Product Description
Bracing is a scarf that you wear like a cowl. Or is it a cowl that you knit like a scarf? Either way, it will keep you warm and cozy with two different lengths and an infinitely adjustable fit. The shorter version is worn like a traditional cowl. The longer version can be worn the same way, or more loosely like an infinity scarf. Bracing is also an instant gratification project, being a quick knit in bulky yarn.
bracing [ˈbreɪsɪŋ] adj refreshing; stimulating; invigorating n (Engineering / Mechanical Engineering) a system of braces used to strengthen or support
"Bracing" describes both kind of chilly day this scarf is made for, and the way the diagonal eyelets seem to support the central cable.
Notes on yarn substitution This pattern was written with a superwash yarn in mind, allowing for the expansion that sometimes happens after the first washing. The original prototype and most of the test knits were done in handwash-only yarns, such as Malabrigo Chunky Meri
Bracing Scarf by Jennifer Chase-Rappaport
What is Being Made
The Bracing Scarf is a buttoned scarf design offered in two finished lengths: 6.25" by 30" or 6.25" by 57" after gentle blocking. This accessory features a distinctive center panel framed by border sections, with functional button closures that allow the wearer to adjust fit and styling options. The scarf combines structural shaping with decorative stitch patterns for an advanced knitting project.
Techniques Used
This pattern employs several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques. Cable work forms a central design element, requiring the use of a cable needle to create twisted stitch columns. Eyelet stitches are incorporated throughout the pattern using yarn overs and decreases, creating decorative openwork sections. Slip stitch markers are used strategically to denote pattern sections and maintain stitch consistency across rows. Blocking is an essential finishing technique, as the pattern specifies gentle blocking to achieve final measurements and even out the stitch pattern.
Stitches Used
- Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches form the foundation of the stockinette and textured sections
- Yarn overs (yo) create the eyelet openwork pattern
- Knit two together (K2tog) decreases stitches on right-leaning diagonals
- Slip, slip, knit (ssk) decreases stitches on left-leaning diagonals
- Cable 6 back (C6B) creates the twisted cable column by crossing stitches
- Slip marker (slm) maintains pattern alignment across the width
Materials and Tools
The Bracing Scarf is worked using Knit Picks Biggo bulky yarn, requiring 1 skein (110 yards) for the shorter 30" length or 2 skeins (220 yards) for the longer 57" version. Size 10.5 needles (6.5mm) are used to work the yarn at the appropriate gauge. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable stitch sequences. The pattern requires 2 large buttons measuring 1.5" round, oblong, or toggle style for the buttoned closure feature.
Gauge and Finishing
The recommended gauge is 13 stitches and 19 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch before washing and blocking. The pattern notes that gauge is difficult to measure accurately over the cable and eyelet stitch sections, so knitters are advised to create a gauge swatch using stockinette stitch alone. Proper blocking is critical to achieving the finished measurements and ensuring the stitch patterns lay evenly across the completed scarf.
Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Pages: | 5 |
| Designer: | Jennifer Chase-Rappaport |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
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