Nozomi

Nozomi Reversible Scarf by Melissa Leapman

What is Being Made

Nozomi is a completely reversible knitted scarf designed by Melissa Leapman and named after the Japanese word for "hope." This elegant accessory features Cable and Lace Pattern cables on both sides, making it visually interesting from every angle. The finished scarf measures 6½ inches wide by 66 inches in length when blocked, making it a versatile piece suitable for various styling options and seasons.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques to achieve its reversible design:

• Cable Knitting: The scarf incorporates cable stitches that appear on both sides, created by slipping stitches onto cable needles and holding them to the back or front while working subsequent stitches. This creates the dimensional twisted texture characteristic of cable patterns.
• Lace Knitting: Yarn overs and decreases are strategically placed throughout the pattern to create openwork lace sections that complement the cable elements.
• Reversible Construction: The pattern is engineered so that both the right side and wrong side display the same attractive cable and lace motifs, eliminating the need to hide an unfinished reverse side.
• Blocking: The finished scarf requires blocking to achieve its final dimensions and even out the stitch definition.

Stitches Used

The Nozomi pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in a sophisticated arrangement:

• Knit (K): The primary stitch forming the base fabric.
• Purl (P): Used to create textural contrast and definition between cable and lace sections.
• Yarn Over (YO): Creates the openwork lace holes and increases stitches within the pattern repeat.
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease that balances the yarn overs and maintains stitch count.
• Slip Stitch: Stitches are slipped onto cable needles to hold them while working cable twists.

The pattern repeats over a multiple of 23 stitches plus 7 additional stitches, with specific instructions for rows 1 through 11 and beyond, creating a structured repeat that ensures the reversible cable and lace pattern develops evenly across the width of the scarf.

Materials and Tools

This project calls for luxury materials that enhance the drape and elegance of the finished scarf:

• Yarn: Habu Textiles' N6B, which is 100% silk. Each ball contains 89 yards (162 meters) and weighs 0.5 ounces (28 grams). The project requires 5 balls of yarn, providing approximately 445 yards of silk fiber.
• Yarn Weight: DK weight yarn, a medium-light option that works well for creating defined stitch definition in both cable and lace patterns while maintaining good drape.
• Needles: Appropriate needles for DK weight yarn (typically US 3–5 / 3.25–3.75 mm, though specific needle size recommendations should be verified in the complete pattern).

The use of 100% silk yarn elevates this scarf to a refined accessory, offering a luxurious feel and beautiful sheen while the DK weight ensures that the cable and lace details remain crisp and visible throughout the finished piece.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, Nozomi is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are comfortable working with cables and lace patterns. The reversible construction adds complexity, requiring attention to pattern repeats and stitch placement to ensure both sides develop evenly.