Topkapi

Topkapi Scarf by Anna Dalvi

What is Being Made

Topkapi is a knitted scarf designed by Anna Dalvi. This intermediate-level project creates a reversible accessory measuring 18 centimeters in width with an adjustable length, allowing knitters to customize the finished dimensions to their preference.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is created using the knitting craft. The primary technique employed is double knitting, a sophisticated method that produces a reversible fabric with inverted color patterns on each side. Double knitting creates a double-thick textile that provides extra warmth and visual interest, as both sides of the finished scarf display stockinette knitting texture with contrasting colors.

Double Knitting Method Explained

Double knitting is a two-color knitting technique where the fabric is reversible and the colors appear inverted on opposite sides. In this method, each square on the pattern chart represents two stitches rather than one. The knitter works by knitting one stitch with the pattern color facing forward, then purling the next stitch with the contrasting color. This alternating knit-and-purl sequence with two colors simultaneously creates the characteristic double-thick, reversible fabric. Anna Dalvi's pattern offers two different approaches to accomplish double knitting: the two-stranded method, where both yarn strands are held at the same time while knitting the front and purling the back, and the slip-and-slide method.

Stitches and Gauge

The Topkapi scarf is worked in pattern stitches with a gauge of 23 stitches by 36 rows over a 10 by 10 centimeter swatch. The pattern utilizes knit and purl stitches in combination with the two-color double knitting technique to create the reversible design.

Materials and Yarn Weight

• Yarn: 2 skeins of Wollmeise 100% Sockenwolle in contrasting colors (150 grams and 525 meters per skein of each color)
• Needles: 2.75 millimeter knitting needles
• Additional Tools: Tapestry needle for finishing

The yarn weight is 4-ply, a medium-weight yarn that works well for creating defined stitch definition in double knitting projects. Wollmeise Sockenwolle is a high-quality German yarn known for its durability and vibrant color options, making it ideal for a reversible scarf where both color sides are visible.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, suitable for knitters who have mastered basic knitting techniques and are ready to explore more complex color work and reversible fabric construction.