Sorrel - Scarf Knitting Pattern for Women in Tahki Yarns Classic Superwash

Sorrel Scarf Knitting Pattern by Susan Mills – A Detailed Guide

The Sorrel scarf is an elegant, lace-accented knitting pattern designed by Susan Mills and published by Tahki Stacy Charles Inc. It is worked in Tahki Yarns Classic Superwash wool and produces a graceful, crescent-shaped accessory with a decorative picot bind-off edge. Rated as intermediate in difficulty, this pattern is an excellent project for knitters who are comfortable with basic lace techniques and short-row shaping and are ready to explore more refined finishing details.

What Is Being Made

The Sorrel pattern creates a single, one-size women's scarf with a gently curved, crescent or asymmetrical silhouette. The finished piece measures 71½ inches (181.5 cm) long at its widest point and 8 inches (20.5 cm) at the center length. This graceful shape drapes beautifully around the neck and shoulders, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering in cooler weather. The scarf is knitted as a single seamless piece, meaning no seaming is required at any stage of construction.

Techniques Used

• Lace knitting: The body of the scarf features an Eyelet Rib pattern stitch, which incorporates yarn-overs and decreases to create an open, airy texture with a delicate lace quality. This technique adds visual interest and lightness to the fabric without making it overly complex.
• Short-row shaping: The curved, crescent shape of the scarf is achieved through short rows, a technique in which only a portion of the stitches on the needle are worked before turning. The pattern uses the wrap and turn (w&t) method, which involves bringing the yarn forward between needles and slipping a stitch to prevent holes at the turning points. This creates smooth, gradual shaping along the length of the scarf.
• Cable Cast-On: This technique is used both at the beginning of the project and as part of the decorative bind-off. It produces a firm, neat edge that integrates cleanly with the picot finish.
• Picot Edge Bind-Off: The scarf is finished with a Picot Edge Bind-Off, which involves casting on stitches using the Cable Cast-On method and then immediately binding them off to create small, looped points along the edge. This adds a charming, decorative finish that complements the lace patterning throughout the body.
• Seamless construction: The scarf is worked in one continuous piece, eliminating the need for any seaming and resulting in a polished, professional finish.
• Wet blocking: Finishing instructions call for wet blocking to the stated measurements, which is an essential step for lace knitting. Blocking opens up the eyelet pattern, evens out the stitches, and allows the scarf to reach its full dimensions and drape.

Stitches Used

• Eyelet Rib: The primary pattern stitch, worked over a multiple of 6 stitches plus 3. On the right side, it combines purl columns with a sequence of k2tog, yarn over, k1 to create the lace eyelets within a ribbed framework. The wrong-side row works the stitches as they appear, maintaining the rib structure.
• Knit and purl stitches: Used throughout both the pattern stitch and the plain rows that frame the lace sections.
• Yarn over (yo): Creates the open eyelet holes that give the lace its characteristic airy appearance.
• K2tog (knit two together): A right-leaning decrease paired with the yarn over to maintain the stitch count within the Eyelet Rib pattern.
• Slip stitch: Used within the Picot Edge Bind-Off to transfer stitches between needles as part of the decorative edging process.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in the Eyelet Rib pattern stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is important for reaching the stated finished dimensions, and knitters are advised to take time to check gauge before beginning. Adjustments to needle size may be necessary.

Materials and Tools