Scarf J in Plymouth Kudo - F402

Scarf J in Plymouth Kudo – Free Knitting Pattern F402 by Plymouth Yarn Design Studio

This free downloadable knitting pattern from the Plymouth Yarn Design Studio (pattern code F402) guides knitters through creating a beautifully textured scarf using the distinctive Butterfly Pattern Stitch. The finished scarf measures approximately 5 inches wide by 72 inches long — a generous, wearable length that works as a classic everyday accessory. The pattern is available free with a yarn purchase, making it an excellent project for knitters eager to explore a new stitch technique without extra cost.

What Is Being Made

The project is a long, narrow hand-knitted scarf worked flat on straight needles. Its slim profile and elegant textured surface make it suitable for a wide range of styles, from casual to polished. The scarf is cast on at just 21 stitches, keeping the stitch count manageable while the Butterfly Pattern Stitch creates visual interest and dimensional texture across the fabric.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for a single skein of Plymouth Yarn Kudo, specifically 1 x 100g hank, shown in the sample as color 47. Kudo is a Plymouth Yarn specialty yarn known for its unique texture and character, which complements the dimensional quality of the Butterfly stitch beautifully. Because only one hank is required, this is an economical and approachable project for knitters of all experience levels.

• Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Kudo, 1 x 100g hank (sample shown in color 47)
• Needles: US Size 9 straight or circular needles
• Notions: Stitch markers (used to set off the patterned center section from the garter borders)

Techniques and Construction

The scarf is worked entirely flat, back and forth in rows, making it ideal for knitters who prefer straight needles or who are not yet comfortable with working in the round. Construction is straightforward: stitches are cast on, two foundation rows of garter stitch are worked, and then the Butterfly Pattern Stitch repeat begins and continues for the full length of the scarf.

A key structural feature is the 3-stitch garter border on each side. These border stitches are knitted on every row — both right-side and wrong-side rows — which prevents the edges from curling and gives the scarf a clean, tidy finish without any additional finishing work. The center stitches between the markers carry the Butterfly Pattern, while the borders frame it neatly.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch: Used for the side borders (knit every row) and for the two cast-on foundation rows. Garter stitch is one of the most fundamental knitting stitches, producing a ridged, reversible fabric that lies flat naturally.
• Stockinette Stitch: The center panel is worked in stockinette between the garter borders — knit on right-side rows, purled on wrong-side rows — providing a smooth ground for the butterfly motifs to stand out against.
• Wyif Slip Stitch (with yarn in front): Central to the Butterfly Pattern, stitches are slipped purlwise with the yarn held in front across multiple rows, creating long loose strands — called floats — that travel across the face of the fabric.
• Butterfly Gather Stitch: On specific rows, the accumulated loose strands are gathered together by inserting the needle between the strands, yarning over, drawing up a loop, knitting the next stitch, and then passing the gathered loop over that knit stitch. This technique cinches the floats into a butterfly or bow shape, creating the signature raised, three-dimensional motif that gives the stitch pattern its name.

The Butterfly Pattern Stitch – A Closer Look

The Butterfly Pattern Stitch is a classic decorative knitting technique that produces eye-catching gathered clusters on the surface of the fabric. The pattern works over a 16-row repeat, divided into two mirrored halves that offset the butterfly motifs across the width of the scarf, creating a staggered, allover design.

• Rows 1, 3