiln Red would be beautiful with the Denim Gray!
Thanks for writing!
Kristy
Simply gorgeous! I can’t wait to try some sophisticated greys and neutrals for a man friend. Thanks also for the you tube video…I was also wondering how to carry up the yarns neatly and this really explains it well. 🙂
What a beautiful scarf! Would the pattern easily scale up for more stitches, so long as one kept an odd number (as with the pattern’s original 59 stitches)? Thanks!
Hi Lindsay,
Yes! That’s exactly right, the pattern is very easy to adjust and to add width, you would just need to add more stitches, keeping an odd number.
Thanks for writing!
Kristy
I would like to do this scarf in Baylor Gold and Baylor Green. I do see tumeric which will work for the gold, what would you suggest for the green? I don’t see a green choice in this yarn. Thanks
Hi Ruth!
The Tumeric would be beautiful for the Baylor Gold! For the Green, although there is no green shade in the Linen Quill, you might try using our Line Weight (https://www.purlsoho.com/line-weight.html) in Moody Green. The yarn is of course a different type (100% Merino wool) but it pairs really well with the Linen Quill and would provide the colors you need. Just a thought! Good luck and please let us know if you have any further questions!
Best,
Kristy
How much of the second skein of color a did you end up using for the entire project?
Hi Amy,
We used 23 grams (100 yards) of Color A to make our sample. I hope this helps! Please let us know if you have any further questions!
Best,
Kristy
Maybe this is a silly question, but do the different yarn colours get carried along the side or did you cut the yarn each time for every colour change? It’s a beautiful pattern but weaving in all those ends sounds like a nightmare.
Hi Anneke,
It’s not a silly question! You will carry the yarn along the side of the scarf and will not have to weave in all of those ends! There will only be a few ends to weave in when you’re finished. I hope this helps clarify! Thanks for writing!
Kristy
Thank you for this beautiful slip stitch classic scarf!. Once again you have provided a stunning pattern that will be a joy to knit many times!
Julie
There are two different color ways mentioned in the pattern – black with oats and denim grey with vintage white. Which combination is reflected in the photos?
Thanks,
Diana
Apologies! I see that the 2 black/1 oat combo is reflected in the finished scarf photos, while the 2 white/ 1 blue combo is shown as a small sample. Thank you for both, as the decision to emphasize the dark over the light or vice versa makes a big difference.
Diana
I’m wondering if the kiln red and numeric would go well together. Opinions? Also, how many skeins would I need of each color to make a 12″ width scarf?
Hi Kyle,
Thanks for writing! The unique color combinations with Linen Quill are somewhat endless and the Kiln Red and Turmeric would be particularly vibrant! For a 12″ width you will likely still only need 2 skeins of Color A and 1 skein of Color B. I hope this helps and please let us know if you have any further questions!
Kristy
when you carry the yarn up the side, what do you do with it when you are through the scarf?
Hi Carolyn,
You will be binding off your stitches in Color A, and will simply cut both Colors A & B when you are done with the scarf and weave the ends of both in to finish. I know it can be confusing, but I hope that this helps clarify. Please let us know if you have any further questions! Thanks for writing with this one!
Kristy
Beautiful scarf! I would like to use the Kalinka yarn. Would the Hostanemon work with the Syren or should I use the Vit? It’s hard to tell from the photos of the yarn. Also would I need to purchase an extra skein of Color A?
Thanks,
Margene
Hi Margene,
It’s truly a matter of your personal preference, but the Vit might work slightly better with the Hostanemon than the Syren in this particular stitch pattern only because a higher contrast in the colors seems to read a bit better. But both combinations would definitely work! And two skeins of Color A and one skein of Color B should be all that you need. I hope this helps! Please let us know if you have any further questions and thanks for writing with this one!
Kristy
I love the classic look of this scarf and simple style – even a novice knitter like myself could tackle, thank you for sharing this! Love the yarn used as well, I bet it is soooo soft to your skin!
This is a beautiful project. Thank you for the inspiration. I have only ever purchased yarn in a yarn shop and am wondering if you provide yarn in hanks or wind the yarn into a ball before shipping it.
Hi Laura,
Thanks for writing! When ordering our yarn, we would be glad to send it to you either in the skein or wound (you would just make a note when placing your order that you would like it wound!). If you choose to have the yarn wound, the only difference is that the sale would be final & wound yarn can’t be returned or exchanged. I hope this helps, and please let us know if you have any further questions!
Best,
Kristy
Just to clarify–when you are knitting row 3, you will be slipping the same stitches that you slipped on row 2?
