Cat Season Scarf

Cat Season Scarf by Lisa Hannan Fox

What Is Being Made

The Cat Season Scarf is a warm, double knit scarf designed by Lisa Hannan Fox. This fully reversible scarf features cat motifs and measures approximately 70 inches (178 cm) in length and 5.25 inches (13.3 cm) in width, making it an ideal accessory for colder months. The scarf's reversible construction means it displays opposite color schemes on each side, allowing knitters to wear it with either side facing outward depending on preference.

Knitting Technique and Construction

Double knitting is the primary technique used throughout this project. Double knitting is an advanced reversible knitting method that creates a fabric with two distinct sides, each displaying its own color pattern. This technique produces a thick, warm, and durable scarf suitable for winter wear. The pattern includes full instructions for the double knitting technique, making it accessible to knitters learning this method for the first time.

The scarf's reversible nature means that the cat design and color combinations appear differently on each side, providing visual interest and versatility. This construction method also adds structural integrity and warmth to the finished piece.

Stitches and Stitch Work

While the pattern focuses on double knitting as the primary technique, this method incorporates fundamental knitting stitches worked in a specialized two-color construction. The gauge is worked at 34 pairs of stitches, which is typical for fingering weight yarn worked on small needles. The double knit structure requires careful attention to yarn management and stitch placement to achieve proper tension and reversibility on both sides of the fabric.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

• Needles: Size 2 US (2.75 mm) needles are required for the main knitting. Size 1 US (2.25 mm) needles are optional and recommended for creating a neater cast-on edge.
• Yarn: Approximately 425 to 450 yards (389 to 411 meters) each of two contrasting colors of fingering weight yarn. The use of two contrasting colors is essential for the double knit technique and the visibility of the cat motifs on both sides of the scarf.
• Additional supplies: A needle for weaving in ends upon completion.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. While double knitting requires more advanced skills than basic knitting, the comprehensive instructions provided make it suitable for knitters with some experience who are ready to expand their technical abilities. The technique demands careful attention to yarn management and stitch consistency, but the detailed guidance supports successful completion.