Qana Scarf

Qana Scarf by neish design

What is Being Made

The Qana Scarf is a long, elegant knitted accessory designed as an intermediate-level project. This downloadable knitting pattern produces a finished scarf measuring 13 inches wide by 94½ inches long (33cm × 240cm), making it a generous, versatile piece suitable for wrapping and styling. The scarf is worked flat in a single piece from end to end, combining textured stitch patterns with decorative cable panels for visual interest.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Qana Scarf employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques to create its finished design. The primary construction method is flat knitting on straight needles, worked in rows rather than in the round. Cable work is a central feature, with the pattern incorporating multiple cable panels that require the use of a cable needle to cross stitches and create the characteristic twisted, rope-like texture. The scarf combines different stitch patterns—a broken rib background with strategically placed cable panels—which requires attention to pattern placement and stitch count management. Tension and gauge are critical to this project, as achieving the correct measurements depends on matching the specified gauge of 23 stitches and 30½ rows over 4 inches in Broken Rib stitch.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Qana Scarf features two primary stitch patterns:

• Broken Rib Stitch: This textured background stitch is worked over a multiple of 2 stitches plus 1. The pattern alternates between a right-side row of alternating purls and knits (p1, k1 repeat, ending with p1) and a wrong-side row of all purls. This creates a subtle, broken vertical texture that provides visual depth without overwhelming the design.
• Cable Panels: Two distinct cable panel variations, each worked over 9 stitches, are incorporated into the scarf design. Cable Panel 1 and Cable Panel 2 are constructed using cable crosses (such as C6B, a cable 6 back cross) worked at regular intervals. These panels create raised, twisted columns that measure approximately 1½ inches wide (3.5cm). The cable rows alternate with purl rows on the wrong side, and the cables are crossed on specific rows to build the dimensional effect. Stitch markers are optional but recommended to help track the placement of these cable panels throughout the project.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

Yarn: The Qana Scarf requires 1,000 meters (1,094 yards) of DK weight yarn that produces the correct tension and gauge. The sample shown was knitted using Universal Yarns Deluxe Worsted, a 100% wool yarn in the colorway #12182 gold spice. Each ball of Universal Yarns Deluxe Worsted provides 220 yards (200 meters) per 3½ ounce (100 gram) ball, meaning approximately 5 balls would be needed to complete the project. The pattern notes that DK weight yarn is appropriate, though the sample was made with a worsted weight yarn, indicating that yarn weight flexibility may be possible with appropriate gauge adjustment.

Needles: The pattern calls for 4.0mm (US size 6) straight needles. The pattern instructions note that needle size should be adjusted if necessary to obtain the correct tension and gauge, as individual knitters may require different needle sizes depending on their personal knitting tension.

Notions: Additional supplies required include a cable needle for executing the cable crosses, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends upon completion. Stitch markers are listed as optional but are recommended for marking the placement of cable panels, helping knitters keep track of pattern repeats and cable positions throughout the length of the scarf.