Hi Diana,
That’s exactly right! When knitting Row 3, you’ll slip the same stitches that were slipped in Row 2, holding your working yarn in front as you slip the stitches. Thanks for writing!
Kristy
Beautiful scarf-would a man wear this? if so what color-thinking of making it for my doctor-also would the yarn be manly enough? On enough question by Kristina on changing colors you mentioned dropping first color and leaving a 6″ piece of yarn and continue-I am at loss what that meant-I know how to carry yarn up the side so this threw me off-thank you-CD
Hi Carol,
We think that the scarf would be great for a man, and the yarn is definitely manly enough (a beautiful highland wool, linen and alpaca blend). The Kettle Black and Pale Oats would be a lovely combination! Pale Mushroom, Gray Denim, Stillwater Blue and Trout Brown are also beautiful paired with Pale Oats. We would love to hear what you end up choosing!
To clarify the response to an earlier comment, when first joining Color B on your first Row 2, you will join your yarn and typically have a six inch or so tail of Color B when joining the yarn to start. You’ll carry the yarn up the side of your work in subsequent rows as you mention, and the 6″ piece of yarn refers only to your first Row 2. I hope this helps clarify! Please let us know if you have further questions! Thanks for writing!
Best,
Kristy
This scarf looks beautiful and will be my first attempt at using 2 colors.
I have two queries:
I’d prefer to use a thicker wool, say Aran weight – using larger needles. Please can you advise me on how many stitches to cast-on, to achieve an 8 inch width?
Also, can you explain why the scarf uses 2 skeins of color A & only 1 skein of color B, if the 4 row pattern is 2 of A & 2 of B?
Many thanks in advance.
Best wishes,
Ros
Hi Ros,
The best way to figure out how many stitches you’ll need to cast on to achieve an 8-inch width in the yarn you’ll be using is to work up a small swatch of the pattern and see how many stitches you are getting per inch. You can cast on, say 13 stitches, and work the pattern for a few inches and then measure the swatch. You’ll then multiply the number of stitches you are getting per inch by 8 (the width you’d like) and adjust that number to make sure that it is an odd one. For our sample, we found that we needed more of Color A than Color B to work the pattern. Although intuitively it may seem that you’d use equal amounts of Color A and B, we found that this was not the case. I hope that this helps clarify! Please let us know if you have any further questions! Thanks for writing in!
Kristy
Many thanks, Kristy, for your helpful reply. I’ll get started!
Best wishes, Ros
I have a friend who loves brown & tan colors. What yarn colors would you combine to make a mostly tan/brown scarf?
Thanks so much for your expertise & judgment here.
Hi Jacquie,
Thanks for writing us! We do not have any true brown options in Purl Soho yarn, but Anzula Squishy has a few options. I recommend the colors Shiitake and Seaside. They will be beautiful in this scarf.
Best,
Adam
Thank you for a lovely pattern! Can I used worsted? If so, how do I adjust the stitch number? Thanks.
Anne
Hi Anne,
Thanks for writing in. You can certainly use a worsted weight wool. To adjust the cast on amount you will need to do a small swatch of the stitch pattern with the yarn you intend to use. Get the stitches per inch and multiply that by 8 since the finished width should equal about 8″. It only takes a bit of planning ahead, but it’s worth it!
Best,
Adam
Can I ask, how much in yards did you use for each colour?
Thanks
Hi Momina,
You’ll need approximately 539 yards of Color A and 277 yards of Color B. I hope this helps! Thanks for writing!
Kristy
Hi there I want to knit this scarf but the yarn has sold out. Can you advise another yarn please?
Thanks
Caroline
Hello Caroline,
Thanks for writing us! I’ve seen a few customers making this scarf in some different yarns and it looks great! Purl Soho Line Weight is a great option for this pattern, but I’ve also seen Kalinka 21 used which is a blend of linen and wool. The latter is textural, yet soft and it’s one of my favorites! Best of luck knitting this lovely pattern!
-Adam
Hi,
I would like to make this scarf approx. 10 inch wide. What would be the number of stitches that I need to cast on?
Thanks,
Hui Li
Hi Hui Li,
With a gauge of 7.5 stitches to the inch, you should be able to cast on 75 stitches in order to make the scarf 10 inches wide.
I hope that this helps! Please let us know if you have any further questions! Good luck and thanks for writing in!
Kristy
What would you say would be an average knit time on this? I’d like to make it for a friend as a present, but I’m afraid of not having it done by her birthday.
