Rats Live On No Evil Star

Rats Live On No Evil Star Palindrome Scarf

What Is Being Made

This is a two-pattern double-knit scarf designed by Alasdair Post-Quinn featuring a palindromic text design. The finished scarf measures 86 inches long and 8.5 inches wide, making it a substantial accessory piece. The palindrome concept—where the text reads the same forwards and backwards—elegantly solves a unique challenge in double-knit lettering, where traditional two-pattern charts would result in reversed text on the second layer. This scarf showcases both sides as intentional design elements rather than viewing one layer as secondary.

Craft and Technique

This project uses double-knitting, an advanced knitting technique that simultaneously creates two separate fabric layers from a single set of stitches. Double-knitting allows for intricate colorwork and pattern definition on both the front and back of the fabric, making it ideal for lettering and reversible designs. The pattern employs two-pattern charts specifically designed for double-knit lettering, where each layer displays distinct visual information. The palindromic approach means the designer created text that reads identically in both directions, allowing both sides of the scarf to feature legible, intentional lettering rather than mirror-reversed text.

Stitches and Construction

The primary stitch structure is double-stockinette, the foundational stitch pattern for double-knitting work. This stitch creates smooth, even fabric on both layers simultaneously. The scarf is worked flat on a circular needle, and the pattern requires careful attention to chart reading and color changes across both layers. Stitch markers are essential tools for tracking pattern repeats and maintaining alignment throughout the project's length.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn: Two colors of Kauni yarn (100% wool), each at 700 yards per 160-gram skein. Color A uses Kauni Solid in shade AA; Color B uses Kauni Effektgarn in shade EP. One skein of each color is required.
• Needles: US 3/3.25 mm circular needle, 60 inches or longer in length
• Notions: 32 stitch markers for tracking pattern sections
• Gauge: 21 stitches and 32 rows per 4 inches in double-stockinette after blocking. The pattern notes that gauge tends to distort, requiring careful blocking to achieve finished dimensions.

Yarn Weight and Difficulty

This pattern uses 4-ply yarn weight, a medium-weight option that creates fabric with good definition for detailed colorwork. The project is rated as intermediate difficulty, appropriate for knitters with solid foundational skills who are ready to tackle the conceptual and technical demands of double-knitting with charted lettering patterns.