Seafaring Scarf In Big Good Wool
Bury-your-face-in-it cozy, our classic Seafaring Scarf is just the right vehicle for our gorgeous Big Good Wool. One hundred percent Andean highland wool in the colors of the sheep themselves, our chunky weight Big Good Wool is always dynamic and beautiful!
The Seafaring Scarf is knit up in fisherman’s rib, a wonderfully textural stitch that manages to be both traditional and perfectly modern. Fisherman’s rib gets its depth and squishiness from “knitting into the stitch below”… super simple and all illuminated in our video tutorial on the subject!
What makes the texture even more special is the yarn. At three and a half stitches to the inch, Big Good Wool magnifies all the beauty of the stitch pattern and of the wool itself.
Choose from five natural, undyed colors, in a range from this soft and subtle Winter Grass to rustic Hickory Nut. Can it get any better? Actually, it can! Of course, 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 + connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, and #PurlSohoSeafaringScarf. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 2 skeins of Purl Soho’s Big Good Wool, 100% Andean highland wool, undyed. Each skein is 274 yards; approximately 548 yards required. We used the color Winter Grass. (NOTE: Big Good Wool is no longer available, but choose from one of our other bulky weight yarns.)
- US 8 (5 mm) circular or straight needles
Gauge
13 stitches and 14¾ rows = 4 inches in Fisherman’s Rib
Size
Finished Dimensions: 9½ inches wide x 72 inches long
Pattern
For the free pattern, please visit our original Seafaring Scarf story!
Should the Big Good Wool be held double as the comments on the original pattern suggest? Thank you!
Hello Kate,
Thank you for reaching out! For the scarf we knit up here we held a single strand of our Big Good Wool. This will give you a gauge of 13 stitches and 14¾ rows per 4 inches in Fisherman’s Rib. If you hold your yarn double you will want to use a size #13 needle and will get a gauge of approximately 8 stitches per 4 inches in Fisherman’s Rib.
I hope this makes sense and let us know if you have any other questions!
Happy knitting ,
Marilla
Great
Is this big good wool soft or a bit scratchy?
Hello Denny,
Thank you for reaching out! Good Wool has a hearty, pleasingly rustic texture, and although it is not as soft as merino, I find it plenty soft for next-to-skin wear, especially after blocking.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Looks great for an October day in Chicago.
The original directions for this scarf called for a #13 needle and 31 stitches. How many stitches should be cast on with this yarn and #8 needles?
Thanks!
Hello Doris,
Thank you for reaching out! We used the same cast on for this scarf on a #8 needle as we did with the scarf on a #13 needle. This means that the scarves come out to have different dimensions. This scarf comes out to be 9½ inches wide and 72 inches long.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
This is a wonderful pattern and I’m almost done with the scarf. The stitch creates such a dense and squishy fabric! I have an extra skein I bought in the shop. Can you pls suggest a hat pattern that would use this yarn? Thx so much!
Hello Claudia,
I’m thrilled to hear you are enjoying your scarf! While we don’t have a hat pattern that fits the gauge of our Big Good Wool you could try knitting up our Speckled Pom Pom Hat with it. You will want to knit a gauge swatch before jumping to make sure you like the texture. It is slightly thinner than our Super Soft Merino so you might want to go down in needle size and up in your cast on.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
I made a mistake doing the fisherman’s scarf and am having a difficult time undoing stitches to fix it. Please help!
Hello Sarajane,
Thanks for reaching out! While it is hard to take out this pattern since you are knitting in the row below to create the texture, it still can be done! I would recommend just taking out one stitch at a time and going slowly when you approach the stitches that were knit in the row below.
If you have any further questions let us know and best of luck!
-Marilla
Would it be impossible to use a “lifeline” while knitting this fabric? After reading the comments, it seems like backing up to your mistake would be a major headache. Love the modern look and feel of your patterns and yarn! Keep it up!!
Hello Shara,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes, you certainly can, it would certainly save the pain of going all the way back.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
I am making this for a gift for my husband! Is there a hat pattern that compliments this scarf?
Thanks!
Hi Beverly,
Thanks for reaching out! Although we don’t have a hat pattern in the same stitch and weight as this scarf, our Snow Day Hat should coordinate quite well with the scarf! Big Good Wool is a bit thinner than Super Soft Merino, so I would definitely knit a gauge swatch, but I think it should turn out fine, especially since ribbed hats have a very stretchy, forgiving fit!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi,
I just started making this scarf, and with number 8 needles and 31 stitches I am only getting a width of approximately 8 inches. What do you think is better, using bigger needles or increasing the number of stitches to get to the 9 1/2 width?
Thanks!
Cristina
Hi Cristina,
Great question! I would recommend moving up a needle size, because knitting at a tighter gauge will use up your yarn faster, so you may run out of yarn if you continue at the narrower gauge.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
I would like to make this scarf for my boyfriend but we are in a warm climate that gets cold enough for a scarf but not for wool. Do you have a good substitute manly yarn?
Thank you!
Donna
Hi Donna,
Thanks for reaching out! I think Blue Sky Worsted Cotton for a warmer-weather version of this scarf! It is somewhat thinner than Big Good Wool, but also works up nicely on a US 8 needle, so you may not have to make any pattern adjustments. I would recommend knitting a gauge swatch in pattern on US 8 needles to see if you are able to match our gauge!
Best,
Julianna
Thank you so much for your guidance! I appreciate it.