Hi April,
It took us about 40 hours to make the sample, if that helps at all! Good luck and thanks for writing in!
Kristy
Hi- Is there a particular type of cast-on that you recommend for this scarf? Thanks!
Hello Stephanie,
Thanks for writing us! A long tail cast on will do just fine!
Best,
Adam
Confused about slip stitches.
Row 2 slip wyib,
Row 3 slip wyif?
Is this right?
Hi Jane!
You’ve got it absolutely right! On all right side rows, you will slip all of the slipped stitches with your yarn in back. On all wrong side rows, you will slip all of the slipped stitches with your yarn in front. I hope this helps! Please let us know if you have any further questions! Good luck with the scarf and thanks for writing!
Kristy
I don’t know if I’m just not understanding this correctly, but do you ever slide all of the stitches over to the other side of the needle? If not, why is the circular or straight needle necessary? I think I’m getting confused about the right side versus the wrong side and if I’m sliding all of the stitches or not. Help!
Hi Jessica,
Thanks for writing! For this project, you can choose to use either circular needles or straight ones (both will work!). You will be working back and forth in rows, and will not have to slide your stitches to the other side. You will simply turn your work for each row. One way to help keep track of your right and wrong sides would be to attach a small stitch marker to the right side (which will begin on Row 2). Once you work an inch or so in the pattern it’ll be easier for you to tell right and wrong, but at the beginning especially, a stitch marker can help! Please let us know if you have any other questions or if any of this is unclear!
Kristy
Thank you! One more question. I’ve seen it written that all slipped stitches are slipped purlwise. So the only thing that switches from row to row is where my yarn is located (back vs. front) as I’m slipping? Sorry if that phrasing is confusing!
Hi Jessica!
Not at all confusing and you’re entirely correct: On all right side rows, you will slip all of the slipped stitches with your yarn held in back, and on all of the wrong side rows, you will slip all of the slipped stitches with your yarn held in front. Best of luck with the scarf and please let us know if you have any further questions along the way! Thanks for writing!
Kristy
hello!
i love the pattern and have knit 40 rows so far but i have one edge that looks pretty sloppy. do you have any advice on how to knit this pattern and keep the row edges neat and tidy?
thank you!
Hi Lauren,
Thanks for writing in and sorry to hear of the difficulty that you are having! I find that the best way to keep tidy edges on this lovely scarf is to be sure to pull even tension at the beginning of each row. I think that you will find that after you do this for a couple of rows, it will start to become second nature and you should get a tidier edge.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I’m thinking of making this for my brother (who is a musician) in the kettle black and pale oats colors.
Is this yarn good for winter months and us it washable?
Thank you for such a pretty scarf!
Hi Annette,
Thanks for writing in! This is a great scarf for winter! It is physically light while being warm and stylish at the same time. The washing instructions for our Linen Quill are to hand wash the item. We would not suggest machine washing for this yarn. To hand wash the item, fill a basin with tepid water and a squirt of a leave in wool wash like Soak. Submerge the item fully and leave it for at leave for at least 15 minutes. Remove the item from the basin and gently squeeze out the water being careful not to wring or twist the item. Then lay the item on a dry towel to dry.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
I’m mid-way through this scarf right now, using Pale Oats and Stillwater Blue. Thought it would be for me but my adult son loves it so it may be a sneaky Christmas present for him. It’s a beautiful pattern and has a wonderful, soft drape. I’m sure I’ll make another. Love the Linen Quill!
I also want to thank Purl Soho for the lovely personal touches they add when shipping……my orders feel like personal gifts!
Hi Shelia,
Thank you so much for your kind words! We are so glad that the pattern is coming out well. We appreciate your words more than you know!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Can I use size 4 needle instead? Will that make a big difference?
Thank you.
Hi Amy,
Thanks for the question! I think you could use a size 4 for this pattern. However, if you find that your gauge is a little loose, it might be best to go down to a size 3. I’d do a small swatch on a size 4 and see how you like the stitch definition. Best of luck!
-Adam
I am planning this project soon and before I buy yarn I have one question. It seems that color B is worked more than color A: 2 rows of B to one row of A. However, the yarn shows 2 kettle black and one of oat. Yet you also mention that the scarf looks nice in color A: Heirloom White and Color B: Stillwater Blue. This calls for two of the white (color A) and one of the blue (color B) which is the opposite of kettle black and oat. Not being an exceptional knitter (more for fun and relaxation) could you clarify. Thank you!
