Knit a Simple Scarf with Knits and Purls

The other day I was talking about how much I love knitting because you can do so much with a few basic techniques, and how it can be used to make things dramatically detailed or basic but ever so useful.

This one falls in that second category. The Yarrow Scarf from Mirella Moments is made with just knits and purls, so it’s a great project for a newer knitter. But the simple switch up from solid garter stitch makes this project look interesting and can hold the attention of more experienced knitters looking for a fast and easy project.

The scarf is worked with DK weight yarn (though you could also use worsted and either cast on fewer stitches or just make a wider scarf; you’ll need multiples of four plus one stitches if you want to change the stitch count) and has a two row repeat.

Because the scarf is still mostly knit, it won’t curl up on the edges and should keep you nice and warm, whatever weight of yarn you want to use.

This stitch pattern is so simple I don’t think there’s even a name for it (at least not in the first volume of Barbara G. Walker’s A Treasury of Knitting Patterns), but it does serve as a good reminder that there are a lot of different simple stitch patterns than can be done with just knits and purls, whether that’s ribbing or moss and seed stitch (do you know the difference?), broken rib or simple chevron designs to name just a few.

Do you have a favorite simple combination of knit and purl stitches? I’d love to hear about it! I think my favorite might be seed stitch, but if you ask me again tomorrow I’ll probably give you a different answer!

[Photo: Mirella Moments]

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I know that my posts can be read at different times of year and in different years by different people, but as I write this we’re on teh cusp of summer. And I know a lot of people don’t knit as much, and certainly don’t wear a lot of knits in the summer, but I want to encourage you to make and to wear your makes no matter the temperature.

To introduce you to the joys of summer garment knitting, I offer the Tied Vest from Lion Brand Yarn.

This easy project is great to make and wear throughout the year but it’s especially good for summer. It’s worked flat in one piece from the bottom up, mostly in stockinette stitch with a seed stitch edging. The I-cord ties are worked directly onto the garment so you don’t have to sew them on.

The project uses worsted weight yarn, and calls for a blend of cotton and hemp that’s great for warm weather.

There are eight size options, ranging from a finished chest measurement of 35 to 62.5 inches, or 89 to 159 cm. That makes it sound like it should be worn with at least a few inches of positive ease, but the pattern doesn’t specify.

The ties at the front give it a casual look and make it great to wear over a tank top or T-shirt when the weather is warm.

I also think this one would be good to knit in wool or a warmer fiber, too, to make a version you could wear more comfortably in the winter months, too. Though of course you could layer the summer version over a long-sleeved shirt and wear it throughout the year, too.

The tied vest is a free pattern available from Lion Brand. You can also purchase a kit that includes the yarn and optional needles and stitch markers if you need them.

[Photo: Lion Brand Yarn]

Knit an Easy Hooded Vest

Knit Vests to Help Transition to Warmer Weather

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