128 Superwash Elbac Scarf in Cascade Yarns - C351 - Downloadable PDF

128 Superwash Elbac Scarf in Cascade Yarns

What is Being Made

This is an intermediate-level knitted scarf designed by Shannon Dunbabin using Cascade Yarns 128 Superwash yarn. The finished scarf measures 5 inches wide by 58 inches long, making it a versatile accessory suitable for adult wear. The design falls within the accessories category and features mobius or cowl-style construction elements.

Yarn and Materials

The scarf is crafted from Cascade Yarns 128 Superwash, a 100% Superwash Merino Wool yarn in a chunky weight. Each skein contains 128 yards (117 meters) and weighs 3.5 ounces (100 grams). This pattern requires 2 skeins of color #216, which is Beet Red. Superwash Merino Wool is prized for its softness, breathability, and easy-care properties, as the superwash treatment allows the finished garment to be machine washed without felting.

Tools Required

• US 10 (6.0 mm) knitting needles or size needed to achieve proper gauge
• Cable needle for executing cable stitches
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends and finishing

Stitches and Techniques Used

This pattern employs cable knitting techniques as a primary design element. The stitch pattern is called the Steel Braided pattern, which creates visual interest through the strategic crossing of stitches. The pattern uses two main cable abbreviations:

• C8F-Rib (Cable 8 Front with Rib): This technique involves placing 8 stitches on a cable needle and holding them to the front of the work. The knitter then works the next 8 stitches in a knit-purl ribbed pattern (K1, P1 repeated 4 times), followed by knitting the 8 stitches from the cable needle in the same ribbed pattern. This creates a cable that twists toward the front of the fabric.
• C8B-Rib (Cable 8 Back with Rib): This mirror technique places 8 stitches on a cable needle and holds them to the back. The next 8 stitches are worked in ribbed pattern (K1, P1 repeated 4 times), then the cable needle stitches are knitted in the same ribbed pattern, creating a cable that twists toward the back of the fabric.

The pattern also incorporates fundamental knitting stitches including knit (K) and purl (P) stitches, which form the basis of the ribbed sections within the cables. The combination of these techniques creates the distinctive Steel Braided appearance.

Gauge and Pattern Notes

The pattern specifies a gauge of 42 stitches by 28 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked in the Steel Braided pattern. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the scarf to reach its intended finished measurements of 5 inches wide by 58 inches long. Knitters should swatch before beginning the project to ensure their tension matches the pattern specifications.

Skill Level and Construction

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to work with cable techniques. The cable stitches require attention to detail and familiarity with using a cable needle, making this an ideal project for developing or practicing cable-knitting skills. The mobius or cowl construction adds sophistication to the design while remaining manageable for intermediate crafters.