Shifting Angles Scarf
I am always amazed at how simple combinations of knit and purl stitches can be so beautiful. The unique and lovely texture of a knit-purl fabric always catches my eye!
The simplicity of this particular diagonal pattern really speaks to me. And by shifting the direction of the diagonals halfway through the knitting of the scarf, the two halves are mirrored and symmetrical, a subtle detail that hand knitters are sure to appreciate.
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!
Line Weight is the perfect yarn for our Shifting Angles Scarf. For a yarn that looks so delicate in the skein, it has a ton of body and great stitch definition. I chose this lovely Tabby Gray color as an ode to classic knitwear and a nod to all the beautiful new colors in Purl Soho’s Line Weight collection. Pick up two skeins of your favorite color and enjoy the simplicity of knits and purls! -Michele Wang
UPDATE: NOW A BLANKET IN COTTON PURE ON A CONE
May 2020
We borrowed the beautiful diagonal lines of our Shifting Angles Scarf for our free Shifting Angles Blanket pattern! With our wonderful Cotton Pure On A Cone you can knit the entire blanket without winding yarn, joining new skeins, or weaving in a bunch of ends, so cast on, and enjoy some uninterrupted knitting!
Designed for Purl Soho by Michele Wang.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoShiftingAnglesScarf, and #PurlSohoLineWeight. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 2 skeins of Purl Soho’s Line Weight, 100% merino wool yarn. Each skein of this fingering weight yarn is 494 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 935 yards required. We used the color Tabby Gray.
- US 3 (3.25 mm) straight or circular needles
Gauge
28 stitches and 48 rows = 4 inches in stitch pattern
Size
Finished Dimensions: 9 inches wide x 72 inches long (blocked)
Pattern
First Half
Cast on 64 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Row 1 (right side): *K2, p2, repeat from * to end of row.
Row 2 (wrong side): K1, *p2, k2, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, p2, k1.
Row 3: *P2, k2, repeat from * to end of row.
Row 4: P1, *k2, p2, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k2, p1.
Repeat Rows 1-4 until piece measures 36 inches from cast-on edge, ending with Row 4.
Second Half
Row 1 (right side): *P2, k2, repeat from * to end of row.
Row 2 (wrong side): K1, *p2, k2, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, p2, k1.
Row 3: *K2, p2, repeat from * to end of row.
Row 4: P1, *k2, p2, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k2, p1.
Repeat Rows 1-4 until piece measures 72 inches from cast-on edge, ending with Row 4.
Loosely bind off all stitches in pattern.
Finish
Weave in the ends and block as desired.
LEARN ABOUT LINE WEIGHT + ALL OUR BEAUTIFUL YARNS
Line Weight is a lovely choice for this project because it is sumptuously soft with a subtle luster. A lithe single ply of 100% merino wool, this fingering-weight yarn knits up into a smooth fabric that blooms beautifully when you hand wash it. Enjoy 494 yards of beautiful knitting with every 100-gram skein and choose from over 20 riveting colors!
More Free Knitting Patterns
- Be sure to explore our collection of (mostly free!) Line Weight 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 merino wool 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!
I’d like to make this, but narrower. How would I modify the pattern?
Hi Jan,
Thanks for writing in and apologies for the delayed response! This pattern uses a multiple of 4 stitches. To make a narrower scarf, you can subtract cast on stitches in multiples of 4 and follow the pattern as written.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
This is beautiful and so simple! Did you use all of the yarn (one skein for each half) or did you have a fair amount leftover?
Hi Megan,
Thanks for the question! We weighed the finished scarf and calculated the yardage used and it came in around 850 yards give or take. I always like to be sure to have at least 10% more yarn to accommodate personal gauge and tension. We had roughly 130 yards left over after completing this scarf, or around 15% more yarn that was used in the finished scarf.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Lovely scarf!
Would it be a good pattern for a man scarf?
Also, do you finish the all 2 skeins for this scarf or do you have some left?
Hi Hila,
I think that this would make a great men’s scarf! Just be sure to choose a color that the recipient would wear and you should be good to go. We weighed the finished scarf and calculated the yardage used and it came in around 850 yards give or take. I always like to be sure to have at least 10% more yarn to accommodate personal gauge and tension. We had roughly 130 yards left over after completing this scarf, or around 15% more yarn that was used in the finished scarf.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Beautiful!! Do you use 2 strands together?
