Coming Home

Coming Home Scarf by Elizabeth Smith

What is Being Made

The Coming Home is a versatile scarf and wrap design created by independent designer Elizabeth Smith. This knitted accessory measures approximately 13 inches by 62 inches after blocking, making it a practical yet elegant piece suitable for layering or wearing as a traditional scarf. The finished dimensions provide generous coverage while maintaining a lightweight, wearable profile.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is executed entirely through knitting, making it an ideal intermediate-level pattern for knitters looking to expand their skillset beyond basic stockinette stitch. The design emphasizes the beauty of stitch patterning rather than complex shaping, allowing crafters to focus on mastering decorative techniques while creating a finished garment.

Stitch Pattern and Construction

The Coming Home features a Garter Lace Ladder stitch pattern that creates a modern yet accessible aesthetic. This stitch pattern is worked over a multiple of 7 stitches and is repeated throughout the scarf:

• Row 1 (Right Side): k5, *k2tog, YO, YO, ssk, k3; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k2
• Row 2 (Wrong Side): k7, *p1, k6; repeat from * to end
• Rows 1 and 2 are repeated to create the complete stitch pattern

The stitch pattern combines knit and purl stitches with yarn overs and decreases (k2tog and ssk) to create an openwork ladder effect. This combination produces visual interest while remaining manageable for intermediate knitters.

Gauge and Blocking Considerations

Stitch gauge is measured at 22 stitches over 4 inches (10 cm) in the stitch pattern before blocking, and 19 stitches over 4 inches (10 cm) after blocking. The pattern notes that exact gauge is not critical, though it will affect the finished measurements and total yarn usage. Blocking is recommended to achieve the final dimensions and to allow the lace pattern to fully open and display its intended design.

Techniques Required

Knitters working on the Coming Home scarf will practice several essential techniques:

• Long tail cast-on: Used to begin the project with a sturdy, elastic foundation edge
• Knit and purl stitches: The fundamental building blocks of the Garter Lace Ladder pattern
• Yarn overs (YO): Create the openwork lace elements characteristic of this design
• Decreases (k2tog and ssk): Balance the yarn overs and shape the lace ladder motifs
• Blocking: Essential finishing technique to set the stitch pattern and achieve final dimensions

Elizabeth Smith provides comprehensive tutorials for all techniques on her website at elizabethsmithknits.com/cominghome-tips, including a dedicated video tutorial for the Garter Lace Ladder stitch pattern.

Yarn and Materials

The Coming Home is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn, a versatile weight that provides excellent stitch definition for lace patterns while remaining lightweight and drape-friendly. The specific yarn quantity required will depend on individual gauge; knitters should calculate yardage based on their personal stitch gauge before blocking. Standard knitting needles appropriate for DK weight yarn are required, with size selection determined by achieving the recommended gauge.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern is well-suited for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle lace techniques. The Garter Lace Ladder stitch pattern introduces openwork construction and yarn overs in a manageable, repeating format that builds confidence without overwhelming complexity.