Paola

Paola Knitted Scarves by Nunzia Diglio Designer

What Is Being Made

Paola is a collection of two knitted scarves designed by independent designer Nunzia Diglio. These are elegant, wearable accessories created using different yarn weights and needle sizes to achieve distinct dimensions and drape characteristics. Each scarf is worked flat and constructed sideways, making them ideal projects for knitters seeking to expand their stitch repertoire.

Scarf Variations

Scarf One (Albozzi Filati Alma): Measures 180 cm × 50 cm (70 inches × 19 inches) and is worked on 7.5 mm needles using chunky-weight yarn.

Scarf Two (Avalon Emmebi): Measures 206 cm × 37 cm (81 inches × 14.5 inches) and is worked on 5 mm (US 8) needles using a lighter yarn blend.

Techniques Used

The Paola scarves employ a sideways construction method, which allows knitters to build the scarf horizontally rather than vertically. This approach offers advantages in managing stitch counts and creating consistent width throughout the project. The pattern incorporates foundational knitting techniques including edge stitch management, where the first and last stitches of each row are worked consistently to create clean, finished edges.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Cable Cast On: Used to create a sturdy, elastic foundation edge that provides structure and flexibility at the scarf's beginning.
• Garter Stitch: Formed by knitting every row, creating a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. Garter stitch provides warmth and body, making it ideal for scarves.
• Purl Stockinette Stitch: The reverse side of stockinette stitch, created by purling on right-side rows and knitting on wrong-side rows, adding visual interest and texture variation.
• Fantasy Stitch: A custom eight-row repeat pattern that incorporates multiple techniques including yarn overs (yo), knit two stitches together (k2tog), and slip-knit-pass (skp) decreases. This stitch creates an intricate, lacy texture with subtle shaping.

Stitch Abbreviations and Techniques

The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations: st(s) for stitch(es), k for knit, p for purl, yo for yarn over, k2tog for knit two stitches together, and skp for slip-knit-pass. The fantasy stitch incorporates yarn overs and decreases to create openwork details, adding visual depth and lightness to the scarf construction.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn Option One: Albozzi Filati Alma, 500 grams at a gauge of 3/3500 (500g = 499 meters), composed of 100% wool. This pure wool yarn provides warmth, elasticity, and natural fiber benefits.

Yarn Option Two: Avalon Emmebi, 300 grams at a gauge of 50g = 110 meters, blended from 70% merino wool and 30% polyamide. The merino wool component offers softness and breathability, while the polyamide adds durability and elasticity to the finished scarf.

Needles: Albozzi Filati Alma is worked on 7.5 mm needles, while Avalon Emmebi is worked on 5 mm (US 8) needles. The needle size difference accommodates the different yarn weights, with chunky yarn requiring larger needles and lighter yarn requiring smaller needles to achieve appropriate fabric density.

Difficulty Level

Paola is classified as a beginner-level project, making it accessible to knitters new to the craft. While the fantasy stitch introduces texture and pattern complexity, the straightforward sideways construction and use of fundamental stitches ensure that knitters can successfully complete this project while building confidence and technical skills.