Triad

Triad Scarf by Susan Pandorf

What Is Being Made

The Triad Scarf is a lightweight, elegant knitted accessory designed by Susan Pandorf as a quick knit project. This finished scarf measures 10 inches wide by 72 inches long, making it an ideal length for versatile styling. The design draws inspiration from the Sunflower Designs collection with the thematic concept of "Turn Your Face to the Sun," creating a piece that combines functional wearability with artistic appeal.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques that create visual interest and structural variation throughout the piece. The pattern features strategic decreases worked across rows 3 through 6 and rows 11 through 14, which are then regained through cast-on stitches in rows 7 and 15. This technique creates a dynamic stitch pattern that expands and contracts, adding textural dimension to the scarf.

The pattern incorporates a specialized cast-on method described as "Turn, CO4, turn," which involves turning the work to ensure the front side faces the knitter, then casting on four additional stitches using a technique where the right-hand needle is inserted into the last completed stitch on the left needle, knitting one stitch while leaving it on the needle, and transferring the new stitch back to the left needle by slipping it knitwise. This process is repeated four times to create the required additional stitches.

Yarnovers are a fundamental element of the stitch pattern, with doubled yarnovers incorporated within the pattern repeats. The pattern notes that single yarnovers appear on either end of row 10, requiring careful attention to this variation.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is the Triad stitch, a custom stitch pattern developed specifically for this design. The pattern operates with a variable stitch count that decreases and increases strategically throughout the knitting process. The gauge for the Triad stitch, when blocked, is 5 stitches per 1 inch, which is typical for fingering and laceweight yarns. The scarf begins with a foundation of stitches that expand and contract through the pattern repeats, with purl stitches (P1) appearing in specific rows such as row 7 and row 15.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This scarf pattern is designed to work with fingering weight or laceweight yarn, accommodating both 3-ply and 4-ply yarn weights. The recommended yarn is KOIGU Mori, though the pattern explicitly allows for substitution with other fingering or laceweight options. The total yardage requirement is 500 yards across 3 skeins, providing ample material for the 72-inch length while allowing for gauge swatching and finishing.

Knitters will need US Size 4 needles to achieve the specified gauge of 5 stitches per 1 inch when working the Triad stitch pattern in the blocked state. The needle size is essential for maintaining proper fabric drape and the intended finished dimensions of the scarf.

Project Summary

The Triad Scarf represents an intermediate knitting project that combines technical skill with artistic design. The interplay of decreases, cast-ons, and yarnovers creates a sophisticated stitch pattern that rewards careful attention to the pattern instructions. This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Susan Pandorf offers knitters an opportunity to create a refined, lightweight accessory suitable for various seasons and styling occasions.