I have some of this yarn already, cant wait to c/o for this lovely scarf!
Hi Terry,
Thanks for the question! This lovely scarf is knit using one strand of our soft Line Weight!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Shifting Angles Scarf and Broken Garter Scarf – I really like both of these patterns and have some Noro yarn in my stash that I would like to use in knitting them. My problem is that the Shifting Angles Scarf calls for a #3 needle and the Broken Garter Scarf a #5 needle. The Noro I will be using calls for a #6 to #8 needle. Question – I am really dumb on calculations and can’t quite figure out how to adjust the number of stitches to be cast on using the larger needles. Any help will be appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Mary,
Thanks for writing in and apologies for the delayed response! To alter the pattern to use a different yarn, you will want to make a gauge swatch using the needles that you would like to use with the yarn. Then count the number of stitches that you are getting per inch and multiply this by your desired width and this will be the cast-on number. This pattern uses a multiple of 4 stitches so just be sure that the cast-on number that you arrive at is a multiple of 4. Then you will knit to half the length you want, and then start the other half of pattern where the angle shifts.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
LUV this pattern!! And will love choosing among your yarns!
Is it difficult to keep track of which row you’re on?
Hi Rita,
Great question! It is not so hard to keep track of what row you are on. Once you can read your knitting, keeping track of rows can be a snap. If you lose your place, you can count your knits and purls to determine what was just completed. Alternately, you could use a row counter or a note pad and pen to note what row you are one.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
This scarf is gorgeous but I really don’t like blocking scarves. Is there any way around this? I’d like to use the yarn suggested but will the edges curl terribly if I don’t block?
Hi Nancy,
Thanks for writing in! While I do recommend blocking all knitting as it evens the stitches out, the edges of this scarf should not roll using the called for yarn. The very edge stitch on each side is a knit, creating a tiny bit of garter that, along with the texture, should prevent the edges from rolling.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Is the stitch pattern multiples of 4?
Hi Liz,
Thanks for writing in and our apologies for the delayed response! This pattern is a multiple of 4. If you would like to make the scarf more narrow or wider, you can subtract or add stitches in groups of 4.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Is it possible to make this scarf with a little less width? The pattern is beautiful, but I tend to like less wide scarves. Thank you!
Hi Eileen,
Thanks for writing in and our apologies for the delayed response! You can certainly make this scarf a little bit more narrow. The pattern is a multiple of 4 stitches, so to make the scarf narrower, subtract a multiple of 4 stitches!
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
I am so happy, I can knit this pattern and I have the yarn in ice blue…bought it on sale and now have a pattern for it…..hooray….I am so lucky to know you girls………………………
This is very beautiful and would love to make it as a winter scarf however, was wondering if it would work with a worsted weight and would the mods be if did? Thanks!
Hi Marlene,
Thanks for writing in and apologies for the delayed response! This pattern can certainly by knit using worsted weight yarn! To alter the pattern to use a different yarn, you will want to make a gauge swatch using the needles that you would like to use with the yarn. Then count the number of stitches that you are getting per inch and multiply this by your desired width and this will be the cast-on number. This pattern uses a multiple of 4 stitches so just be sure that the cast-on number that you arrive at is a multiple of 4. Then you will knit to half the length you want, and then start the other half of pattern where the angle shifts.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Could i make this with a DK yarn? is there anything you would suggest altering if i did so?
Hi Carla,
Thanks for writing in and apologies for the delayed response! You certainly can use a DK weight yarn! To alter the pattern to use a different yarn, you will want to make a gauge swatch using the needles that you would like to use with the yarn. Then count the number of stitches that you are getting per inch and multiply this by your desired width and this will be the cast-on number. This pattern uses a multiple of 4 stitches so just be sure that the cast-on number that you arrive at is a multiple of 4. Then you will knit to half the length you want, and then start the other half of pattern where the angle shifts.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi,
Do you use mattress or kitchener stitch to combine the two halves?
