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]

Not too long ago I did a test knit for another designer that was for a cabled cardigan. It’s really cozy and nice but it just about broke me in a ton of different ways. I couldn’t get gauge, which I suppose is my own problem, but mainly I was somehow both bored and forced to pay attention at the same time.

Because it used the same cable all over, I always had to know what row I was on, but nine out of ten of those rows, nothing in particular was going on. So I couldn’t stop paying attention, but what I needed to attend to was boring.

It may have ruined me for knitting cabled sweaters, but maybe I just need something that’s more engaging. Like this Modern Aran Cardigan pattern from Lion Brand Yarn.

This is a reworking of an old pattern from their archives, and you can tell that form the classic look of the cables and the oversized feel (nothing cropped about this one!). It has allover cables, but like a classic Aran sweater it’s not the same cable, so you’ll have to pay attention to what row you’re on and what cable turns happen for which cables on that row.

Because of this, it’s considered an intermediate knitting pattern, but if you’re comfortable working from multiple charts at once it shouldn’t be a problem for you. There are three different charts and seven different cable moves.

Also because the pattern is so big and boxy there are only two sizes available, with a finished chest measurement of either 49 or 63 inches (that’s 124.5 or 160 cm). It’s up to you to decide how much ease you would like and whether that will work for your body.

The pattern uses worsted weight yarn (and calls for another classic, Lion Brand Fisherman’s Wool). It calls for six buttons and includes pockets to make it extra cozy.

This one looks like a great winter project to make and to wear if you’re up for a bit of a challenge. You can grab the free pattern or buy a kit with the yarn needed direct from Lion Brand Yarn.

[Photo: Lion Brand Yarn]

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