Ember

Ember Scarf by Kiri FitzGerald

What is Being Made

Ember is an advanced-level knitted scarf designed by independent designer Kiri FitzGerald. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a finished scarf measuring 35cm (13¾ inches) wide and 200cm (78¾ inches) long, making it a substantial accessory suitable for wrapping and layering.

Yarn Materials

The Ember scarf uses a two-colour knitting technique with fingering weight yarn. The pattern calls for 732 metres (800 yards) of main colour (MC) yarn and 400 metres (437 yards) of contrast colour (CC) yarn. The sample shown in the pattern was created using Dream in Color Smooshy with Cashmere, a premium yarn blend composed of 70% Merino, 20% Cashmere, and 10% Nylon. Specifically, the sample uses 2 skeins of Fatal Duel for the main colour and 1 skein of Kyoto Sunset for the contrast colour, totalling 114 grams (4 ounces) across the three skeins.

Needles and Gauge

This pattern is worked on 4mm (US 6) knitting needles. The stitch gauge is 35 stitches and 23 rows over 10 centimetres (4 inches) when worked in pattern, which is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Ember employs several advanced knitting techniques appropriate for experienced crafters. The pattern incorporates the following key stitches and abbreviations:

• k (knit) – the fundamental knit stitch
• p (purl) – the fundamental purl stitch
• k2tog (knit two together) – a right-leaning decrease that combines two stitches into one
• sl1, k1, psso (slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over) – a left-leaning decrease technique
• sl2, k1, p2sso (slip two stitches together, knit one, pass two slipped stitches over) – a double decrease for more dramatic shaping
• yo (yarn over) – a decorative increase that creates an eyelet or lace effect
• M3 (make 3) – knit into the front, back, and front of the next stitch to create three stitches from one
• pfbf (purl into the front, back, and front) – the purl equivalent of M3, creating texture and increases

The combination of decreases (k2tog, sl1 k1 psso, and sl2 k1 p2sso) with increases (yo, M3, and pfbf) suggests the pattern features complex stitch patterning, likely with lace elements or textured motifs that require careful attention to stitch counts and pattern repeats.

Pattern Structure

The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations and includes repeat sections (indicated by "rep"), indicating a stitch pattern that repeats across rows or sections of the scarf. The notation "RS" (right side) appears in the pattern instructions, confirming that shaping and stitch placement are directional and visible on the finished garment.

Construction Notes

The pattern includes a specific recommendation for finishing: for a tidy edge, it is recommended in the pattern to employ a particular edge treatment, though the complete instruction is not visible in the provided excerpt. This attention to edge detail is typical of advanced knitting patterns where presentation is as important as construction.

The two-colour construction using main colour and contrast colour allows for visual interest and pattern definition, with the fingering weight yarn providing excellent stitch definition for showcasing the intricate decreases and increases throughout the design.