Hi Yinn,
Thanks for writing in! This scarf is knit as one solid piece so combining it is not necessary!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
What is the yardage required for the scarf?
Hi Gina,
Thanks for the question! We weighed the finished scarf and calculated the yardage used and it came in around 850 yards give or take. I always like to be sure to have at least 10% more yarn to accommodate personal gauge and tension. We had roughly 130 yards left over after completing this scarf, or around 15% more yarn that was used in the finished scarf.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Buenos días:
Me encantaria hacer esta bufanda pero no entiendo el ingles como se hace .
Es posible traducirme los puntos empleados en español?
Muchas gracias.
Hi Mari,
Unfortunately we cannot translate our patterns into Spanish but it is something to think about for the future! Thanks!
-Adam
Hola Mari Carmen, si todavía estás interesada en tejer la bufanda yo te puedo traducir las intrucciones a español. Déjame saber.
-Liliana
Hi Liliana,
Thanks for writing in! Unfortunately at the moment we don’t have the resources to translate our patterns. We will keep your suggestion in mind for the future!
-Adam
Could this pattern be used in a worsted weight (or even sport weight) yarn? I just don’t like to knit on tiny needles!
Obviously casting on fewer stitches would be in order, but is there a particular formula for this pattern? (x# of sts +; or just even number?)
Thanks!
Hi Erica,
Thanks for writing in and apologies for the delayed response! This pattern can certainly by knit using worsted or DK weight yarn! To alter the pattern to use a different yarn, you will want to make a gauge swatch using the needles that you would like to use with the yarn. Then count the number of stitches that you are getting per inch and multiply this by your desired width and this will be the cast-on number. This pattern uses a multiple of 4 stitches so just be sure that the cast-on number that you arrive at is a multiple of 4. Then you will knit to half the length you want, and then start the other half of pattern where the angle shifts.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Classy,
Thank you so much!!
Hi, love this scarf but was wondering if I could make it thinner (fewer than the 64 stitch cast on)? Is there a way to figure out the number of stitches to create the correct multiples on each row?
Thanks!
Hi Joani,
Thanks for writing in and our apologies for the delayed response! You hit the nail on the head! This pattern is a multiple of 4. If you would like to make the scarf more narrow or wider, you can subtract or add stitches in groups of 4.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Can you please tell me how long the skeins of wool used for this pattern is? For instance, is it 200g per skein?
Hi Shelley,
Thanks for writing in! Our Line Weight comes in 100 gram skeins that are 494 yards a piece. This lovely pattern uses 2 skeins!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
When I see the pics of this scarf, it sleevemost looks like you are using 2 colors, is the yarn brown with cream? Or is it the light from the photos creating that look?
Hi Louisa,
Thanks for your question! The effect that you are seeing is due to the lighting. The color of Line Weight that we used for this lovely scarf is called Tabby Gray and it is a lightly heathered grayish brown that flatters just about everyone! To see a picture of the yarn unknit, which could give you a better idea of the color, you can go to the product page for Line Weight and click on the color.
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi,
This scarf is really beautiful yet the pattern is so simple! I want to make a version of this using the new cashmere merino bloom. I absolutely love it. Can you tell me how I would translate this pattern for that yarn?
Thank you!
Hi Maelissa,
Thanks for writing in and apologies for the delayed response! You can certainly use Cashmere Merino Bloom for this lovely scarf! To alter the pattern to use a different yarn, you will want to make a gauge swatch using the needles that you would like to use with the yarn. Then count the number of stitches that you are getting per inch and multiply this by your desired width and this will be the cast-on number. This pattern uses a multiple of 4 stitches so just be sure that the cast-on number that you arrive at is a multiple of 4. Then you will knit to half the length you want, and then start the other half of pattern where the angle shifts.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Thank you Cassy! This is very helpful. Can you also tell me how to modify the pattern to make the scarf shorter? Perhaps 52 inches from the cast on edge opposed to 72.
Maelissa
Hello Meelissa,
Thanks for the question! When you get to 26″ you’ll want to start the second half. This will get you a scarf that is 52″ long. Best of luck!
-Adam
I also would like to use the Cashmere Marino – how many skeins should I order? I know I should knit the swatch, but would only like to order once…???