Hi Eileen,
Thanks for writing in! This lovely scarf is worked over a 4 row repeat and 2 of those rows use color A and 2 rows use color B. The rows that use color B utilize slipped stitches and therefore take up far less yarn than the color A rows that are all knit. I hope that this clarifies this!
The alternate color way is reversed. We just liked the look of it! You can certainly use the Stillwater Blue as the color A if you like the look better or make up an alternate color combination that works for you with any of the lovely colors of Linen Quill!
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
I would like to make this scarf with the linen, https://www.purlsoho.com/yarn/knitting-crochet/kalinka.html – how many skeins do I need to order of each color? Beautiful pattern, I have just made it in alpaca wool and it is fantastic! Thank you.
Hi Gillian,
Thanks for writing in! Kalinka would be a lovely choice. You will need 2 skeins of color A and 1 skein of color B to make this lovely scarf.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Thank you! I received the linen in record time and am half way through the scarf and it looks wonderful.
Thank you for such a simple yet sophisticated pattern! I’d like to knit this with Rose Granite, and am wondering if Trout Brown would go well with that? While I’d love a combination of the hushed, dusty pink with an earthy brown, I’m hesitating because on my screen the Trout Brown comes across as a very cool color, almost bluish in places. Hopefully that’s just my screen, and it is indeed a true grey-brown?
Or, I suppose I could go with Line Weight in Rose Granite with Grey Fig, which seems like a warmer brown? Would you recommend one (Trout Brown or Grey Fig) over the other? Thank you!
Hi Anjor,
Thanks for writing in! For what you are going for, I would recommend the Gray Fig with the Rose Granite. These colors look lovely together. The Trout Brown does have a cool cast and I think that Rose Granite and Gray Fig are a lovely combination!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
This question is for Kristina.
Kristina, You commented in an earlier post that one might use linen quill yarn with line weight yarn to make a speckled scarf. This was in your April 15,2016 post re: a Baylor green and gold scarf. I am considering kettle black linen quill with line weight ginger orange as secondary speckle. Will the difference in yarn type and/or weight (gauge) between these 2 yarns be a problem? Thanks so much.
Hi Jacquie,
Thanks for writing in! Both Linen Quill and Line Weight knit up in similar gauges. We have used them together in a project before (the Tiny Stripes Hat) and they work perfectly together! Using them both in the scarf will require no alterations to the pattern and should be lovely!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi! I’m thinking about knitting this scarf using Alpaca Pure (needle size #7-8). Would it be too bulky?
And how many skeins of each color will I need, if I can use Alpaca Pure?
Hi Izumi,
Thanks for writing back! Once you figure out your cast on number, you will probably need 4 skeins of color A and 2 skeins of color B. Please note that this is an estimate and you may need more. As we have not knit this in such a bulky yarn, I cannot be more precise.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi Izumi,
Thanks for writing in! Alpaca Pure is quite a bit heavier than the Linen Quill we used here. Linen Quill is a fingering weight and Alpaca Pure is worsted weight. You can alter the pattern to work with Alpaca Pure. The pattern is worked over an odd number of stitches so any odd number cast on will work. To determine your cast on number, you will need to knit a gauge swatch in pattern to determine how many stitches you are getting per inch. Once you know the number of stitches per inch, you will multiply it by 8 inches wide to get your cast on number. So long as your number is odd, you will be good to go.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Thank you so much!! I have 4 Alpaca Pure skeins of black green and 3 skeins of light grey (hopefully they will just be enough), so have been looking for a pattern that I can knit a bi-colored scarf! This pattern seems perfect (except for the yarn weight). Hopefully the worsted yarn won’t make the finished scarf too thick.
Is there any way to convert into a blanket pattern?
Hi Heather,
Yes! The pattern is very easy to adjust and to add width, you would just need to add more stitches, keeping an odd number. Just keep in mind the gauge (30 stitches = 4 inches in stitch pattern), decide on a width and cast on the nearest number of stitches that is an odd number and you will be good to go. For instance, if you wanted to knit a 30 x 30 inch blanket, you would cast on 225 stitches (7.5 stitches per inch x 30 inches = 225 stitches). For a blanket of this size, you would need roughly 3 skeins of color A and 2 skeins of color B.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I was just given two skeins of Linen Quill – one skein of Oatmeal Gray and one of Lavender Opal. Could I use these two shades with this pattern? While I know a lot of it may be personal preference, I’d appreciate your guidance. Also, if these two shades do work together, which would you suggest as color A and B? I’ll need to order a second skein. Many thanks. Eileen
Hello Eileen,
Thanks for writing us! I think you should use the Lavender Opal for Color A and the Oatmeal for Color B. This would be the best in my opinion because the Lavender is a solid color. I think it’ll look very delicate and tasteful so you should definitely go for this color combo!
