Empire Scarf

Empire Scarf by Cheryl Andrews

What Is Being Made

The Empire Scarf is a tapered knitted scarf inspired by the architectural silhouette of the Empire State Building in New York City. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a distinctive narrowing shape that widens at the center before tapering again at the opposite end, mimicking the iconic building's form. The scarf is fully reversible, displaying identical patterning on both sides, making it a versatile accessory that can be worn with either side facing outward.

Design Features and Construction

The scarf showcases thoughtful finishing details that elevate its construction quality. The edges are neatly finished with knitted-in I-cord, a decorative and functional edging technique that creates a polished perimeter. Both the cast on and bind off employ I-cord methods, ensuring consistent and attractive finishing at all ends of the project. A key design element is that all shaping and tapering are achieved entirely through the stitch pattern itself, with no traditional increases or decreases required during knitting.

Pattern Options

The downloadable PDF pattern includes two distinct versions of the Empire Scarf to suit different preferences and yarn weights:

• Smaller Scarf: Requires approximately 5 ounces and 350 yards of worsted weight yarn, such as Patons Classic Wool
• Larger Scarf: Requires approximately 7 ounces and 440 yards of light worsted weight yarn, such as Cascade 220 Superwash

Interestingly, the smaller scarf version is worked with the heavier worsted weight yarn, while the larger version uses the lighter light worsted weight yarn, creating an intentional contrast in fiber weight between the two sizes.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Empire Scarf employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques that contribute to its sophisticated appearance and construction. The primary technique is stitch patterning, which creates the tapered architectural shape without requiring manual shaping through increases and decreases. The pattern utilizes I-cord techniques for both the edging and the cast-on and bind-off methods, demonstrating advanced finishing skills. I-cord is a tubular knitting method that produces a neat, rounded cord perfect for creating refined edges on knitwear.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern accommodates multiple yarn options. The smaller scarf works beautifully in worsted weight yarn like Patons Classic Wool, while the larger scarf is designed for light worsted weight yarn such as Cascade 220 Superwash. The sample scarves were knitted in 100% wool yarns: Patons Classic Wool (223 yards per 100 grams) and Cascade 220 Superwash (220 yards per 100 grams), providing excellent stitch definition and drape.

Needles: The project requires size 8 straight or circular needles for the main body of the scarf, along with two size 8 double-pointed needles for working the I-cord elements. This combination of needle types allows for both the primary knitting and the detailed I-cord finishing work.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, the Empire Scarf is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to explore more sophisticated techniques. Familiarity with I-cord construction and comfort reading stitch pattern charts are beneficial skills for successfully completing this design.