Thanks!
Hi Eryn,
Thanks for writing in! To yield a scarf of roughly the same size using Cashmere Merino Bloom, I would estimate that you would need 4 skeins.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Thanks!! Now I just need to pick the color.
Eryn
Hello,
I would like to use two strands of the Lightweight because I can’t seem to get the row definition with just one strand. As a beginner, not too sure of this so would like to hear what you think.
I love the patterns and wish I could make every item you offer.
Thank you,
C. Richardson
Hi Candace,
Thanks for your question! You can certainly use two strands of Line Weight to increase the stitch definition. However, you’ll probably want to cast on less based on your gauge with two strands. Best of luck with the project and let me know if you have any other questions!
-Adam
How many skeins of Mulberry merino would I need to make this scarf (using a size 5 needle)?
Thanks!
Hi Terry,
You’ll probably need four to five skeins depending on how long you want the scarf. Also, unless you want a very wide scarf, you’ll probably want to cast on less stitches depending on your gauge.
All the best,
Adam
Hi! I wonder what means with p2 and k2? In Swedish.
Hi Ulla-Britt,
Thanks for writing in! Sadly, we do not have a Swedish speaker on staff but I will do my best to help. P2 means to purl 2 stitches and k2 means to knit 2 stitches. Using Vogue Knitting’s translator (http://www.vogueknitting.com/pattern_help/how-to/international_knitting_terms/english-swedish), purl is avig maska and knit is rät maska. I hope that my translation is correct!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Does the second half of the scarf look like the other side (backside)? If that makes any sense?
Hi Tricia,
Thanks for the question. Yes, the first portion looks like the second portion on the back. Hope this helps!
-Adam
Is there a way to shift the angle so the same stitch is on the same side?
Hi Tricia,
Thanks for writing back. The second portion of the scarf matches the first portion but is just going in the opposite direction. This stitch is completely reversible and the two portions mirror each other. Hope this helps!
-Adam
Hi,
Thank you for the beautiful pattern. I’ve finished the 1st part ending in row 4 and then started the pattern for the 2nd part. I can see the shift in the diagonals of the pattern; however, the “wrong side” pattern of the 1st part is now appearing on the “right side”. Please let me know where I’m going wrong.
Hi Catherine,
Thanks for the question. I can’t see your project, but I think you are doing everything correctly. The wrong side should be showing up on the right side because you are reversing the pattern essentially. Thanks!
-Adam
How many yards would I need in worsted, DK, or sport weight yarn?
Hi Carolyn,
Thanks for the question. It depends on the yarn but generally for worsted weight you’ll need roughly 600 yards for this length and for sport weight you’ll need roughly 800 yards.
-Adam
Hi, lovely pattern! I can’t wait to begin. Just wondering – what cast on method do you recommend?
Thanks!
Hi Julia,
Thanks for writing in! For this pattern and for most of our patterns, unless otherwise stated, we prefer the long tail cast-on. We think that is makes a nice neat edge!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi, would this pattern work with a cashmere yarn and which would you recommend? Thank you!
Hi Rachel,
Thanks for writing in! You certainly can use a cashmere yarn here! I would recommend Jade Sapphire 2-ply cashmere. It is a little lighter in gauge than our Line Weight but I still think that it would work well. I would suggest doing a gauge swatch to make sure that you like the fabric on US 3s. IF it seems a bit too airy, you could go down to a US 2. However, given how cashmere blooms, I think that US 3 would be lovely!
Best,
Cassy
Thank you for the pattern. I was wondering if it is possible to add a stitch to both edges (knit each stitch) for a clean edge? Or would that give the scarf a strange look?
Hi Sherri,
Thanks for the question. I suggest adding just one stitch and slipping this stitch at the beginning of each row. I’d do this on a small swatch first to make sure that it doesn’t affect the offset pattern of the stitch. Also, there are many slip stitch selvedge techniques that produce similar but slightly different edges. I’d play around on the swatch to see which one you like best. Good luck and happy knitting!
-Adam
Hi, would this pattern work well with a cashmere yarn and which would you recommend? Thank you!
Hi Rachel!