I’d like to make this for someone who can’t wear wool. Can you recommend another yarn to use that will be warm?
thanks
Hi Diane
Thanks for writing in! I think Cashmere Tend would be a beautiful choice and Blue Sky Worsted Cotton would also be a good substitute, but it won’t be as warm. It is a little thinner than Big Good Wool, but also works up nicely on a US 8 needle, so you might not have to make any adjustments. I suggest knitting a gauge swatch in pattern on US 8 needles to see if you are able to match our gauge and are happy with the way it looks!
Happy knitting
Jessica
If I wanted to knit this scarf in super soft merino would I need to change anything? I love the feel of the merino and plan to knit one for myself when I’ve finished this one as written.
I taught myself to knit in May using your videos and I’ve already finished the hat and hand warmer set, a scarf, a cowl, and a blanket. This is going to be an expensive hobby!
Hi Barb,
Thanks for reaching out, and it’s wonderful to hear that our projects and tutorials have gotten you so far on your knitting journey! Super Soft Merino is quite a bit heavier than Big Good Wool, so I would recommend following the pattern but using a US 10.5 or 11 needle. The results will be similar to our original Seafaring Scarf!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Thank you for all your answers to questions. I’m a beginner knitter and find the questions & answers sections on your site so helpful.
I’m wondering if you could help me with knowing approximately how many skeins of Super Soft Merino I should order to make this scarf in the merino.
Hi Christy,
Thanks for reaching out! I am so glad to hear that you enjoy and find our comment section so helpful! We used approximately 548 yards for this scarf so you would need about 7 skeins of Super Soft Merino, You would only use a bit of the 7th skein so you may be able to get away with 6 skeins if you don’t mind a slightly shorter scarf!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
I’ve been playing with this pattern this evening, after purchasing the Big Good yarn from your online store. I was trying to figure out how this pattern actually works. And, noticed another tutorial said that the second row starts with a purl. So, I’m wondering if all the rows in your pattern do start with a knit. Do I just trust the directions? Asking as someone who has only gone as far as seed and rib stitches. Thank you!
Hi Natalie,
Thanks for writing in! Every row of our pattern begins and ends with a knit stitch to give the scarf nice, tidy edges. The tutorial you were following probably was showing the Fisherman’s Rib stitch without any edge or selvage stitches. For the best results, I would suggest following our pattern as written!
Best,
Julianna
I’m starting this pattern but have short circular #8 needles ~ 15” that I’ve used for hats. My other option is much longer #9 needles. What do you suggest?
Also k1b- I find it confusing on the subsequent rows as the wraps seem to stack on top of each other. I must be doing something wrong. Do you have a picture or a tutorial of what a couple of rows looks like after k1b?
Thanks,
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for reaching out! For this pattern we recommend using a US size 8 needle! We also have an excellent tutorial for Knit 1 Below To see a “k1b” in action!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Hi! I want to make this scarf for my brother, but he mostly wears black/ dark grey. I saw that your HARRISVILLE DESIGNS
Highland yarn comes in the black. What are your thoughts on using this yarn? Or do you have other recommendations?
Hi Allison,
Thanks for reaching out! I think the HARRISVILLE DESIGNS Highland wool would be a beautiful option for this scarf! The colors are absolutely stunning! Big Good Wool is a slightly larger gauge than Highland is so I do recommend working a gauge swatch to see how it compares to the gauge of the pattern or if you will need to make any adjustments from there!
Happy knitting!
Gianna
How does this pattern translate with the gentle giant yarn?
Hi Julia,
Thanks for reaching out! Gentle Giant is a much heavier gauge than Big Good Wool and would require you to adjustments to the needle size, gauge and cast on. For a closer comparison I would suggest Super Soft Merino!
I hope this helps!
Gianna
Since big good wool is no longer available, can you suggest another yarn?
Hi Brittany,
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,
Kelsey
Hi, I started this with the Partridge yarn. It seems that it’s taking more yarn and the gauge is smaller. What can I do to maximize the amount of yarn I am using, I was hoping to use a little over four skeins, is that realistic? Or should I consider changing yarns?
Thank you for taking the time to help out a beginner knitter.
Hi Charis,
Thanks for writing in. This pattern will work great in Partridge, so I wouldn’t recommend switching at this point! You’re right, since Partridge is a thinner yarn than Big Good Wool was, the gauge is smaller. However, you can try using a larger needle size, which will make the gauge larger and maximize the area the yarn can cover. Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Thanks so much for your reply Lili. In the article All About Gauge they have swatches in needle size 3 all the way to 9. Do you mind recommending a range of how much larger a needle would be alright for this project? For instance, would a 13 be too much? Thank you again so much!
Hi Charis,
We recommend using size 9 or 10 needles with Partridge, but since you want to extend the coverage of the yarn, I’d recommend using an even larger needle. I’d say that size 11 or 13 would work great, and if you try each one out, you can get a sense for the fabric quality they each create!
All the best,
Lili
Hi I am having a hard time finding the original pattern for this scarf with Big Good Wool. Could you help me find it? Thank you!
Hi Bridget,
Thanks for reaching out! You can find the original pattern for this scarf at this link, or by clicking on the link that’s included in the above post!
All the best,
Lili
Can this pattern be made with no. 4/worsted weight yarn? If yes what change would I need to make? TY
Hi Koko,
Yes, you can totally use a lighter weight yarn to make this pattern! All you’ll need to do is change your cast-on number so that the scarf ends up the correct size.
To figure out your cast-on number, you will want to first knit a gauge swatch in pattern (if this is daunting, we have a wonderful tutorial called All About Gauge). Once you know how many stitches you are getting per inch, you can multiply that number by the width that you would like and cast on the nearest multiple of 2 + 1 stitches. Then you can follow the pattern as written!
All the best,
Lili