Grace

Grace Scarf by Kiri FitzGerald

What is Being Made

Grace is an intermediate-level knitted scarf designed by independent designer Kiri FitzGerald. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a finished scarf measuring 196cm (77 inches) across the top and 25.5cm (10 inches) high at the centre, making it a substantial accessory piece suitable for everyday wear or as a thoughtful handmade gift.

Yarn and Materials

The scarf is knitted using sport weight yarn, with a total yardage requirement of 741 metres (810 yards). The sample shown was knit in Lorna's Laces Sportmate, a blend of 70% Superwash Merino and 30% Outlast Viscose fibres, using three 100-gram skeins in the colourway Putty. This yarn blend combines the softness and temperature-regulating properties of merino wool with the moisture-wicking characteristics of viscose, creating a comfortable and practical scarf.

Needles and Tools

This pattern requires 4mm (US 6) knitting needles in two formats: straight needles and a 100cm (40-inch) circular needle. The use of a large circular needle is noted in the pattern, which is a common technique for managing the width of larger flat projects like scarves and shawls.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 17 stitches and 28 rows to 10cm (4 inches) in stocking stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished dimensions of the scarf.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Grace employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques:

• Stocking stitch (stockinette stitch) – the primary fabric structure, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing a smooth, classic appearance
• Knit stitch (k) – the basic foundation stitch
• Knit two together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease used to shape or reduce stitches
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) – a left-leaning decrease created by slipping two stitches individually as if to knit, then knitting these two stitches together through the back loops
• Yarn over (yo) – a stitch that creates an eyelet or decorative hole, often used in lace patterns
• Wrap and turn (w+t) – a short-row shaping technique that involves slipping a stitch purlwise, bringing the working yarn to the front, returning the slipped stitch to the left needle, and turning the work to create gradual shaping without visible holes
• Slip stitch (sl) – used for various purposes including edge finishing and pattern transitions
• Cast on and bind off – the methods for beginning and finishing the knitted fabric

The combination of decreases, yarn overs, and short-row shaping techniques indicates that Grace features textured or shaped elements beyond basic stocking stitch, contributing to its intermediate difficulty level and visual interest.

Pattern Format

This is a downloadable PDF pattern that includes detailed written instructions, abbreviations, and notes to guide knitters through the project from cast-on to bind-off.