Freia Fine Handpaints Brimfield Scarf Knitting Pattern

Brimfield Striped Scarf and Wrap by Tina Whitmore

What Is Being Made

Brimfield is a versatile striped gradient scarf or wrap pattern designed by Tina Whitmore, suitable for new knitters seeking an accessible yet visually striking project. The pattern offers two finished options: a narrow scarf measuring approximately 60 inches long and 7 inches wide, or a more generous wrap version measuring approximately 60 inches long and 13½ inches wide. Both versions showcase beautiful color transitions through strategic yarn color changes.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques that make it ideal for developing knitter skills:

• Bottom-up construction: The piece is worked from the bottom edge upward, allowing knitters to easily adjust length as needed
• Seamless, worked flat: The entire project is created on straight needles without seaming, eliminating the need for finishing techniques
• Striped gradient design: Multiple yarn colors are introduced sequentially to create a gradient effect, with colors carried along the edge for easy color transitions
• Decreases and increases: The pattern incorporates strategic shaping through various decrease stitches (K3tog, K5tog, S2kp) and increase stitches (Kfb, Kfbf) to create subtle shaping within the striped design

Stitches Used

Brimfield utilizes a focused selection of essential stitches appropriate for new knitters:

• K (Knit): The primary stitch throughout the pattern
• K3tog: A decrease that combines three stitches into one
• K5tog: A more dramatic decrease combining five stitches into one, worked as slip next 2 stitches onto right needle, knit 3 together, then pass the slipped stitches over
• Kfb (Knit front and back): An increase creating two stitches from one
• Kfbf (Knit front, back, and front): An increase creating three stitches from one
• S2kp (Slip 2, knit 1, pass slipped stitches over): A centered decrease combining three stitches into one

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: Brimfield is designed for Freia Fine Handpaints Ombré fingering Minikins, a fingering-weight yarn offered in 25-gram balls containing approximately 107 yards each. The wrap version requires eight Minikins total (one ball each of eight coordinating colors), while the narrower scarf uses fewer balls. The pattern features a suggested color sequence from the "Neutral Zone" palette, including colors such as Quartz, Pixie, Vintage, Pt. Reyes, Whisper, Nautilus, Sulfur Springs, and Sandbar, allowing knitters to create harmonious color progressions through thoughtful color selection.

Needles and Notions: This project requires US 7 (4.5mm) knitting needles and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends. The pattern specifies a gauge of 9 stitches and 8 rows per inch in the pattern stitch after blocking, though the designer notes that gauge is not critical for this project—variations in gauge will primarily affect the final dimensions rather than the overall success of the piece.

Pattern Overview

Brimfield represents an excellent introduction to color work and shaping techniques for new knitters. The straightforward construction—worked flat from bottom to top with no seaming required—combined with the visual interest of the striped gradient design makes this pattern both approachable and rewarding. The optional wrap sizing provides flexibility for knitters to choose their preferred finished dimensions, while the non-critical gauge requirement reduces pressure and encourages creative customization.