Best of luck,
Adam
Hello! This is a beautiful scarf, thank you so much for sharing! I would like to also knit a matching hat but am not sure about how to increase stitches across rows in this pattern to make it a bit larger after the rim. Do you have any recommendation? Many thanks!!
Hi Andrea,
Thanks for writing in! At present, we do not have a pattern for a hat using this stitch pattern. I think that using it for a hat, as an all over stitch pattern, could require a fair amount of trial and error to figure out how to best decrease and maintain the pattern. You could always use the stitch pattern as a band on a hat, however, you would also need to figure out the best way to convert the pattern to knit in the round as opposed to flat as seen here.
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Hello,
thanks for this great idea! I love it because I have two colors that I want to try with this pattern. My question is when you say the yarn is in front in row three, does it mean that we have to purl the stitch after the slip. Sorry, this is my first time with the slip stitches patterns. Sorry . Thanks a lot for your work and help. Keep going!!
Hello Isma,
Thank you for reaching out and your kind words! In row 3, after you slip your stitch with your yarn in front, you put your yarn in back to knit your stitch. I hope this clears things up and please let me know if you have any further questions!
Warmly,
Marilla
I am making this now, for a Christmas present. (I know, I’m knitting as fast as I can!) Am thinking about adding a tasseled fringe.Do you have any advice about how full to make the tassels? Thoughts about mixing the charcoal and oat on charcoal alone?
Many thanks for an enjoyable pattern.
Hi Linda,
I think the color combination would be great. On how full to make the tassels, it is really a matter of preference. I would make two tassels in two different thicknesses and see which one works best with the scarf.
I hope this helps,
Melissa
Why is the yardage different for the two colors? Why one skein of one one color and two of the other?
Hi Louise,
Thank you for writing in! For this lovely pattern, we used quite a bit less of the contrast color (color B) than the main color (color A). On rows using color B, you are slipping every other stitch and this uses far less yarn than a knit stitch would. In the end we used approximately 539 yards of Color A and 277 yards of Color B.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Just to clarify the slipping part: Always (both rows 2 and 3) slip purlwise. The yarn is in back on Row 2 and the yarn is in front on Row 3. Am I understanding this correctly? Thanks! So appreciate your patterns, yarn, and help!
Hi Carol,
Thanks for writing in! For this pattern, all stitches are slipped purlwise. On all right side rows, slip all of the slipped stitches with yarn in back and on all wrong side rows, slip all of the slipped stitches with yarn in front. No matter where your yarn is, you will be slipping purlwise!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I recently made this for my son in the Heirloom and Stillwater as suggested, and he loves it. He’d like a ribbed hat. Would this yarn work with your ribbed hat patterns, and would I need to change the needle size and gauge?
Thanks.
Hi Marcia,
Thanks for writing in! While we do not have a ribbed hat pattern written specifically for this yarn, it is interchangeable with our Line Weight. I think Linen Quill would be fantastic in either our Boyfriend Hat or Color Dipped Hat! You should always check your gauge just in case, but you shouldn’t have any problems getting the correct gauge for either of these patterns.
Good luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
Hello,
I made this scarf last year and I love it! Now I want to make one for my Dad, and I can’t find the link to the tutorial that explained the slipstitching with yarns in the back and front. I’m hoping you can direct me to the link, because I’m a little confused and would love to see someone demonstrating to clarify it for me.
Kind regards,
Ursula.
Hi Ursula,
Thanks for writing in and for the kind words! Unfortunately we don’t have a video tutorial for slipping stitches; however, just remember that in this pattern, all stitches are slipped purlwise. On all right side rows, slip all of the slipped stitches with yarn in back and on all wrong side rows, slip all of the slipped stitches with yarn in front. No matter where your yarn is, you will be slipping purlwise!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
This pattern is gorgeous! I would like to make it for my son (aged 30) who lives in Boston and I’m thinking of using a really soft yarn as he is super sensitive to itching. As beautiful as Linen Quill is, I’m thinking of an alternative. Could you suggest another yarn that comes in colouways similar to the dark version in your illustration i.e. something like charcoal and oats? I would love to call in to choose for myself in but I live in Sydney Australia.
Hi Deb,
Thanks for writing, and what a wonderful present! Our Line Weight is a good substitute for Linen Quill and is unbelievably soft. It does not come in the exact same shades as Linen Quill, but I think Heirloom White and either Fieldstone Gray or Tabby Gray would be lovely together.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Thank you so much, Julianna. Line Weight looks absolutely gorgeous! Deb
Hello!
