Oscillation Scarf

Oscillation Scarf by Triona Murphy

What is Being Made

The Oscillation Scarf is a knitted accessory designed by Triona Murphy, measuring 6.5 inches wide by 71 inches long after blocking. This casual scarf features a distinctive snakey cable pattern that adds texture and visual interest to the finished piece, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking a balance between visual appeal and straightforward construction.

Techniques Used

This scarf employs cable knitting as its primary technique, with the pattern provided in both chart and written forms for knitter preference. A notable feature of this design is its suitability for working small cables without a cable needle, a technique that simplifies the cabling process and reduces the tools required. The pattern is specifically designed to be easy to memorize, making it an excellent choice for knitters who want to work on autopilot once familiar with the stitch sequence. The Oscillation pattern is particularly effective at breaking up pooling in hand-dyed and semi-solid yarns, making it a smart choice for variegated or self-striping yarn bases.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) – fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl (p) – reverse stitch used in combination with knit stitches
• Cable stitches – twisted stitch patterns created by crossing groups of stitches, forming the snakey cable motif
• Back and Forth Wave pattern – the named stitch pattern that creates the scarf's textured appearance

Materials and Tools

Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Arroyo in the colorway Reflecting Pool. This yarn is 100% merino fiber, offering softness and elasticity ideal for a wearable scarf. Each 100-gram skein provides 335 yards (306 meters), and the pattern requires 2 skeins for completion, yielding approximately 670 yards of yarn total.

Needles: US #5 [3.75 mm] straight or circular needles. The pattern recommends checking gauge and adjusting needle sizes as needed to achieve the correct tension.

Additional Notions: A cable needle for traditional cable work (optional if using the cabling-without-a-cable-needle technique), and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and finishing.

Gauge

The pattern calls for a gauge of 30 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when working the Back and Forth Wave pattern. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the finished dimensions specified in the pattern.