Berroco Arbela Scarf Knitting Pattern

Berroco Arbela Knit Scarf

What is Being Made

The Arbela is a knitted scarf designed by Amy Christoffers, measuring approximately 11½ inches wide and 66 inches long (not including fringe). This is an intermediate-level knitting project that creates a finished accessory suitable for everyday wear.

Techniques Used

This scarf employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques to create visual interest and texture. The primary construction method uses garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row and produces a reversible, textured fabric with horizontal ridges. The pattern incorporates stranded colorwork, where two yarn colors are held together and worked simultaneously to create integrated color patterns. Additionally, the design includes slip stitches worked with yarn held in front (wyif) and yarn held in back (wyib), which create subtle texture variations without adding bulk. The scarf is finished with fringe, which is added after the main knitting is complete using a crochet hook.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k): The foundation stitch used throughout the scarf, particularly in garter stitch rows
• Purl stitch (p): Used selectively in specific rows to create texture variation within the garter stitch base
• Slip stitch (slip): Worked with yarn held in back (wyib) and yarn held in front (wyif) to create subtle dimensional effects without increasing stitch count
• Two-yarn held together technique: The main color and contrast colors are held together and worked as one unit to integrate colorwork seamlessly into the fabric

Materials and Tools

This pattern requires Berroco Arno yarn in the main color, with 7 balls (50 grams each) of shade #5096 Dulce de Leche providing the primary fabric. Berroco Aerial yarn, a lighter-weight option, is used for color accents with 1 ball each of #3444 Fuchsia and #3435 Goldenrod serving as contrast colors.

Knitting needles required include a 36-inch circular needle in size 8 (5 mm) or the size needed to achieve proper gauge. A size H (5 mm) crochet hook is necessary for adding the fringe finish. A tapestry needle is used for weaving in yarn ends.

The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 44 rows over 4 inches in garter stitch. Checking gauge before beginning ensures the finished scarf will meet the specified dimensions. The pattern begins with casting on 297 stitches and proceeds through a series of rows that alternate between solid garter stitch sections and rows featuring the stranded colorwork and slip stitch techniques.