Medallion Scarf

Medallion Scarf by Nancy Hand

What is Being Made

The Medallion Scarf is a knitted accessory designed by Nancy Hand, measuring approximately 88 inches long by 11 inches wide (224cm x 28cm). This downloadable knitting pattern creates an elegant scarf featuring repeating cable motifs, with the sample containing 13.5 repeats of the signature cable pattern. The finished scarf uses nearly an entire ball of yarn, making it an efficient project that maximizes yardage.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental and decorative techniques. The scarf begins and ends with seed stitch borders, a textured stitch pattern that frames the design and creates finished hems on both ends. The main body features cable knitting, a technique that involves crossing groups of stitches over each other to create raised, twisted patterns. Strategic increases and decreases are worked into the pattern to shape the scarf from its initial cast-on width to the wider body section and back again. The pattern also incorporates blocking, a finishing technique that helps set the stitches and even out the fabric for a polished final appearance.

Stitches and Pattern Details

• Seed stitch: Used for the 9-row hems at both ends and the 6-stitch borders flanking the cable pattern throughout the scarf
• Stockinette stitch: The reference gauge is measured in stockinette stitch, indicating this smooth, classic stitch appears in the pattern
• Cable stitches: The Medallion Cable chart guides the cable pattern repeats that form the decorative center of the scarf
• Increases (kfb): Knit front and back increases are worked to expand the stitch count from 76 to 80 stitches
• Decreases (k2tog): Knit two together decreases return the stitch count to 76 stitches for the final hem

Materials and Tools Required

Yarn: The pattern calls for Scheepjes Whirl in the colorway Liquorice Yum Yum. One ball provides 1,094 yards (1,000 meters) of 4-ply weight yarn and weighs 225 grams. The 4-ply weight classification indicates a medium-weight yarn suitable for creating fabric with good drape and definition in cable work.

Needles and Notions: US 4 (3.5mm) needles are required to achieve the specified gauge of 28 stitches and 36 rows per 4 inches (10cm) in stockinette stitch. A cable needle is essential for manipulating stitches during cable crossings, and stitch markers are optional but recommended for tracking pattern repeats and the borders.

Pattern Structure and Gauge

The Medallion Scarf pattern begins with casting on 76 stitches and working 9 rows of seed stitch to establish the lower hem. On the 10th row, four stitches are increased strategically across the row to reach 80 stitches, creating the expanded width for the cable pattern section. A 6-stitch seed stitch border is maintained on each side of the central cable motif as you work through the Medallion Cable chart. The pattern continues with repeating cable rows until the desired length is reached, yarn runs out, or the knitter chooses to finish. The upper hem mirrors the lower hem, with four decreases worked on the first row to return to 76 stitches, followed by 9 additional rows of seed stitch to match the starting hem.