W scarf

W Scarf by Jenise Reid

Project Overview

The W Scarf is an intermediate-level knitted accessory designed by Jenise Reid. This sideways-knit scarf creates a distinctive geometric shape with three "corners," resulting in finished dimensions of approximately 6 feet long by 21 inches wide. The scarf showcases elegant shaping through strategic increases and decreases worked throughout the pattern.

What Is Being Made

This project produces a substantial scarf featuring an asymmetrical W-shaped construction. The sideways knitting method allows the crafter to build the scarf horizontally, creating unique corner details that distinguish this design from traditional rectangular scarves. The finished piece measures about 6 feet in length with a generous 21-inch width, making it suitable for wrapping and styling versatility.

Techniques Used

• Sideways knitting: The scarf is constructed by knitting horizontally rather than from end to end, allowing for creative shaping and the formation of the three corner details
• Color changes: The pattern incorporates multiple yarn colors worked into a single design, requiring the crafter to manage color transitions throughout
• Increases and decreases: Strategic placement of yarn-over increases and double decreases (s2tog-p1-p2sso and s2tog-k1-k2sso) creates the scarf's distinctive W shape and corner formations
• Knitting into the same stitch: The pattern uses the technique of working knit, purl, and knit stitches into a single stitch to create increases
• Slip stitch edge treatment: Slip stitches worked with yarn in front (wyif) create finished, polished edges

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch: The primary stitch pattern, created by knitting every row for a textured, reversible fabric
• Knit and purl stitches: Basic stitches combined to create increases and textural variation
• Double decreases: s2tog-p1-p2sso and s2tog-k1-k2sso decrease techniques that shape the scarf's geometry
• Slip stitches: Used at the beginning of rows for edge definition
• Yarn-over increases: Incorporated through the (k, p, k) in 1 and (p, k, p) in 1 techniques to add stitches and create shaping

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: Knit Picks Aloft Laceweight, a luxurious blend of 75% Super Kid Mohair and 25% Silk. This yarn provides exceptional softness and drape, with 246 yards per 25 grams. The project requires 3 balls total: 2 balls in Oat (a neutral, natural tone) and 1 ball in Cosmopolitan (a contrasting color).

Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) needles are required. The pattern recommends using a 36-inch or longer circular needle rather than straight needles, as the large cast-on of 361 stitches benefits from the additional needle length for comfortable knitting.

Gauge: 4.5 stitches and 4 rows per 1 inch in garter stitch, measured on unblocked fabric. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished dimensions.

Additional supplies: A yarn needle is needed to weave in ends upon completion.

Skill Level

This scarf is rated as an intermediate project, requiring foundational knitting knowledge including knit and purl stitches, color changes, and the ability to work increases and decreases accurately. Crafters should be comfortable reading pattern instructions and managing a large number of stitches on the needle.