Gotham Scarf

Gotham Scarf by Susan Pandorf

What Is Being Made

The Gotham Scarf is a knitted accessory designed by independent designer Susan Pandorf. This project is part of a coordinating set that includes a matching Gotham Hat. The scarf measures 8 inches wide by 60 inches long, making it a versatile length suitable for various styling options. The design draws inspiration from William Wordsworth's poetry, specifically referencing the imagery of a city wearing beauty like a garment.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This scarf is described as a quick knit project, making it accessible for knitters seeking a relatively fast completion time. The primary construction technique involves the use of a specialized Smocking Stitch, which creates textured visual interest throughout the piece.

The Smocking Stitch (abbreviated as SM3) is executed by holding the working yarn to the back, then slipping 3 stitches from the left needle to the right needle. The yarn is brought to the front under the needle without creating a yarn over, and the same 3 stitches are slipped back to the left needle. The yarn is then taken to the back under the needle. This sequence wraps the three stitches twice, after which the knitter works K1tbl (knit one through the back loop), P1 (purl one), and K1tbl across those wrapped stitches. This stitch creates dimensional texture and visual depth in the finished fabric.

Stitches Used

• Smocking Stitch (SM3): The signature stitch that creates wrapped texture by slipping stitches and manipulating yarn position
• Knit Through Back Loop (K1tbl): Used within the smocking stitch sequence for twisted stitches
• Purl (P1): Used within the smocking stitch sequence for textural variation

Materials and Tools

The Gotham Scarf is knitted using sport weight yarn, specifically Blue Sky Alpacas sport weight or equivalent sport weight yarn from other manufacturers. The scarf requires approximately 500 yards of yarn in the primary color. An optional 10 yards of contrasting color yarn is available for trim details.

The scarf is worked on US size 5 needles. The recommended gauge is 9 stitches equals 1 inch when working the twist stitch rib on size 5 needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions.

Design Notes

The Gotham Scarf is part of a coordinated hat and scarf set, both designed by Susan Pandorf. The poetic inspiration from Wordsworth's work adds literary significance to the design. The quick-knit nature of the project, combined with the textured smocking stitch technique, creates a piece that balances visual interest with reasonable construction time.