Nathalie's Scarflet

Nathalie's Scarflet by Margaret Kendall

What is Being Made

Nathalie's Scarflet is a textured knit accessory designed as a versatile neck wrap. This intermediate-level project features a tip-to-tip construction that creates an elegant, tapered scarflet with finished dimensions of 4 inches wide at the widest point by 32 inches tip-to-tip. The design also includes a dedicated neck wrap section without ribbing that measures 4 inches by 15 inches, making it suitable for wrapping comfortably around the neck.

Knitting Techniques Used

Nathalie's Scarflet employs several advanced knitting techniques that contribute to its refined construction and professional finish:

• Provisional Cast-On with I-Cord Cast-On: The scarflet begins with a small provisional cast-on combined with an i-cord cast-on method, creating a secure and decorative starting edge.
• Tip-to-Tip Construction: The garment is worked from one tip to the other, allowing for seamless shaping and a cohesive design flow.
• I-Cord Bind-Off: The project concludes with an i-cord bind-off technique, which creates a finished edge that echoes the decorative cast-on.
• 3-Stitch Graft: A grafting technique joins sections together with an invisible seam, demonstrating intermediate-level finishing skills.
• Stockinette Stitch Edge Framing: The textured body is framed with stockinette stitch edges that naturally roll to mimic an i-cord edge, creating visual interest and structure.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern incorporates fundamental knitting stitches and increases essential for shaping:

• Knit (k): The basic knit stitch forms the foundation of the stockinette stitch edges.
• Knit 2 Together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used for shaping the scarflet.
• Knit in Front and Back (kfb): An increase technique that adds stitches while maintaining texture.
• Make One Left-Leaning (M1L): An invisible increase worked by inserting the left needle front to back under the strand between stitches and knitting through the back loop.
• Make One Right-Leaning (M1R): A complementary increase that leans in the opposite direction for balanced shaping.
• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch pattern used for the framing edges, creating a smooth, classic appearance.

Yarn and Materials

Nathalie's Scarflet is designed to be worked in worsted weight yarn, specifically Malabrigo Yarn Rios in Colorway 416 Indiecita. The yarn is 100% superwash merino wool, offering durability and easy care. The yardage requirement is approximately 110–115 yards (100.6–105.2 m), making this a relatively quick project despite its elegant appearance. Malabrigo Rios provides 210 yards per 3.53 ounces (100 grams), delivering rich color and a soft hand.

The pattern calls for US Size 7 (4.5 mm) needles to achieve the correct gauge with worsted weight yarn. A tapestry needle is required for finishing, grafting, and weaving in ends.

Project Summary

Nathalie's Scarflet is an intermediate knitting project that combines decorative cast-on and bind-off techniques with strategic shaping increases and decreases. The tip-to-tip construction and textured body framed by stockinette stitch edges create a sophisticated accessory suitable for various styling occasions. With a modest yardage requirement and intermediate skill level, this scarflet offers an excellent opportunity to practice advanced finishing techniques while creating a wearable, beautiful garment.