Hull Scarf

Hull Scarf by Kristy Howell

What is Being Made

The Hull Scarf is a beginner-friendly knitted scarf designed by Kristy Howell. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a finished scarf measuring 58 inches (147 cm) long with 8.5 inches (22 cm) wide ends and an adjustable 4-inch (10 cm) wide doubleknit neckband. The scarf features a thoughtful construction that keeps you warm and cozy without creating bulk around the neck area, making it an ideal accessory for everyday wear.

Techniques Used

The Hull Scarf employs two primary knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive structure and functionality:

• Fisherman's Rib: This textured stitch technique is used for the main body of the scarf, creating a thick, elastic fabric with excellent insulating properties. Fisherman's rib is worked by knitting one stitch and then knitting one below in alternating fashion across each row. Due to the nature of this stitch, each row is essentially worked twice, which affects row gauge calculations.
• Doubleknitting: Applied to the neckband section, doubleknitting creates a narrow, dense band that provides structure without adding unnecessary bulk. This technique involves slipping stitches with yarn in front and alternating knit stitches to produce a refined, double-layered effect.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches and abbreviations:

• k1b (knit one below): A stitch that creates texture by knitting into the stitch below the current stitch on the needle, essential to the fisherman's rib construction.
• s1wyf (slip one stitch with yarn in front): Used in the doubleknitting sections to create smooth edges and the characteristic appearance of the neckband.
• Basic knit stitches: The foundation of both techniques, worked in combination to build the scarf's structure.

Materials and Yarn

The Hull Scarf requires approximately 500 yards (457 meters) of fingering weight yarn. The sample shown in the pattern was knitted using Rowan Fine Yarn, demonstrating the suitability of quality fingering weight options for this project. The pattern calls for casting on 42 stitches, and knitters should work with needles appropriate for fingering weight yarn to achieve the specified gauge.

Gauge and Construction Details

Achieving proper gauge is important for this pattern. The specified gauge is 20 stitches and 48 rows equals 4 inches (10 cm) in fisherman's rib after blocking. Knitters should note that because fisherman's rib rows are worked twice, row gauge calculations require multiplying the counted rows in a column by 2 to obtain the accurate number of rows worked. The scarf begins with a loose cast-on of 42 stitches, followed by one knit row before transitioning into the fisherman's rib pattern for 20 inches (51 cm). The transition to the doubleknit neckband is accomplished through a specific row that alternates slipped stitches with yarn in front and knit one below stitches.