Classic Elite Yarns Diagonal Scarf Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Diagonal Scarf

What Is Being Made

The Classic Elite Yarns Diagonal Scarf is a seamless knit accessory measuring approximately 7¾ inches wide by 72 inches long. This intermediate-level scarf features a distinctive diagonal design created through strategic increases and decreases that form pointed ends and slanted stripes running toward the center of the piece. The finished scarf is worked flat on straight needles and showcases beautiful color combinations through strategic striping.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its signature diagonal effect. The scarf is worked flat from one pointed end to the other, eliminating the need for seaming. The diagonal slant is created using a double decrease (s2kp) positioned at the center of each right-side row, which causes the fabric to angle toward the middle. Yarn overs are worked at the edges on right-side rows to maintain stitch count while the center decreases, creating a balanced shaping.

The design incorporates striping throughout, with alternating six-row stripes in two complementary colors. The pattern recommends selecting two printed colors without any colors in common to ensure the stripes remain visually distinct and avoid muddy color combinations where the pattern would be unclear. Unused yarn colors are carried up the side of the work and twisted every two rows to maintain a neat edge.

The scarf begins with a pointed end created through increases and concludes with a pointed end created through decreases, framing the striped body of the piece. The construction uses Garter stitch throughout, which creates a reversible, textured fabric with excellent drape and visual interest.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) – The primary stitch used to create the Garter stitch fabric
• Yarn over (yo) – Creates decorative increases at the edges while maintaining stitch count
• Slip, slip, knit (s2kp) – A centered double decrease that creates the diagonal slant by reducing two stitches at the center of the scarf
• Garter stitch – Created by knitting every row, producing horizontal ridges and a reversible texture

Materials and Specifications

This pattern calls for Liberty Wool by Classic Elite Yarns, a 100% washable wool yarn. The scarf requires six balls total: three balls of color A (7820 Faded Brocade) and three balls of color B (7821 Caribbean Tidepool). Each ball contains approximately 122 yards and weighs 50 grams, providing ample yardage for the full 72-inch length.

Knitting needles in size US 7 (4.5 mm) are required, or whatever size is necessary to obtain the correct gauge. A removable stitch marker is needed to mark the center stitch, which serves as the reference point for the double decreases throughout the pattern.

The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 36 rows equals 4 inches in Garter stitch when blocked. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished scarf meets the intended dimensions and drapes properly.

Pattern Details

The scarf begins by casting on 51 stitches and working the initial pointed end through six rows of increases. The main body is then worked in alternating six-row stripes, with three rows in color B followed by three rows in color A, repeating this pattern until the scarf reaches approximately 70 inches in length. The pattern is ended on the sixth row of an A stripe to maintain color consistency. The final pointed end is created by working decreases at the center while maintaining the established stripe pattern, continuing until only three stitches remain, which are then bound off with a final slip, slip, knit decrease.

This pattern was originally published in Accents 3, 9246, a printed collection of designs by Classic Elite Yarns, and was designed by Susan Mills.