Thank you for writing in! This would look great in cashmere! I recommend Jade Sapphire’s 2-ply Cashmere. I also recommend getting making a gauge swatch, just to be sure you’re getting the correct gauge (or getting as close as you can). Finally, when working with the 2-ply be gentle.
Please let us know if you have further questions!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
I’m looking for a textured pattern exactly like this, but for a set of hats and mitts. Is there any way you’d be able to share how the first part of the pattern could be modified for knitting in the round? Thanks in advance!
Hi Kirstian,
Thanks for the question. Unfortunately we cannot customize patterns over the comments section but I’m sure with a bit of tinkering on a small swatch in the round you can figure out how to convert this stitch. Best of luck!
-Adam
Has anyone knitted this pattern with a variegated yarn? I have some alpaca lace I’d like to try, but I first want to know if the tweed or solids show off the stitch more than a variegated.
Hi Sue,
Thanks for writing in! We have not seen this in anything other than a solid or a heathered yarn. I looked at all of the projects on Ravelry and did not see one either. You can certainly do a swatch in pattern to check how your yarn plays with the pattern before committing to the whole scarf!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I started this scarf after receiving the yarn you suggested. I’m not a very experienced knitter but I followed the directions which you included. The problem is that the pattern doesn’t say anything about when to change the color. I assumed that I should do 2 rows of color A and then 2 rows of color B. What happened is that I have a pattern which looks like houndstooth but is not angled as in the photo. Where did I go wrong?
Thank you for your help. Mary
Hi Mary,
Thanks for writing in! For this lovely scarf we used just one color of our Line Weight but the whole of the project requires 2 skeins. You will knit the nearly entirety of the first skein and then begin with the second skein. Using one color should bring out the design of lovely texture! If you are still having difficulties with the texture once you are using just one color, we will be happy to try to help you figure it out!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I’m about 2 inches into this scarf, and for some reason the two sides of my fabric look quite different. I’ve only got obvious, pronounced ridges on one side; on the back side, the ridges are much more difficult to see. Anyone else had this problem? Is this is a tension issue? I’m very confused because I’m an experienced knitter and I know I’m knitting the pattern correctly. Thanks!
Hi Dianne,
Thank you for writing in. It is actually totally normal that one side is more pronounced than the other. Keep on knitting and let us know if you have any other questions!
Adam
Hi Adam,
That makes perfect sense to me now! I’m about 9″ in at this point, and it’s looking much better. I’m using a more saturated color than the model (the discontinued paprika red line weight from a couple of years ago), so I think the pattern is a little less easy to see. Thanks for your response!
I´m thinking about knitting this scarf with your DK “Silk Blend” by Maos del Uruguay. Will the silk/merino work with this pattern? I´m a little worried because knitted silk tends to “sag” and go “sloppy”.
Hello Marion,
Thanks for writing in! To use a DK yarn, you will want to make a gauge swatch using the needles that you would like to use with the yarn. Then count the number of stitches that you are getting per inch and multiply this by your desired width and this will be the cast-on number. This pattern uses a multiple of 4 stitches so just be sure that the cast-on number that you arrive at is a multiple of 4. Then you will knit to half the length you want, and then start the other half of pattern where the angle shifts. Alternatively, if you want to stick to the pattern and just go up in needles you will end up with a wider scarf.
Manos del Uruguay Silk blend in DK knits up beautifully. It is 30 percent silk and 70 percent merino, so it will behave more like a wool yarn than a silk yarn.
Hope this helps!
-Marilla
Thank you, Marilla!
I would like to know what I would have to do to make the scarf longer other then buy more yarn?
Thank you
Hello Marion,
Thanks for writing in! If you would like to make this scarf longer without adding any yarn you could either cast on less stitches at the beginning or knit it larger needles, however both of these options will change the look of the scarf quite a bit.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.
-Marilla
Hello,
I don’t want to change the appearance of the scarf. Just want it longer and was wondering if I would just continue until I decided what to make they half way point? So should I just get more yarn. If I used more yarn do you have any idea about how long to make it before switching angles?
Thank you,
Marion
Hi Marion,
Thanks for writing in! To lengthen the scarf, you can continue on with the first section until it reaches half of the length that you would like. Just be sure that you are ending with row 4 and then continue on with the second section until you reach your desired length!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hello,
Do you think that Cattail Silk would work for this pattern?
