Koigu Windowpanes Scarf Knitting Pattern

Koigu Windowpanes Scarf

What is Being Made

The Windowpanes Scarf is a lightweight, elegant knitted scarf designed by Janice Sumpton and published by Koigu. This finished piece measures 44 inches in length and 6.5 inches in width, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or draping. The scarf features a distinctive visual pattern created through strategic use of eyelet stitches that form window-like openings across the fabric.

Techniques Used

This scarf is worked bottom-up on straight needles in a seamless, flat construction. The design employs lace techniques to create its signature windowpane effect. The pattern uses a repeating structure that alternates between solid garter stitch sections and decorative eyelet pattern sections, allowing knitters to establish a clear rhythm while working.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch: Created by knitting every row, this fundamental stitch forms the solid borders and structural sections of the scarf. Garter stitch provides stability and a textured appearance that frames the lace elements.
• Eyelet Pattern: A lace stitch created through yarn overs and purl two-together decreases. The pattern alternates direction every four rows—one section features yarn overs followed by decreases (yo, p2tog), while the next section reverses this sequence (p2tog, yo)—creating the characteristic windowpane openings that give the scarf its name and visual interest.

Materials and Specifications

The pattern calls for Koigu Karmen Silk, a 100% mulberry silk yarn in DK weight, requiring 2 skeins (each skein provides 50g and 145 yards or 133 meters). Knitting needles are 3.5mm US size 4 straight needles, along with a tapestry needle for weaving in ends after completion.

The pattern notes that several alternative Koigu yarns in DK weight can be substituted, including Koigu Emmi, Koigu Cheers (requiring 1 skein), Kersti, Corriedale (1 skein), and Corriedale/Gotland blend (1 skein), offering flexibility for fiber preferences and stash usage.

Gauge and Construction Details

The scarf is worked to a gauge of 27 stitches by 21 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in garter stitch. The construction begins with casting on 40 stitches and establishing 6 rows of garter stitch as a border. The main pattern repeats eight times total, with each repeat consisting of 10 rows of mixed garter and eyelet pattern work (80 rows per repeat cycle), followed by 6 rows of garter stitch. This structured approach creates eight distinct windowpane sections across the length of the finished scarf, with the piece concluding by casting off and blocking for final shape and drape.