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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Some knitting projects are meant to be worn and enjoyed at home, while others are designed for keeping us warm and comfortable in the great outdoors. Knit Wild by Anna-Sofia Vintersol includes 21 sweater patterns made for outdoor exploration, with colorwork motifs that speak to outdoor adventures.

The book opens by talking about the different kinds of wool yarns that are best for keeping you warm outdoors, then dives into the patterns. They are all given in nine sizes but the actual measurements of the sweaters vary depending on the ease built into the design. They are meant to be suitable for both men and women.

The patterns themselves don’t include a lot of details because these sweaters are boxy and worked mostly in stockinette stitch. They indicate how much knitting you should do before working particular charts, which assumes that your row/round gauge is the same as suggested in the pattern, which isn’t always the case (knitters would do well to monitor their row gauge and determine how long each chart will take in their own gauge and adjust as needed).

There are lots on animal motifs in the patterns, including dogs, foxes, bears, turtles and orcas. One pattern, Kitulo, features allover colorwork in a mix and match style of motifs that include birds, alpaca, hearts, crosses and many other options. Check out all the patterns on Ravelry.

Several of the sweaters are shown in varying sizes and colorways so you can see how changing the colors changes the look. There are also sometimes different neckline options, and some patterns give you the option of working pieces flat or in the round with steeks (how to deal with steeks is described in words but there are no tutorials for any knitting techniques in the book).

Some knitters won’t mind this kind of hands off, go your own way approach to sweater knitting, but for those with less confidence these instructions might be intimidating. For those who are comfortable without a ton of hand-holding, these colorful designs should be fun to knit and great to wear on outdoor winter outings.

About the book: 232 pages, hardcover, 21 patterns. Published 2024 by Stackpole Books. Suggested retail price $34.95.

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