Thank you,
Marion
Hello Marion,
Thank you for your questions! In terms of gauge this will work, however because you are knitting with silk instead of wool the texture of the scarf will change quite a bit. I would knit up a swatch in the silk before jumping to see how it knits up.
I hope this helps!
-Marilla
Hello! Which cast on method did you use for this scarf? Thank you!
Hi Ingrid,
Thanks for writing in! For this lovely scarf and for a large portion of our projects, we use the long tail cast on. We think that it makes a clean and lovely edge!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Hello! I’ve just started a scarf using this pattern and I love the way it’s turning out! One question though, the ribbing on mine is causing a parallelogram shape rather than rectangular. I don’t have a problem with it, but looking at the pictures here, the scarf looks rectangular. Is that due to blocking, or am I doing something wrong? Thanks!
Hello Jennifer,
Thank you for reaching out! This is mysterious – how far have you knit? Does the pattern you are creating within the scarf look correct? Blocking will even things out, but It should still look pretty close to the original pattern. If it is looking quite deferent please feel free to send us a photo at [email protected] and we can take a closer look.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I’m considering using the Kalinka or Linen Quill. How many skeins would you recommend? A suggestion for the website: List alternate recommended yarns with your patterns and number of skeins needed.
Thanks,
Catherine
Hello Catherine,
Thank you for reaching out and for your suggestion! We always appreciate some good feedback. This scarf uses approximately 850 yards of fingering weight yarn. This means you would need two skeins of Linen Quill or three skeins of Kalinka. I hope this clears things up.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hello!
Can I use Cattail Silk for this scarf (I intend to use Willow Gray color)? If possible, by the length you estimate, I think I still need two skeins of this yarn, is that right?
I’m looking for a pattern that suits men, and this is the most impressive for me.
Thank you so much and have a nice day,
Tran
I’ve just read the comment above and found out the answer for my question. But still thank you for beautiful scarf!
Hi, I really like this pattern. I’m new to knitting so my question is basic. From the instruction it said to use US 3 needle straight or circular. If I want to use circular needle, which length I should use? Thank you.
Hi Rebecca,
Thanks so much for your kind words! The finished width of the scarf is 9 inches so 16″-24″ circular needles are probably the most comfortable options.
Happy knitting!
Carly
This is a lovely scarf pattern and I’m very grateful it’s available for free. I do have one small concern. I’m about six inches in, and I’ve noticed that the whole piece is shifting sharply to one side, so it looks like a rhombus. I didn’t see that anyone else had this issue, and I just wondered if this is something that can be fixed by blocking, or if I’ve done something very wrong. Thanks!
Hi Adriana,
Thanks for the kind words! Hmm, this stitch shouldn’t bias when worked correctly – it should turn out with nice square corners, despite the diagonal lines on the surface of the fabric. Is it possible that you are accidentally twisting your knit and purl stitches? This would cause your knitting to slant to one side, so I would recommend reviewing our tutorials on the Knit Stitch and Purl Stitch just in case you are wrapping your yarn the wrong direction or working through the back of the stitch.
Another possibility is that the yarn you are using is over twisted, though this is not as common. If you suspect this I would try a swatch of plain stockinette to see if the problem still exists and contact us at [email protected] if it is one of our yarns so we can replace it.
Either way, slight biasing can be corrected in blocking, but if your knitting is angling very sharply to one side, it will probably continue to do so even after blocking. I hope you are able to identify the problem so we can correct it!
Best,
Julianna
Thanks for the reply, Julianna. I’m very sure I’m not twisting my stitches. The pattern looks all right, it’s just sloping off to the right. Unfortunately, I’m not using a Purl Soho yarn, I wanted to see how the finished pattern would turn out at a slightly different gauge so I’m using some sport weight wool from my stash and size 4 circulars.
I tend to knit very tightly; maybe it’s a tension issue? I understand it’s pretty hard to diagnose the issue online, I just wanted to see if this had happened to anyone else. I appreciate the response though!
