Gearhart Scarf in Valley Yarns Brodie - 1035 - Downloadable PDF

Gearhart Scarf in Valley Yarns Brodie – Pattern #1035 by Julie Turjoman

About This Knitting Pattern

The Gearhart Scarf is a beautifully crafted accessory pattern designed by Julie Turjoman and published as a downloadable PDF. Knitted in the sumptuously soft Valley Yarns Brodie, a blend of 95% Cashmere and 5% Extrafine Merino Wool, this scarf is described as a practical luxury — a piece that feels indulgent to wear yet is grounded in classic, wearable design. The finished scarf measures a generous 14 inches wide by 70 inches long, making it a substantial and versatile accessory suitable for any gender.

Design Inspiration

The Gearhart Scarf draws its creative inspiration from classic Bohus knitting, a celebrated Scandinavian tradition known for its sophisticated use of colorwork and textural contrast. Julie Turjoman has interpreted this heritage in a gender-neutral, approachable way, making the design accessible to knitters who may be newer to colorwork while still offering the visual richness and handcraft depth that experienced knitters will appreciate. The result is a scarf that works equally well as a personal project or a thoughtful handmade gift.

Techniques Used

This pattern is rated Intermediate in skill level and employs two distinct colorwork techniques that work together to create its signature textured surface:

• Stranded Colorwork: The pattern uses traditional stranded knitting, in which two or more yarn colors are carried across the row simultaneously. This technique creates the characteristic color patterns seen in Fair Isle and Bohus-style knitting. Knitters manage floats across the back of the work, requiring attention to tension to keep the fabric smooth and even.
• Slip Stitch Colorwork: In addition to stranding, the Gearhart Scarf incorporates slip stitches that are carried on the right side of the work. Slip stitch colorwork is a technique where stitches from a previous row are slipped without being knitted, allowing a contrasting color to show through on the fabric's face. This adds a subtle three-dimensional texture and visual depth that complements the stranded sections beautifully.
• Worked Flat: The entire scarf is knitted flat, meaning it is worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round, which is a straightforward construction well suited to a rectangular accessory like a scarf.

Stitches Used

• Stranded knit stitches worked across multiple colors per row
• Slip stitches carried on the right side to create surface texture and color detail

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Valley Yarns Brodie, a DK weight yarn available in 50g/154-yard balls. Three colorways are used across the main color and two contrast colors:

• MC (Main Color): 5 balls of Valley Yarns Brodie in Color 218 Denim
• CC1 (Contrast Color 1): 1 ball of Valley Yarns Brodie in Color 211 Spring Meadow
• CC2 (Contrast Color 2): 1 ball of Valley Yarns Brodie in Color 225 Powder Blue

The cashmere-dominant fiber content of Valley Yarns Brodie gives the finished scarf an exceptionally soft hand and a subtle natural sheen, making it a pleasure both to knit and to wear.

Needles and Notions

Because stranded colorwork and slip stitch colorwork can each affect gauge differently, this pattern thoughtfully provides needle size options to help knitters achieve the correct tension:

• US size 6 (4 mm) needles — primary size for gauge
• US size 7 (4.5 mm) needles — recommended if needed for the stranded colorwork sections
• US size 8 (5 mm) needles — recommended if needed for the slip stitch colorwork sections