I am planning on making this scarf, and substituting the Line Weight yarn for Linen Quill. Do you recommend buying the same amount of skeins as the pattern calls for?
Thank you!
Nicole
Hi Nicole,
Great question! Line Weight has a just a bit more yardage than Linen Quill, so you will need the same number of skeins, but could make your scarf a few inches longer if you would like!
Best,
Julianna
I like the look of slipping the first stitch of every row to create a neater edge. How would that work with this pattern?
Hi Elizabeth,
Thanks for writing in! I think it would work well to cast on two extra stitches to slip at the beginning and knit at the end of each row and work the pattern as written between the extra stitches!
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
I am swatching this in black and offwhite in a fingering weight Yarn. Could this be made successfully using a heavier Yarn?…DK or Worsted? If so, what needle size would be appropriate?
Anita
Hi Anita,
Thanks for writing in! I think this stitch pattern would look great and the color contrast would really pop in a heavier weight yarn! I would suggest knitting a gauge swatch in pattern using a needle either the size recommended on the yarn label on one size larger – this will both allow you to evaluate the fabric to see if you are happy with the needle and give you an opportunity to measure your stitches per inch so you can adjust the cast on of the scarf to suit your gauge!
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
Hey,
I love the pattern – and think I will make it this Christmas as a gift.
I would like to make it using 6 ply Jade Sapphire – do you have a rough guestimate on how many skeins I would need using the gauge on a US6 needle?
Thank you for your help!
Kindly
Kim
Hi Kim,
What a lovely idea! To use 6 ply cashmere and a US 6 needle, you will need to gauge up the pattern. To do so, you will want to knit a gauge swatch in pattern to help determine your cast on! This pattern will work over an odd number of stitches! We used about 2 times the amount of color A as we did color B. With that in mind and a scarf of the same size, I think that you will need 3 skeins of A and 2 skeins of B. This should allow you to get a scarf of roughly the same size!
Best,
Cassy
Hi, I’m new to colorwork and am wondering how to attach color B. I’ve made multiple failed attempts – the color B strand keeps falling off. I’ve read that you can knit the last stitch of the Color A row with Color B, as a double stitch. Does that mean that stitch would remain a double stitch for the entire pattern?
Also – I knit a practice swatch and ended up with color B and the tail end of color A on the right, and it was a knit with color A row. What am I doing wrong?
Thanks!
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for reaching out! When it is time to join Color B, you don’t need to do anything special – just start knitting the first stitch with Color B! After the first stitch, although it may feel a bit loose, it should be fairly secure and you can tighten up the loose stitch at the edge when you are weaving in your ends. Working one stitch with both yarns held together is a great way to join a new ball of the same color – for instance, when you run out of you first skein of Color A and need to join the second one – but I do not recommend it for joining a new color, since that stitch will not match the rest of the color pattern. If you decide to use that method for joining your second skein of Color A, you will treat the double stranded stitch as a single stitch on the following row, so you will only have one stitch with doubled yarn.
When you are working the stitch pattern, it is a four row repeat and you will be working two rows of each color, so your yarn should always be in the correct spot to change colors. Is it possible that you stopped after row 4 or skipped a row? I would suggest trying again and keeping a close eye on which row and color you are using!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
I’d like to make this scarf to wear with the Dappled Hat and Mittens Purl Soho pieces I’m also planning to make. Can I use Posy for this project instead of Linen Quill? If so, how many skeins should I buy and what adjustments are needed?
Thank you!!
Jewel
Hi Jewel,
Thanks for writing in! Yes, Posy would be a wonderful yarn to substitute for this pattern – since it is the same weight as Linen Quill, you can knit the pattern exactly as written! Even though it doesn’t have quite as much yardage as Linen Quill, you will still only need two skeins of Color A and one of Color B.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
HI, I love the look of this scarf and would like to make it for my son who requested a scarf in US Navy colors…navy blue and yellow gold, as he served in the Navy for 8 years. He would like a washable wool. Would you recommend this pattern and if so, what yarn would you suggest? Thank you, I appreciate your help.
Marian
Hi Marian,
Thanks for writing in! I think Tosh Merino Light in Candlewick and Thunderstorm would be lovely for this scarf and quite close to the colors you are looking for!
Best,
Julianna
I have two skeins of linen quill dark denim left over after making the end to end pullover. Thought that this scarf could be made with my left overs, but what color would you recommend to go with it? I love the yarn and the pullover worked out just great.