Hi Adriana,
I wouldn’t expect knitting tightly alone to cause biasing – I am a tight knitter myself and didn’t have any issues when I tried a swatch of this stitch pattern, and we haven’t had any other reports of problems with this scarf. You could always send an email with a picture to [email protected] to see if we can help more, but you are right, it can be difficult sometimes to troubleshoot without actually being able to watch a knitter or inspect stitches in person!
Good luck and please let us know if you have any other questions!
Julianna
Hi!
I love the look of this pattern but would like to make this scarf in your Understory yarn . Never having worked with Understory before, I’m wondering if it will have the same drape as shown in line weight in the photo. Additionally, if Understory will work, can you suggest the number of skeins I should purchase as well as how to modify the pattern to achieve a similar size to the one pictured?
Also: Can you recommend a few different options generally for heavier weight yarn than line weight (blends are fine too) and similar instructions? My mom would like to make this scarf, but has a more difficult time working with lighter weight yarns.
Thank you so much!
Isabel
Berkeley, CA
Hello Isabel,
Thank you for reaching out! I think this scarf would be beautiful in Understory especially because of its stitch definition. You will not, however get the same drape as achieved by Line Weight purely due to the thickness of the yarn.
I would recommend knitting up a gauge swatch in Understory with a US6 or US7 to see how many stitches per inch you are getting and then you can use this information to calculate a cast on number. You will just want to be sure to can on a multiple of 4. I believe you should have enough yarn with 3 skeins though it is possible you might have to dip into a fourth.
I hope this all makes sense and let us know if you have any further question!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Hi, first of all thank you for all of the beautiful FREE patterns so wonderfully photographed, I just love your site. Now, my problem…on the shifting angles scarf I’m having a hard time on the second half of pattern. If I could refer you to the thread starting 11-20-16 with Tricia going through 1-2017 with Catherine. I’m having the same problem they did, the pattern angles the opposite way as it should, but the pattern is like the wrong side and not mirrored. Adam’s answers confused me, it seems his reply to Tricia is what I’m experiencing, but his response to Catherine says it’s opposite but mirrored like the picture shows. Any suggestions as to where I’m going wrong? Thanks for your help, Vickie
Hello Vickie,
Thank you for reaching out and for your incredibly kind words! As you can see in the close up photo of the scarf when the angles shift they begin to go in the opposite direction. In the previous comments they are simply saying that the scarf is reversible and that when you begin the second half of the scarf it is in fact the same as the reverse side of the first half.
I hope this helps and let me know if you have any further questions!
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi Marilla, and thank you for responding. After carefully looking at the photos, I now see that the second half is not the same identical pattern (in reverse)as the first half. I think it was the heathered yarn and lighting that tricked my eyes. At least I know I’m following the directions correctly. It’s a beautiful pattern and I’ve already started knitting this in Line Weight which I love.
Vickie
Hello Vickie,
I hear you, it is certainly a subtle shift, which is partly why it is so beautiful. I’m happy to hear you are jumping in, let us know how it goes!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Hi, I was wondering if it was possible to make a ‘zig-zag’ version of this pattern. If I am using 4 skeins, if I swap the pattern over each time I start a new skein would that work?
Thank you
Dougal
Hi Dougal,
Thanks for writing in! This sounds like a fantastic idea!! As long as you are finishing each section with row 4 of the stitch pattern, you can switch between left and right leaning diagonals whenever you like, either when switching skeins or at predetermined lengths.
Best of luck, and please let us know how your scarf turns out!
Julianna
Thanks Julianna, I hoped that would be the case but I’m new to knitting and still finding my way around patterns etc
I love this design and would like to make it in a navy… do you have a comparable yarn in a dark blue or navy that would work? Thank you!
Hello Josephine,
Thank you for reaching out! I would recommend checking out Woolfolk’s Tynd as well as Brooklyn Tweed’s Peerie.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Help! I’m a beginner (with a capital B!). I was following the pattern and making a beautiful scarf and then… I lost my marker of where I was in the pattern. I know it’s a pretty simple pattern, but I can’t figure out where I am. I’m on the wrong side and I’m seeing 2 knit stitches — does this mean that I’m looking at the back of 2 purl stitches? Please help me. I’ve unravel the piece 3 times already. Thanks!!!!!
