Janine Scarf

Janine Scarf by Sharon Slarke

What Is Being Made

The Janine Scarf is a mid-season cotton scarf designed by Sharon Slarke. This lightweight accessory measures 16cm (6 1/3 inches) wide by 147cm (57¾ inches) long, making it an ideal length for versatile styling. The scarf features an elegant Vandyke lace stitch as its primary pattern, complemented by decorative double lines of bobbles positioned at each end for added visual interest and texture.

Construction Technique

The Janine Scarf employs a two-piece construction method, which allows knitters to work the project in manageable sections before combining them. The two pieces are joined together using a three-needle bind-off (also called three-needle cast-off), a technique that creates a secure, professional seam while simultaneously binding off stitches. This method is particularly useful for joining pieces with live stitches and produces a neat, finished edge.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is the Vandyke lace stitch, which creates an elegant, openwork fabric with a distinctive geometric appearance. This lace stitch requires standard knitting abbreviations including yarn forward (yf) for creating yarn-overs, skpo (slip 1, knit 1, pass slip stitch over) for left-leaning decreases, and k2tog (knit 2 together) for right-leaning decreases. These decrease stitches are essential for shaping the lace pattern.

At each end of the scarf, a horizontal double bobble stitch is worked. This textured stitch pattern is based on a multiple of 4 stitches plus 1 additional stitch. The bobble stitch creates small, raised knots of fabric that add dimensional texture and visual contrast to the delicate lace sections.

Materials and Tools

The Janine Scarf is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn (also known as 8 ply). The pattern specifies Sirdar Calico, a cotton-blend yarn composed of 60% cotton and 40% acrylic. Each 50g ball yields approximately 157 meters (172 yards), and the project requires 3 balls total, providing approximately 471 meters (516 yards) of yarn.

Knitters will need 4.5mm needles (US size 7) or the size required to achieve the correct gauge. The pattern emphasizes checking gauge before beginning, as proper gauge ensures the finished scarf meets the specified measurements and drapes correctly.

Gauge and Blocking

The target gauge for the Vandyke lace stitch is 20 stitches and 31 rows to 10cm (4 inches) when measured on blocked fabric using 4.5mm needles. Blocking is an important finishing step for lace patterns, as it opens up the lace stitches and helps the scarf achieve its intended dimensions and drape.

Skill Level

The Janine Scarf is rated as a beginner difficulty project. Despite featuring lace stitching, which typically requires understanding yarn-overs and decreases, the pattern is structured to be accessible to newer knitters who have mastered basic knit and purl stitches and are ready to explore simple lace techniques.