To Russia With Love

To Russia With Love Knitting Patterns

Project Overview

To Russia With Love is a free downloadable knitting pattern collection designed by Hilary Designs and offered through Criminal Knits. This collection features two distinct projects: a simple garter stitch kerchief/shawlette and a Baktus-shaped scarf. Both patterns are designed to work with a 15-color yarn kit, allowing knitters to create vibrant, multi-colored accessories using worsted weight yarn.

Garment One: Garter Stitch Kerchief/Shawlette

Construction and Technique: The kerchief/shawlette is constructed using an ultra-simple garter stitch throughout, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking a quick and straightforward knit. Garter stitch, created by knitting every row, produces a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges that works beautifully in multi-colored yarn applications.

Difficulty Level: This pattern is suitable for intermediate knitters and beginners due to its minimal stitch complexity. The garter stitch technique requires only basic knitting knowledge, making this an excellent choice for crafters looking to complete a project quickly while still achieving professional results.

Materials and Specifications: The kerchief/shawlette is worked on size 10 needles using worsted weight yarn. Knitters can use the included 15-color kit from The Roving Lampman or create their own custom rainbow color palette using the yardage amounts provided in the pattern.

Garment Two: Baktus Shaped Scarf

Construction and Technique: The Baktus scarf features a distinctive triangular or crescent shape characteristic of Baktus-style scarves. This pattern incorporates flame stitch variations, adding visual interest and textural complexity to the finished accessory. The Baktus shape is achieved through strategic increases and decreases that create the garment's signature curved silhouette.

Stitch Work: The Baktus scarf includes two variations of the flame stitch, a decorative stitch pattern that creates a flickering, wave-like visual effect. These stitch variations add intermediate-level complexity to the project, making the Baktus scarf slightly more challenging than the kerchief/shawlette while remaining accessible to intermediate knitters.

Difficulty Level: Rated as intermediate difficulty, the Baktus scarf requires familiarity with stitch pattern reading and the ability to work increases and decreases accurately. The flame stitch variations demand attention to pattern instructions but reward the knitter with a sophisticated, textured finished piece.

Materials and Specifications: Like the kerchief/shawlette, the Baktus scarf is worked on size 10 needles using worsted weight yarn. The pattern accommodates the 15-color kit or allows knitters to substitute their own yarn selection using the provided yardage specifications for each color.

Pattern Features

• Two complete patterns included in one free downloadable PDF
• Both patterns designed for worsted weight yarn
• Both patterns use size 10 needles
• Color yardage amounts provided for custom yarn selection
• Designed as part of the Criminal Knits Ravelry Games KAL (Knit-Along)
• Fast, fun knitting projects suitable for group participation

Yarn and Materials

Both patterns are designed to work with worsted weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn category that knits quickly on size 10 needles and creates a fabric with excellent drape and durability. The patterns were originally developed to coordinate with a 15-color yarn kit available from The Roving Lampman, though this kit is no longer available. Knitters are encouraged to create their own custom color combinations using the yardage specifications included in the pattern, allowing for creative personalization and color selection based on individual preferences.

Pattern Context

To Russia With Love was created as a free pattern offering for the Criminal Knits group's Ravelry Games KAL event. The pattern collection emphasizes accessibility and speed, making it ideal for knitters participating in group knitting challenges or those seeking to complete satisfying projects in a reasonable timeframe. The inclusion of two patterns with varying difficulty levels ensures that knitters of different skill levels within the intermediate range can find an appropriate project.