9.26.2010

Pattern: Otis




Meet my first self-published pattern, Otis! This little neckwarmer is a side-to-side triangle scarf of squishy garter stitch that knits up really quickly, and is great for someone just learning the ropes. Whenever my friends want to learn to knit, this is what I have them make.
It's made in Cascade 220, one of my all-time favorite yarns. It just knits up so nicely, especially in garter stitch, and it's super warm and cosy. Perfect for anything you want to tuck around your neck under your coat while jumping into leaf piles or ice-skating outdoors.

Needle size: US 10.5
Yarn: One skein of Cascade 220 Heathers
Optional: Contrasting yarn & crochet hook for edging
Gauge is not important for this pattern.


Row 1-Make a slip knot. Knit into front and back loops; 2 stitches. Turn.
Row 2-Knit into front and back of 1st stitch, knit 2nd stitch; 3 stitches. Turn.
Row 3-Knit 1, make 1 by picking up bar between 1st and 2nd stitch and knitting it, knit across row. Turn.
Row 4: Knit all stitches.

Repeat rows 3&4 until your scarf is the size you want it, or until your wool is used up.
Bind off, and weave in ends.
If you feel like it, crochet some scallops around the two bottom edges for decoration.

Keep in mind that Otis is constructed side-to-side. This means that the edge without increases is going to become the widest part of your triangle, and the top of your scarf. If you want to know how long your neckwarmer is, that's the edge you want to check. The increase edge then becomes one side of your triangle, and the bind off edge is the second side. Make sense? :)

And there you have it.




7 comments:

  1. I love the triangle scarf idea but for some reason can't wrap my mind around how the triangle works? I'm probably just being a bit stupid but can you try and explain it more?

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  2. You're not being stupid--it's just a bit harder to wrap your mind around until you see it on the needles! :)

    Picture a plain triangle, with one point directed downwards, one point directed to the right, and one point to the left. Draw it out if you need to. The left point is your 'cast-on', or row 1. As you knit, all the increases are on the side between the left point and the bottom point. The side you don't increase on is flat, and that's the top of your triangle. When you bind off at the end, you create the edge between the right point and the bottom point and solidify your triangle shape.

    It's actually a little asymmetrical when finished, which works out nicely when it's around your neck.

    I hope this helps! Cast on and do a few rows if you're still confused, then stretch it out on your needle and take a look. :)
    Feel free to ask more questions if you need to.

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  3. Is this scarf supposed to be knitted on double pointed needles???

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  4. Nope, it's on two straights! Easy-peasy. :)

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  5. A beginner here. How many cast ons do I make? I'd like to try this pattern as my first project. Thanks

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  6. Actually, this is a great project for beginners because you don't have to cast on any stitches! Just start with Row 1. If you're confused about how to work the increases, there are some great tutorial videos here: http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/increases

    Hope that helps--good luck!

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  7. I don't understand "knit into front and back loops: stitch 2"? Is it a cable cast on?

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