Kayla Scarf + Snood Knitting Pattern

Kayla Scarf + Snood by Quail Studio

What is Being Made

The Kayla pattern is a downloadable knitting design that includes two coordinating accessories: a long scarf and a snood (cowl). Both pieces feature decorative cable stitch patterning and are worked in luxurious alpaca yarn. The scarf is a generous 26.5 cm wide and 202 cm long, excluding decorative tassels, making it a substantial wrap-style accessory. The snood is a smaller, circular cowl measuring 20 cm wide and 108 cm long before seaming, ideal for layering or wearing as a neck warmer.

Techniques Used

This beginner-friendly pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for those developing their skills. The primary construction method involves working flat on straight needles for the scarf, then picking up stitches along the edge for the edging. The snood is worked in the round using circular needles. Cable twisting is the signature stitch technique, created using a cable needle to manipulate stitches and produce the characteristic twisted rope effect. The pattern also includes finishing techniques such as blocking to achieve proper measurements, seaming (for the snood), and tassel attachment using a crochet hook, which adds decorative flair to the scarf's edges.

Stitches Used

• Cable Stitches: C2F (cable 2 front) and C2B (cable 2 back) are the primary decorative stitches, created by slipping stitches onto a cable needle and holding them at front or back of work before knitting. These stitches are repeated in a 20-row pattern throughout the scarf.
• Ribbing: Knit 2, Purl 2 (K2, P2) ribbing is used for the base pattern structure and edging, providing elasticity and a classic finished appearance.
• Garter Stitch: Knit and purl combinations create the edge stitches that frame the cable pattern.
• Cast On and Cast Off: Standard cast-on and knitwise cast-off techniques are used to begin and finish the pieces.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: Mode at Rowan Softest Alpaca is the specified yarn fiber. The scarf requires 5 balls of 50-gram yarn (photographed in Sugar 017 colorway), while the snood requires 2 balls (photographed in Pebble 013 colorway). Softest Alpaca is a premium natural fiber known for its softness and warmth, making it ideal for accessories worn close to the skin.

Needles and Tools: The pattern calls for 5.5mm (US size 9) needles. For the scarf, one pair of straight needles is used for the main body, with a 5.5mm circular needle measuring at least 160 cm for picking up and working the edging. For the snood, a 5.5mm circular needle measuring at least 80 cm is required for working in the round. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable stitches, and a crochet hook is needed for attaching the decorative tassels to the scarf.

Tension: The pattern specifies a tension of 18 stitches and 24 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over the cable pattern using 5.5mm needles after blocking. Achieving correct tension is important for the finished pieces to match the intended dimensions.

Pattern Details and Finishing

The scarf begins with a cast-on of 48 stitches and features a ribbed edge with the cable pattern worked across the center. The cable repeat spans 20 rows and is worked 24 times throughout the length of the scarf. The snood is constructed by picking up 400 stitches along the side edge of a base piece and working the edging, then seaming to create the circular cowl shape. The scarf is finished with 30 hand-made tassels—15 attached to each end—created by cutting lengths of yarn and securing them using a crochet hook inserted from back to front, creating a professional, decorative border that enhances the accessory's visual appeal.