Hello Sue,
Thank you for reaching out. This is a great Idea! I think that Stonewall Gray or Gray Denim would both be lovely options.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi! I have two skeins of Stonewall Gray left, what would be nice colors to pair with it?
Hi Lotte,
Great question! Stonewall Gray is a very neutral gray, so you could choose almost any color to go with it! To stick with an overall neutral effect, you could use either Stillwater Blue or Heirloom White for Color B, depending on whether you want a dark or light colored scarf. You could also choose something brighter, like Dark Iris or Rhubarb Pink, for a pop of color!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
I’m so glad I found this pattern! I’m using it with ombre and gradient yarns plus a solid in a complementary shade and knitting the stitch pattern lengthwise so the effect creates a lengthwise woven look when completed. I’ve also worked out how to use this stitch pattern in the round for a cowl. It’s a super effective look using a simple knitting technique. I’m on my fourth project! (galeu on Ravelry)
Hi! Knew to knitting. Is the the first row after I cast on the 57 stitches and do you have a tutorial on how to add yarn B?
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for writing in, and I do hope you are enjoying learning to knit! The cast on does not count as the first row, so after casting on 57 stitches with Color A, you will then follow Row 1, which has you knit all 57 stitches in Color A. We don’t have a tutorial for joining a new color, unfortunately, but it’s quite easy! At the beginning of Row 2, you will simply start knitting with Color B by looping it over the right hand needle. The first stitch will look quite loose and loopy, but once the scarf is done, you can pull on the tail of the yarn to tighten things up before you weave in your ends.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hello,
I understand to slip each stick – however, you can slip them KNIT wise and I don’t know if that is the way it should be done… on some of the rows…
WHEN you have the WHITE yarn in back and you are knitting, do you slip the BLACK loop KNITWISE? (slip as if to knit)…
WHEN you have the WHITE yarn in front as you are knitting it seems that you DO want to slip the loop PEARLWISE.
Please let me know. I don’t want twisted stiches.
Thank you,
Jane
Please help!
Thank you,
Jane
Hi Jane,
Thanks for reaching out! On all right side rows, slip all of the slipped stitches purlwise with yarn in back. And on all wrong side rows, slip all of the slipped stitches knitwise with yarn in front.
I hope this helps!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi, do you think the Juniper Green with the Oatmeal Grey would also be a great match and have the same darkish overall look just more on the green side?
Thanks
Hi Ilias,
Thanks for writing in! I think Juniper Green and Oatmeal Gray would be a lovely combination! It should also have a similar contrast to the colors we chose since Juniper Green is much darker than Oatmeal Gray!
Please let us know how this turns out!
Gianna
I would like to make this scarf using a lightweight soft washable yarn. I need colors to go with a dark brown coat with a soft pale color faux fur trim on the hood. Can you make a recommendation for both a yarn and color?
Hi Sandra,
Thanks for writing in! I would recommend either Posy, Santolina, or Buttercup Cotton for your scarf. All of these yarns are safe to be machine washed and dried! As for colors, I always think that light blue and light pink go really nicely with brown, and we have a number of these shades in all three yarns! Hope this helps.
All the best,
Lili
If I want to change the width, what is the formula for casting on a different number of stitches? Ie is the total cast on stitches divisible by 2 plus 1?
Hi Saskia,
Thanks for reaching out. You’re absolutely correct, this pattern works over any odd number of stitches!
All the best,
Lili
Hi,
First if I love the pattern it’s so simple and so pretty and timeless! I also ordered your yarn for the first time and it is amazing! I appear to be rescuing the 70 inch length without using the second ball the darker color. Width is the same though so not sure why but I don’t mind:). First question, any recommendations about blocking the linen quill yarn and second what pattern would you recommend for a matching hat or beanie/hat using the second ball of dark and halfish of the lighter yarn. Thanks!
Hi Ilias,
Thanks for reaching out! My best guess is that your row gauge was a bit off and that is why you reached 70 inches without needing the 2ned skein.
As for blocking, I would recommend checking out our Blocking tutorial, this is the process we follow when blocking our samples! For a matching hat, unfortunately, we don’t have a coordinating pattern for this scarf, but we have some excellent hat patterns that use fingering weight yarn, you can find our full selecting here: Fingering Weight Hats
Just be sure to work a gauge swatch prior to beginning any pattern, to ensure that your gauge is consistent!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Yes that helps a lot, thank you! I certainly still need to learn about utilizing a swatch but either way the scarf turned out gorgeous! One thing I also noticed is that the scarf does curl up a little along the sites. Is that to be expected or could that be related to maybe too tight knitting? It can still be wrapped normal and the curl is barely noticeable. I did the herring bone scarf in Malabrigo Rios and that one curls a lot. It’s also still gorgeous and I love it but “uncurling” when putting on is a little annoying. Any tips or just how some patterns are?
