Tosto

Tosto Knitting Pattern by Leah Prestamo

What Is Being Made

Tosto is a knitted scarf designed by Leah Prestamo. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished scarf measuring 13.5 inches (32.25 centimeters) wide and 100 inches (254 centimeters) long from the longest point on either side, making it a substantial accessory suitable for everyday wear or layering.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for fingering weight yarn totaling 1250 yards (1140 meters). The yarn is divided evenly among five colors, allowing for a gradient effect throughout the scarf. The pictured example uses Rustic Fingering Gradients by Neighborhood Fiber Co. in the colorway Shades of Lapis, though any fingering weight yarn in five coordinating colors can be substituted. Knitting is worked on US size 4 (3.5 millimeter) circular needles measuring 24 inches (61 centimeters) in length.

Gauge and Tension

The pattern specifies a gauge of 27 stitches by 24 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked in the p2, k3 rib stitch pattern. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions of the scarf.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Tosto employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. The primary stitch pattern is a p2, k3 rib, which creates vertical columns of texture and elasticity. This rib structure is established and maintained throughout most of the scarf.

• Knit stitch (K): The basic knit stitch forms the foundation of the fabric.
• Purl stitch (P): Used in alternating sequences to create the rib texture.
• Knit front and back (Kfb): An increase technique that creates two stitches from one by knitting into both the front and back loops of a single stitch. This technique is used at the beginning of right-side rows to shape the scarf edges.
• Knit two together (K2tog): A decrease technique that combines two stitches into one, creating a right-leaning decrease. This is used at the end of right-side rows to balance the increases.
• Knit through (KT) and Purl through (PT): These specialized stitches involve inserting the needle from back to front between two stitches and working the second stitch through the front loop, creating textural interest and decorative elements within the rib pattern.

Pattern Structure

The pattern is worked in sections, with written row-by-row instructions provided alongside charted options for visual learners. The four-row repeat establishes the rhythm of the design, with right-side rows (RS) and wrong-side rows (WS) worked alternately. Edge stitches are maintained with knit stitches on both sides, creating clean, finished edges suitable for a scarf.

The combination of increases and decreases, along with the specialized KT and PT stitches worked at intervals, creates a dynamic fabric with both structural shaping and decorative detail. This intermediate-level construction makes Tosto an engaging project for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to explore more complex stitch techniques.