Stitch a Scarf that Looks Like Chains

The other day I was talking about how much I love scarves because there are so many different things you can do with them. Even if you limit yourself to the “regular” rectangular shape, you can make a scarf in just about any stitch pattern and using most of the techniques of knitting you can think of.

Have you seen how easy it is to knit a Fisherman’s Rib Super Scarf (on our sister site)

Because of that, I’m always seeing new scarf patterns that interest and intrigue me. (Or maybe I’m just a boring person…don’t tell me if you think so!)

For instance, Chained Up by Szymon Jergas. This DK weight scarf is worked with cables that are turned such that they look like chains running down the scarf.

The pattern is charted and probably wouldn’t be the best choice for someone totally new to cable knitting, but it’s a gorgeous finished project that’s great for anyone in your life to wear. It might even be fun for people who do historical re-enactments or go to Renaissance faires or similar events (do those things even happen in winter?) to add a cool and warming touch to their outfit.

From the look of the projects in progress page for this pattern, which you can download for free on Ravelry, it looks like blocking is pretty essential to straighten everything out and give the cables that nice chained look.

And if you’re looking for more fun cable knitting patterns, check out my roundup of fun cable knitting patterns to help boost your skills. Here you’ll find blankets, hats, sweaters and more to get you started or keep you going on your cable knitting journey. If you’re totally new to knitting cables, check out this cute hat pattern that’s a great option for your first cable knitting project. Or you can find a bunch of fun cable knitting patterns for all skill levels on Etsy.

[Photo: Szymon Jergas]

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Many times when I write these posts I will say something like “you can use any yarn you want” or “this would be a great stash-busting project.” That’s just how my mind works. And my stash, too, since I probably have sweater quantity of two or three yarns at most, but tons of singles and odd balls and leftovers.

Blankets are generally a really good way to use up those bits, but in this case, I think you’re going to want to plan it out a bit better.

Looking at photos of the Color Study Blanket from Purl Soho, it looks like it’s made with two yarns held together, and that block in the center is worked with one of each color from the adjoining sides to make a mixed up color.

But that’s not actually how it’s done. This is three separate colors (four, really, with the neutrals in the corners) chosen form a yarn with an expansive palette so they play off each other. The project calls for a worsted weight superwash wool, which is a great choice for a blanket that’s both warm and washable.

This pattern was originally designed by Laura Ferguson and was updated by Hiromi Glover. It is worked in one piece in garter stitch intarsia, which is a great way to learn the intarsia technique if you don’t already know it. It comes in crib or throw sizes.

Despite the introduction to this post, I am going to go ahead and say that, yes, of course you could do this blanket with scraps or odd balls or even just choose five colors that don’t blend together so easily. But I really do love the look of the color play, and I think it would be worth your time to find colors that play well together to get a similar effect.

This pattern is available for free from Purl Soho.

[Photo: Purl Soho]

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