SKAGEN

SKAGEN Scarf by Bérangère Cailliau

What Is Being Made

The SKAGEN is a long, elegant knitted scarf designed by independent designer Bérangère Cailliau for Winter 2019. This rectangular scarf measures 18 inches wide and 111 inches tall, making it a generous length suitable for wrapping and styling. The design combines structural ribbed elements with decorative traveling diagonal ribs at the borders, creating visual interest while maintaining a sophisticated, wearable aesthetic.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is created using knitting, worked flat on straight needles from cast-on to bind-off. The scarf is constructed with a thoughtful structure: the borders feature traveling diagonal ribs worked with strategic increases and decreases that create a tapered, shaped edge, while the main body is worked in a classic 2x2 rib pattern. This combination of techniques provides both visual appeal and functional drape.

Stitches Used

• 2x2 Rib: The primary stitch pattern for the scarf body, alternating two knit stitches with two purl stitches. This creates a reversible, textured fabric with excellent elasticity and recovery.
• Traveling Diagonal Ribs: Used in the border sections at the beginning and end of the scarf, these ribs incorporate increases and decreases to create diagonal movement and a shaped edge.
• Slip Stitch: Edge stitches are slipped with yarn in front (wyif) to create neat, finished selvage edges.

Materials

The SKAGEN is knitted with Woolfolk Får, a premium yarn composed of 100% Ovis 21 Ultimate Merino® wool. This high-quality merino provides softness, breathability, and natural temperature regulation—ideal for a winter scarf. The yarn is worsted weight with a yardage of 142 yards per 50-gram skein. The project requires 11 skeins total to complete the full 111-inch length.

Needles required are US 7 (4.5 mm) straight needles, and a tapestry needle is needed for weaving in ends.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in 2x2 rib on US 7 (4.5 mm) needles, measured after blocking. The finished scarf measures 18 inches wide and 111 inches long, providing ample length for versatile styling options.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as beginner friendly. While the scarf incorporates ribbed stitches and basic shaping through increases and decreases, these techniques are fundamental and accessible to knitters new to the craft. The straightforward flat construction and repetitive stitch patterns make this an excellent project for building foundational knitting skills while creating a beautiful, wearable garment.

Design Notes

The scarf begins with a cast-on of 92 stitches and features charted instructions for the border sections, which are worked before transitioning to the main body. The pattern includes a set-up row followed by the ribbed body worked to the desired length. The scarf concludes with a loose bind-off worked in pattern to maintain the fabric's natural stretch and drape. The use of slipped edge stitches throughout ensures professional-looking selvage edges.