Berroco Fairfax Scarf Knitting Pattern

Berroco Fairfax Knit Scarf

What is Being Made

The Fairfax is a knit scarf designed by Donna Yacino that measures approximately 9 inches wide by 72 inches long after blocking. This intermediate-level knitting project creates an elegant, rectangular scarf suitable for everyday wear or as a finished gift.

Techniques Used

This scarf employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques to create visual interest and texture. The pattern utilizes slip stitch techniques worked both with yarn in front (wyif) and yarn in back (wyib) to create a sophisticated fabric surface. The design incorporates a pattern shift technique, where the placement of knit and purl stitches alternates at specific intervals throughout the piece, creating distinct horizontal sections. Stitch markers are used strategically to divide the scarf into three sections, helping knitters maintain pattern accuracy across the 45-cast-on stitches. The scarf is worked flat in rows from cast-on to bind-off, making it accessible for knitters progressing beyond basic garter and stockinette stitch projects.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k) – the foundation stitch used throughout
• Purl stitch (p) – creates textural contrast with knit stitches
• Slip stitch (sl) – worked with yarn in front and yarn in back to create the scarf's distinctive surface pattern
• Pattern stitch – alternating rows of knit-purl combinations with slip stitches
• Pattern shift – a technique where the knit and purl sections reverse position, creating horizontal design transitions

Materials

This scarf is knit using Berroco Mercado yarn, requiring 3 hanks of color #4128 Cielo (100 grams per hank). The yarn is worked on size 10 (6.00 mm) knitting needles, or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge. The pattern also calls for 2 stitch markers to help organize the three-section construction. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in the pattern stitch, and knitters are advised to swatch and check gauge before beginning to ensure accurate finished measurements.

Pattern Structure

The Fairfax scarf is constructed using a repeating pattern sequence. After casting on 45 stitches and establishing stitch markers, knitters work the initial pattern stitch for 3 inches. The pattern then shifts, reversing the placement of knit and purl sections for another 3 inches. This 6-inch sequence repeats until the scarf reaches the desired length of 72 inches. The pattern concludes with binding off in pattern to maintain the scarf's finished edge appearance.