Tangled up cable knit scarf

Tangled up Cable Knit Scarf by Catherine Keaney

What is Being Made

The Tangled up Cable Knit Scarf is a downloadable knitting pattern designed by Catherine Keaney. This scarf combines two distinct stitch patterns to create visual interest and texture: an openwork lace section followed by a cable knit section. The finished piece measures 38 stitches in width and is worked on 5.5mm needles using chunky-weight yarn, making it a relatively quick project suitable for knitters with intermediate stitch knowledge.

Pattern Structure and Design

The scarf is constructed in two main sections. The first section features a lace pattern that creates an airy, openwork design through strategic yarn overs and decreases. This lace section is followed by a cable pattern section that introduces dimensional texture through cable crosses. The combination of these two techniques creates a scarf with varied visual appeal—delicate lacework contrasting with bold, raised cable stitches.

Lace Pattern Details

The lace pattern is a 6-row repeat that alternates between pattern rows and purl rows for a smooth reverse stockinette background. The pattern uses yarn overs (yo) paired with decreases to create the openwork effect:

• Rows 1, 3, and 5 contain the active lace stitches with yarn overs and decreases positioned symmetrically
• Rows 2, 4, and 6 are purled to set the stitches and create definition
• Edge stitches (k2 at beginning and end of each row) frame the pattern
• The pattern repeats 9 times across the width in each direction, creating a balanced, symmetrical design

Cable Pattern Details

The cable pattern section introduces texture through cable crosses worked over 4 stitches. The cables are separated by reverse stockinette panels (purl stitches) that make the raised cables stand out prominently. The pattern is a 6-row repeat that includes:

• Cable crosses created by placing 2 stitches on a cable needle, holding in front, knitting 2 stitches, then knitting the stitches from the cable needle
• Five cable crosses positioned across the width of the scarf
• Reverse stockinette (purl) stitches between cables and at the edges to frame the design
• Alternating knit and purl rows to maintain stitch definition

Knitting Techniques and Stitches Used

This pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate knitters:

• Cable cast on: Creates a sturdy, decorative foundation edge with 38 stitches
• Knit (K) and purl (P) stitches: Form the basic fabric structure
• Yarn over (yo): Creates deliberate holes in the lace section to produce the openwork effect
• Knit two together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used in the lace pattern
• Slip slip knit (ssk): A left-leaning decrease used in the lace pattern for balanced decreases with yarn overs
• Cable crosses: Worked using a cable needle to create the twisted, dimensional cable texture
• Stockinette stitch: Knit rows alternated with purl rows in the cable section
• Reverse stockinette: Purl rows alternated with knit rows to create the recessed background that highlights cables

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern specifies a gauge of 21 stitches and 22 rows per 4 inches, which is typical for chunky-weight yarn. This gauge is achieved using 5.5mm needles. The scarf is cast on with 38 stitches, which at the specified gauge produces a scarf width of approximately 7.25 inches—a comfortable width for a neck scarf.

Materials Required

This pattern is designed for use with chunky-weight yarn and 5.5mm knitting needles. Knitters will also need a cable needle for working the cable crosses in the second section of the pattern. The downloadable PDF format allows knitters to print or reference the pattern digit