Criss Cross

Criss Cross Scarf by Roxanne Richardson

What Is Being Made

The Criss Cross is a knitted scarf designed by Roxanne Richardson featuring a distinctive silhouette that is narrower at the tips and wider through the center. This downloadable knitting pattern offers versatility in finished dimensions, with completed scarves ranging from 50 inches to 80 inches in length depending on yarn weight selection and crafter preference.

Construction Technique and Shaping Method

This scarf employs a strategic multi-stage construction approach that begins with the bottom lace edging. After completing the initial lace border, stitches are picked up along the edge to establish the main body section. The body is worked in stockinette stitch while utilizing short rows as the primary shaping technique to create the scarf's characteristic wider center and tapered tip design. Once the body is complete, a final repeat of the lace border is worked at each end of the scarf simultaneously with the top eyelet border, creating a cohesive finished edge.

Stitches and Lace Work

The pattern incorporates lace borders as a central design element, with written and charted instructions provided for these decorative sections. The main body utilizes stockinette stitch, the fundamental knit fabric created by alternating knit and purl rows. An eyelet border is featured at the top edge, adding visual interest and texture. The pattern is suitable for intermediate knitters willing to learn a few new techniques, and photo tutorials are included to guide crafters through several unusual but accessible techniques used throughout the project.

Yarn Weight Options and Materials

The Criss Cross pattern accommodates a wide range of yarn weights, from fingering weight through worsted weight, allowing crafters to customize their finished scarf based on desired drape, warmth, and dimensions. The pattern documentation includes three completed examples:

• Red version: Crystal Palace Merino 5 Solid in worsted weight (short version)
• Purple version: Classic Elite Classic One Fifty in DK weight (long version, now discontinued)
• Teal version: Cascade Venezia Sport in sport weight (long version)

A schematic guide is provided to assist with construction planning and to clarify the shaping progression throughout the project.

Pattern Details

This pattern is presented as a downloadable PDF document with both written and charted instructions. The design was created by Roxanne R. Richardson and is classified as an advanced difficulty project, though it is noted as suitable for intermediate knitters willing to expand their technical skills. The pattern includes comprehensive visual aids and tutorials to support successful completion of this elegant scarf design.