Sledging Scarf in Novita Suomivilla - Downloadable PDF

Sledging Scarf in Novita Suomivilla – Free Knitting Pattern

The Pulkkamäki (Sledging) Scarf is a beautifully simple yet striking accessory knitted in bold colour-block stripes. Designed by Sari Nordlund for Novita, this downloadable PDF pattern produces a generously sized scarf measuring approximately 18 cm x 130 cm (7 in x 51 in) — wide enough to wrap warmly and long enough to style in multiple ways. The design is rated easy, making it an approachable project for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques but looking for a satisfying, rhythmic knit with a polished, graphic result.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a classic rectangular scarf worked flat from end to end. The finished piece features twelve equal colour-block stripes arranged in a repeating three-colour sequence, giving it a clean, modern aesthetic inspired by the crisp colours of a winter sledging hill. The scarf is finished with a light steam blocking for a neat, professional drape.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Novita Suomivilla, a Finnish DK-weight wool yarn celebrated for its quality and warmth. Three colourways are used:

• Novita Suomivilla (801) Eagle Owl – 50 g
• Novita Suomivilla (811) Crevasse – 50 g
• Novita Suomivilla (010) Off White – 50 g

The recommended needles are Novita 3½ mm (US 4), or the size needed to achieve the correct tension. No additional tools beyond a yarn needle for weaving in ends are required.

Gauge

The stated gauge is 19 stitches in garter stitch = approximately 10 cm / 4 in. Achieving this gauge is important for matching the finished dimensions of the scarf, so knitters are encouraged to work a tension swatch before casting on.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Garter stitch – the sole stitch pattern used throughout the entire scarf. Garter stitch is formed by knitting every row on both the right and wrong sides. This creates a reversible, ridged fabric with excellent body and elasticity, making it ideal for scarves as it lies flat without curling at the edges.
• Long-tail or standard cast-on – 35 stitches are cast on to begin the scarf.
• Colour-block stripe construction – colours are changed every 36 rows (approximately 10 cm per stripe), with no stranding or intarsia required. Each colour is simply picked up at the stripe boundary, keeping the technique accessible.
• Loose bind-off – the pattern specifies a knit-and-pass-over bind-off method worked loosely to ensure the cast-off edge matches the elasticity of the cast-on edge. Knitting two stitches and passing the right-hand stitch over the left is repeated until one stitch remains, then the yarn is broken and pulled through.
• Weaving in ends – yarn tails from each colour change are neatly woven in as part of the finishing process.
• Steam blocking – the completed scarf is lightly steamed to even out the stitches and give the fabric a smooth, finished appearance.

Pattern Construction Details

The scarf begins with Eagle Owl and works 36 rows of garter stitch, followed by 36 rows in Off White, then 36 rows in Crevasse. This three-colour stripe sequence is then repeated three more times, resulting in twelve stripes in total. The scarf is then finished with a final section of Eagle Owl worked to approximately 10 cm before binding off. This structured, repetitive construction makes it easy to track progress and ideal for knitters who enjoy a meditative, straightforward project.

Difficulty and Suitability

Although listed as easy in the original pattern, this product is categorised as intermediate in the store, reflecting that confident handling of colour changes and achieving an even tension across a long project adds a small degree of skill