Bongo Scarf Knitting Pattern

Bongo Scarf in Berroco Ultra Wool

What is Being Made

The Bongo Scarf is a knitted rectangular scarf designed by Amy Palmer, measuring approximately 9 inches wide by 82 inches long. This intermediate-level project is worked sideways, meaning the knitter casts on stitches and works across the width of the scarf rather than lengthwise, creating a unique construction method that allows for efficient yarn usage and interesting color blocking opportunities.

Techniques Used

This scarf employs several distinctive knitting techniques to create its textured appearance. The primary technique involves wrap stitches, which are specialty stitches that add visual interest and dimension to the fabric. The pattern uses two types of wrap stitches: Wrap 3 and Wrap 4, which involve inserting the right-hand needle into a stitch, wrapping yarn multiple times around the needle, and then dropping extra wraps on the following row. This creates elongated loops and textured elements throughout the scarf.

The scarf also features color blocking, incorporating two distinct yarn colors—Beet Root as the main color and Butter as the contrast color—to create visual sections within the design. The sideways construction method allows these color changes to be integrated seamlessly into the pattern structure.

Stitches Used

• Knit Stitch: The foundational stitch used throughout the scarf, creating smooth stockinette sections between wrap stitch rows
• Wrap 3: A specialty stitch where yarn is wrapped three times around the right-hand needle; on the next row, only the first wrap is knitted while the remaining two wraps are dropped, creating elongated loops
• Wrap 4: A variation of the wrap stitch using four yarn wraps around the needle; on the following row, the first wrap is knitted and the remaining three wraps are dropped, producing longer textured elements
• Cast On and Bind Off: Standard techniques used to begin and finish the scarf, with 288 stitches cast on initially

Materials and Tools

The Bongo Scarf is crafted using Berroco Ultra Wool, a 100% wool yarn. The pattern requires one 100-gram ball each of color #33151 Beet Root (main color) and color #3312 Butter (contrast color). A 29-inch circular needle in size 7 (4.50 mm) is used to accommodate the 288 cast-on stitches, though the pattern notes that needle size may be adjusted to achieve proper gauge.

The recommended gauge for this project is 14 stitches and 9 rows per 4 inches when worked in the pattern stitch. Achieving accurate gauge is emphasized as important for obtaining the correct finished measurements. The pattern includes finishing instructions to weave in ends and block the scarf as desired, which helps set the stitches and enhance the drape of the final piece.