Triangle Scarf in Plymouth DK Merino Superwash - F575

Triangle Scarf in Plymouth DK Merino Superwash – Free Knitting Pattern (F575)

This free downloadable knitting pattern from Plymouth Yarn Company (pattern code F575) produces a beautifully shaped triangle scarf worked in three coordinating colorways of Plymouth DK Merino Superwash yarn. The finished piece is elegant in its simplicity, using strategic decreases to create a long, gently tapered triangular silhouette. After blocking, the scarf measures an impressive 82½ inches in length with a 6-inch depth at its deepest point, making it a versatile accessory that can be worn draped, wrapped, or tied in multiple ways.

What Is Being Made

The project is a top-down triangle scarf, cast on at its widest edge and gradually decreased down to a narrow point. The design is worked flat on a long circular needle, beginning with a large number of stitches and methodically reducing them through paired decreases at the edges and at a marked center point. The result is a lightweight, drapey scarf with clean geometric lines and a striking three-color striped effect created by switching yarn colors at regular intervals.

Materials and Yarn

The pattern calls for Plymouth DK Merino Superwash yarn, a machine-washable merino wool yarn in a DK weight. Five 50g skeins are used in total across three colors:

• Purple #1133 – 2 skeins (Main Color / MC)
• Teal #1132 – 2 skeins (Contrast Color 1 / CC1)
• Lt Teal #1131 – 1 skein (Contrast Color 2 / CC2)

The three colors transition from the deepest and widest section in Purple, through a mid-section in Teal, and finishing at the narrowest point in Light Teal, creating a natural gradient-like ombre effect that flows beautifully across the finished scarf.

Needles and Notions

The pattern requires a US Size 8 (5mm) circular knitting needle, 40 inches long. The use of a long circular needle is specifically noted as necessary in the pattern, as the cast-on begins with 350 stitches — far too many to fit comfortably on a standard straight needle. One stitch marker is also needed to mark the center of the cast-on row, which serves as a reference point for the central double decreases throughout the pattern.

Gauge

The recommended gauge is 17 stitches and 40 rows to 4 inches in garter stitch, measured after blocking on US Size 8 (5mm) needles. Achieving accurate gauge is particularly important here, as the finished dimensions depend on both stitch count and the significant change in fabric size that blocking can produce, especially with superwash merino wool.

Techniques Used

This pattern is well-suited to knitters with a basic to intermediate skill level. The construction relies on a small set of consistently repeated techniques:

• Long-tail or standard cast-on of 350 stitches with a center stitch marker placed after 175 stitches
• Garter stitch (knit every row on both right side and wrong side), which creates a reversible, textured fabric with excellent drape and elasticity
• SSK (slip, slip, knit) – a left-leaning decrease worked by slipping two stitches knitwise individually, then knitting them together through the back loop
• K2tog (knit two together) – a right-leaning decrease used to mirror the SSK at opposite edges and at the center marker
• Edge decreases on every row (both WS and RS rows) to shape the outer edges of the triangle
• Center double decreases on RS rows only, worked on either side of the stitch marker to create the central spine of the triangle shape
• Color changes between the three yarn colors at set intervals, with yarn cut and rejoined cleanly at the beginning of a new section
• Wet blocking after finishing to open up the garter stitch fabric and achieve the stated finished dimensions

Construction and