Thanks a lot again and to anyone reading this, try out the linen quill! It’s a joy to knit and feels amazing.
Hi Ilias,
Thanks for your response! Blocking should help reduce the curling a lot if you haven’t tried that already. But I am so happy to hear that you have enjoyed using Linen Quill and so glad to hear that your scarf turned out gorgeous!
Happy knitting!
Gianna
I plan to knit this scarf for my grandson. I’m a bit confused – in 2018 both Cassy and Juliana said to slip all slipped stitched purlwise. But in 2020 Gianna said that on the right side rows slip all the slipped stitches purlwise with yarn in back; and on the wrong side rows slip all the slipped stitches knitwise with yarn in front. Can you clarify which is correct?
Also I’m thinking of using Posy in Bellflower Blue and Blue Dusk because I saw that it can be machine washed. What do you think of 2 shades of blue? Also the NOTE says to handwash each skein before rolling it into a ball. Is this necessary?
Thanks for helping.
Hi Gail!
Thank you for your question! I can confirm that all stitches in this pattern will be slipped purlwise, however where the yarn will be held while slipping these stitches is indicated by the notes section in this pattern:
NOTES
On all right side rows, slip all of the slipped stitches with yarn in back.
On all wrong side rows, slip all of the slipped stitches with yarn in front.
I think Posy in Blue Dusk and Bellflower Blue would be excellent and cozy choices for this pattern as well! We include a note about handwashing these yarns before winding to rid the skein of any excess dye. Since you are using two similar colors, I wouldn’t be too concerned about this, however I would definitely suggest blocking your scarf after knitting to rinse through any excess dye for these saturated colors!
All the best,
Margaret
Another question – I am knitting with Posy. Do you think I should knit with a size 3 or 4 needle? And how many skeins would I need? I just realized that Posy has less yards than Linen Quill. I bought 2 of color A and 1 of color B but I think that might not be enough.
Hi Gail!
For this pattern, you would need 4 skeins of Posy for Color A, and 2 skeins of Posy for Color B when knitting at the gauge listed in this pattern. I would suggest knitting Posy with a size US 3 needle for your scarf, though you may want to swatch with different sizes of needles to see which size gets you closest to gauge!
Warmly,
Margaret
I need help with colors! I definitely want to use 2 skiens of high tide for my friend with blue eyes . What color should I pair with it? I was thinking: bird’s eye blue, wheat flour, or pale oats maybe?
Hi Angie!
Thank you for reaching out. We’d love to help with a color palette for your friend’s scarf! While we are unfortunately out of stock of Bird’s Egg Blue at the moment, I recommend Vintage Celadon as a great alternative to pair with High Tide. Pale Oats (which is a true warm white) and Wheat Flour (which is an even warmer white) are both great options as well, so you can’t go wrong with any color you choose!
All the best,
Margaret
Thank you so much! Color pairing is where is always struggle the most ❤️
You are very welcome, Angie, and we’re always happy to help if you have any other color pairing questions in the future!
All the best,
Margaret
Hi! I haven’t seen this question yet – it is not about the wrong side row slipped stitches, but rather the knit stitches following those slipped stitches. I know you move the yarn to the front, slip the stitch, and then do you put the yarn in the back to knit or knit with the yarn still in front? Thanks very much!
Hi Nancy,
Thanks for reaching out! You will bring the yarn back to the back of your work before you knit the stitch after the slipped stitch. Hope this helps clarify things!
All the best,
Lili
Wondering how Flax Down would translate to this pattern? Super cozy fluffy scarf/wrap for next winter? What do you think…Just test out gauge and change needle/stitches accordingly. Or do you think Flax Down is too thick? Would love some input before I invest time in this idea. Thank you!
I have cream and celadon, with celadon to be the primary color.
Donna
Hi Donna,
I think that Flax Down would make a super cozy scarf in this stitch pattern! However, the knit fabric will end up being quite thick, so it might be bulkier than you want. Since you already have the yarn on hand, I’d recommend knitting up a small swatch in the stitch pattern so you can get a feel for the density and texture. That way, you can directly see and feel if it would be something you’d enjoy wearing around your neck!
All the best,
Lili