Hello Cris,
Thank you for reaching out! You are correct if you are seeing two knit stitches this means that they are the back of two purl stitches. If you are about to knit a wrong side row and your first two stitches on your row are a pair of knit stitches you should be on row 2.
I hope this clears things up, but let us know if you have any further questions!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
If I use a circular needle for this pattern, I don’t need to worry about right side or wrong side, right? I’m hoping that I just follow the stitch pattern and don’t have to worry about anything else.
Hi Sally,
Thanks for reaching out! Although you don’t necessarily have to always be aware of which is the right side and which is the wrong side, many knitters do find it helpful to mark the right side just in case you lose your place in the 4 row stitch pattern repeat – it can make it much easier to figure out which row you are on!
Best,
Julianna
Hi!
I’ve finished this wonderful patten and am wondering how best to weave in the ends of my yarn “in pattern.” Do you have any suggestions given the diagonal nature of the stitches?
Best,
Isabel
Hello Isabel,
Thank you for reaching out! I would reccomend following along the diagonal when weaving in the contrast color. For some more tips on weaving in your ends check out our Tutorial.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi there, i am 8 rows in and it looks like my pattern is actually a zig zag. What am I doing wrong? I love zig zags but I think the recipient of this scarf prefers the shifting angles!
Thank you!!
Hi Anaya,
Thanks for reaching out! I would recommend double checking that you have the correct number of stitches, as being off by a stitch or two will alter the stitch pattern. If that doesn’t help, you can send us a picture of your work at [email protected] and we will be happy to take a look to figure out what might be going wrong!
Best,
Julianna
Hi from the Purl Bee,
I like to know if you used for these wonderful scarf one or two colors.
Thank you and have a great day
Barbara
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for reaching out! This lovely textured scarf uses just one color of Line Weight!
Best,
Julianna
How can this pattern be modified for a single skein? Have one 550 yard skein would like to use – ok with scraf being narrower/shorter.
Hi Brie,
Great question! If you would like to make the scarf a bit narrower, you can cast on any multiple of 4 stitches. To make sure the direction change happens halfway through the scarf, I would recommend weighing your yarn in grams before you begin, and then switching to the directions for the second half of the scarf when you are about half way through your yarn.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Thank you!
Hi – Im just starting this scarf , I have made swatches , i am finding my edge to be untidy -can you please advise if you worked pattern as stated or if you slip the first stitch of each row ???
Any advice on how to achieve a neater edge would be great Thanks
Hi Donna,
Thanks for reaching out! We did work it as written, but slipping the first stitch of each row would also be lovely, as long as you stay in pattern! If you’re working with a very fine yarn like Line Weight, the tensioning at the beginning of the row can take some getting used to. I hope this helps, please let me know if you have any other questions!
Best,
Cassandra
Please advise what is meant by slipping one stitch and “stay in pattern.” Do we ADD 1 stitch, then follow pattern? TIA
Hi Nancy,
Thanks for asking! It looks like Donna is keeping the same stitch count and changing the first stitch to a slipped stitch. To stay in pattern, if you decide to do it this way, you would just change the first stitch in each row to a slipped stitch, and follow the rest of the line as written.
However, you could absolutely do this a different way and add 2 stitches to the cast-on! If you decide to do it like that, then you can slip the first stitch, follow the pattern exactly as written, but then either knit or purl the final stitch on the other side, since you added it for the other edge.
Hope this helps give you some ideas for your own project!
All the best,
Lili
Hi, looks like all my fave colors of the recommended yarn are out of stock. Do you have any suggestions for alternatives? Thank you!
Hi Juliet,
Thanks for reaching out! In place of our Line Weight I would recommend Linen Quill, Posy or even MADELINETOSH Tosh Merino Light! These are all fingering weight yarns like Line Weight so the gauge should work up to be similar, however I do recommend working a gauge swatch with whichever yarn you decide on to make sure you are consistent with the pattern!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Nearly at the end of the scarf and I love it!
What kind of cast off method would you recommend?
Hi Maja,
Thanks for reaching out! We used a basic bind-off for this pattern, binding off in the established stitch pattern!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna