Beyond Infinity

Beyond Infinity Scarf by Kelly Spenhoff

What is Being Made

Beyond Infinity is a knitted scarf designed by Kelly Spenhoff, featuring a striking colorwork pattern created with four distinct yarn colors. The finished scarf measures 16 inches (41 cm) wide and 84 inches (213.5 cm) long, making it a substantial accessory suitable for wrapping and layering. This project is worked flat on circular or straight needles, with the scarf's considerable length accommodated comfortably by using a circular needle to distribute the weight of the piece during knitting.

Techniques and Stitches Used

This advanced-level scarf employs several key knitting techniques that create its distinctive texture and visual interest. The primary stitch structure is brioche stitch, which creates a highly elastic, dimensional fabric with a characteristic puffy appearance. Brioche knitting involves yarn overs and slip stitches that work together to produce reversible texture on both sides of the fabric.

Additional techniques required include:

• Yarn overs (yo) — creating new stitches that add lace-like openings and are essential to brioche stitch construction
• Slip stitches (sl1) — slipping stitches purlwise to maintain stitch definition and prepare stitches for subsequent rows
• Knit two together (k2tog) — a right-leaning decrease used for shaping and stitch reduction
• Attached i-cord — a decorative cord worked directly onto the scarf edge using double-pointed needles, creating a finished, professional border

The colorwork design incorporates four colors (red, white, purple, and green) worked throughout the scarf, creating a vibrant striped or patterned effect. The brioche stitch combined with color changes produces a visually complex, three-dimensional fabric that showcases the interplay between stitch structure and yarn color.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn Requirements: This project uses worsted weight yarn in four colors with the following yardage amounts: Color A (red) requires 70 yards (64 m), Color B (white) requires 60 yards (55 m), Color C (purple) requires 150 yards (137 m), and Color D (green) requires 60 yards (55 m). The sample scarf was knit in 100% acrylic yarn, with specific brands including Red Heart Super Saver in Cherry Red and Soft White, Big Twist Value in Blueberry, and Caron Simply Soft in Neon Green.

Needles and Notions: The pattern calls for US 9 needles in either 16-inch circular or straight needles, with the recommendation that circular needles may better accommodate the weight of the finished piece during knitting. Additionally, two double-pointed needles (dpns) are required for working the attached i-cord edging. A yarn needle is needed for weaving in ends.

Gauge: The pattern specifies a gauge of 14.5 stitches and 20 rows measured over 4 inches (10 cm) in brioche stitch. Achieving this gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions and ensuring proper drape and elasticity of the completed scarf.

Skill Level

Beyond Infinity is rated as an advanced knitting project, appropriate for experienced knitters who are comfortable with brioche stitch construction and attached i-cord techniques. The combination of brioche stitch, multiple color changes, and the i-cord finishing require solid foundational knitting skills and familiarity with more complex stitch patterns.