Mad Mod Scarf in Cascade Anthem Rondo - W826 - Downloadable PDF

Mad Mod Scarf in Cascade Anthem Rondo – Pattern W826 by Shannon Dunbabin

The Mad Mod Scarf (W826) is a free, downloadable knitting pattern designed by Shannon Dunbabin and published by Cascade Yarns. This pattern produces a long, textured scarf with a striking wave or chevron-like stitch pattern that gives it a bold, retro-inspired look perfectly suited to its mod-themed name. The finished scarf measures 8 inches wide by 62 inches long, making it a generously sized accessory ideal for wrapping around the neck in cooler weather.

Skill Level and Accessibility

This pattern is rated Easy, making it an excellent choice for beginner knitters who are ready to move beyond basic garter or stockinette stitch and explore simple shaping techniques. The stitch pattern repeats on a predictable 12-row cycle, which means it is easy to memorize and rhythmic to work. Despite its impressive textured appearance, the construction is entirely straightforward, requiring no complex techniques beyond a handful of fundamental stitches.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Cascade Yarns® Anthem Rondo, 100% Acrylic, 372 yards / 340 meters per 100g / 7.05 oz skein. The sample uses 1 skein in color #12 (Mod). As a worsted weight yarn, Anthem Rondo offers excellent stitch definition, making the wave pattern pop clearly in the finished fabric. Its 100% acrylic composition makes the scarf easy to care for, durable, and accessible for those with wool sensitivities.
• Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm) 30-inch circular needle, or the size needed to obtain gauge. Although circular needles are specified, the scarf is worked flat (back and forth in rows), so the circular needle simply accommodates the stitch count comfortably.
• Notions: A tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge

The pattern calls for a gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches worked in the stitch pattern. Achieving the correct gauge ensures the scarf reaches its intended finished dimensions of 8 × 62 inches.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Mad Mod Scarf employs a concise but effective set of knitting stitches and techniques that combine to create its signature textured wave effect:

• Knit (K): The most fundamental knitting stitch, used throughout the pattern for garter stitch sections and within the wave repeat.
• Purl (P): Used on wrong-side rows within the wave section to create a stockinette background that highlights the shaping stitches.
• K2tog (Knit 2 Together): A right-leaning decrease that reduces the stitch count by one. Used at the beginning of each wave unit to create the downward slope of the wave.
• SSK (Slip, Slip, Knit): A left-leaning decrease that mirrors K2tog. Used at the end of each wave unit to create a symmetrical slope on the opposite side.
• Kfb (Knit in the Front and Back): An increase stitch that adds one stitch by knitting into both the front and back loops of a single stitch. Two Kfb increases are worked back-to-back within each wave unit, compensating for the two decreases and keeping the overall stitch count constant while creating the raised, undulating wave shape.
• Cast On (CO): The scarf begins with a cast on of 35 stitches.
• Bind Off (BO): The pattern specifies a loose bind off at the end to ensure the cast-off edge remains flexible and matches the drape of the fabric.
• Garter Stitch Border: The first five rows of each 12-row repeat are worked entirely in knit stitch (garter stitch), creating a flat, ridged section that alternates with the wave pattern for visual contrast. A single knit stitch is also maintained at each edge throughout the wave rows, forming a neat garter stitch selvedge.

Construction and Pattern Structure