Plus SSS

Plus SSS Scarf by Reiko Kuwamura

What Is Being Made

The Plus SSS is a lightweight, elegant scarf designed by Reiko Kuwamura. This knitted accessory features a tubular construction created through a simple cast-on, stockinette stitch body, and slip-stitch crochet seaming. The finished scarf measures approximately 14 inches (35 centimeters) in depth with a circumference ranging from 18 to 20 inches (45 to 50 centimeters), making it versatile for various styling preferences and seasons.

Techniques Used

The Plus SSS employs fundamental knitting and crochet techniques suitable for beginner-level crafters. The construction begins with a long-tail cast-on method, which creates a secure and elastic foundation edge. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch, the most basic and widely recognized knit stitch pattern, created by alternating knit rows and purl rows to produce a smooth, flat fabric with characteristic V-shaped stitches on the right side.

The scarf is finished using a slip-stitch crochet seam, which joins the cast-on and bind-off edges together from the wrong side to create the tubular form. This seaming technique is worked approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) from the wrong side, creating a seamless, professional appearance. The pattern notes that crafters desiring increased drape can modify the design by increasing the number of cast-on stitches to 80 or more, demonstrating how simple adjustments affect the final garment's characteristics.

Stitches Used

• Long-tail cast-on: Creates the initial stitches with an elastic edge suitable for scarves
• Stockinette stitch: The primary stitch pattern, alternating knit and purl rows to create a smooth, drapey fabric
• Slip stitch (crochet): Used for the seaming technique that joins the scarf into its tubular form
• Bind-off (knit-wise): Secures stitches at the end of the knitted section with a loose tension for flexibility

Materials and Tools

The Plus SSS offers flexibility in yarn selection to suit different seasons and preferences. For the primary version, the pattern calls for 220 yards (200 meters) of Avril silk stainless steel yarn, a specialty fiber blend that combines the lustrous properties of silk with the durability and structure of stainless steel filament.

For a lighter, summer-appropriate alternative, crafters may substitute 165 yards (150 meters) of 4-ply yarn in fibers such as linen, silk, cotton, or bamboo. The pattern example shown was created using both Avril silk stainless steel and Avril linen 7.5, demonstrating the versatility of the design across different yarn types.

The needles and hooks required are US size 8 (5.0 millimeters) knitting needles or the Japanese equivalent size 10 (5.1 millimeters), paired with a US size H (5.0 millimeter) crochet hook, also known as Japanese size 8/0. A tapestry needle is needed for weaving in yarn ends during finishing. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 22 rows measured over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch, ensuring proper sizing and fabric characteristics.

Additional Information

This free, downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Reiko Kuwamura is classified as a beginner-level project, making it accessible to knitters new to the craft while remaining interesting for experienced crafters seeking a quick, elegant accessory. The pattern includes finishing steps of weaving in ends and blocking, which help achieve a polished, professional appearance in the final scarf.