Kinematics Scarf

Kinematics Scarf by Sharon Slarke

What is Being Made

The Kinematics Scarf is a warm, woollen scarf crafted using the knitting technique. This design features a classic cable stitch pattern and measures 11.5cm (4½ inches) wide by 171cm (67¼ inches) long, making it an ideal accessory for everyday wear. The scarf is suitable for beginners looking to develop their cable knitting skills.

Knitting Techniques Used

This scarf employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginner-level crafters. The primary technique featured is cable knitting, which creates the distinctive twisted rope-like texture characteristic of cable stitch patterns. Cable knitting involves slipping stitches onto a cable needle, leaving them at the back or front of the work, then knitting subsequent stitches before returning to the held stitches. This technique is demonstrated in Row 7 of the pattern with the C6B cable cross stitch.

Stitches Used

The Kinematics Scarf utilizes a Simple Cable stitch as its primary stitch pattern. This stitch works over a multiple of 9 stitches plus 3 additional stitches. The pattern repeats over 6 rows:

• Rows 1, 3, and 5 feature purl and knit combinations: purl 3 stitches, knit 6 stitches, repeated across the row
• Rows 2, 4, and 6 reverse the pattern: knit 3 stitches, purl 6 stitches, repeated across the row
• Row 7 introduces the cable cross: purl 3 stitches, then work C6B (a 6-stitch cable cross worked by slipping 3 stitches to a cable needle and holding at back, knitting the next 3 stitches, then knitting the 3 stitches from the cable needle)

Rows 2 through 7 form the repeating pattern unit. The scarf begins with a cast-on of 39 stitches and continues in this Simple Cable stitch pattern until reaching the desired length.

Materials and Tools

The Kinematics Scarf is worked in Aran weight yarn (also known as 10 ply), a medium-weight yarn suitable for creating fabric with good drape and warmth. The pattern specifies Cleckheaton Country Aran, which is 100% wool yarn available in 50g balls, with each ball yielding approximately 87 metres (95 yards).

Five balls of yarn are required to complete the scarf at the specified length. Knitters may substitute any other Aran or 10 ply weight yarn of similar yardage.

The project requires 5.5mm needles (or the size necessary to achieve proper gauge) and a cable needle for working the cable stitch crosses. The recommended gauge is 36 stitches over 10cm (4 inches) when working the Simple Cable stitch using 5.5mm needles. Checking gauge before beginning is advised to ensure the finished scarf dimensions match the pattern specifications.