Malabrigo Nolita Scarf Crochet Pattern

Malabrigo Nolita: Knit & Crochet Star Panel Scarf

What Is Being Made

The Malabrigo Nolita is a sophisticated star panel scarf that combines knitting and crochet techniques in a single wearable design. This intermediate-level project creates an approximately 5½ by 45 inches scarf (14 by 114 centimeters without fringe) featuring decorative crocheted star motifs joined together with knitted border panels. The finished piece is embellished with multi-length fringe attached at the lower edges for added visual interest and movement.

Crochet Techniques & Stitches

The crochet component focuses on creating individual star motifs that serve as the primary decorative elements of the scarf. Each star is constructed using fundamental crochet stitches worked in the round.

• Star Construction: Stars are created by forming a foundation ring using chain stitches and slip stitch, then building outward through three rounds of stitch work
• Stitches Used: Single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc), treble crochet (tr), and chain stitches (ch) form the structural elements of each star point
• Star Assembly: Twenty-seven individual stars are crocheted, then strategically joined together in a staggered pattern where alternating stars have either one or two points connected to the knitted border panels
• Fringe Application: Crochet chain stitches in varying lengths (ch-9, ch-14, ch-24, and ch-35) are used to create six fringe elements attached at the scarf's lower corners using slip stitch joins

Knitting Techniques & Stitches

The knitted component provides the structural framework that anchors and organizes the crocheted stars into a cohesive scarf design.

• Border Panels: Two matching knitted border strips are created by casting on 13 stitches and working in a textured stitch pattern
• Stitches Used: The borders employ knit through the back loop (k1 tbl), purl stitches (p1), and slip stitches (sl1 wyif—slip one with yarn in front) to create a reversible, visually interesting edge
• Stitch Pattern: Rows alternate between knitting the first stitch through the back loop, then working a repeating sequence of purl one and knit one across, finishing with a slipped stitch
• Length: Border panels are knitted to 45 inches (114 centimeters) to accommodate the full length of the scarf design

Materials: Yarn & Tools

Yarn: The Nolita design uses Sock by Malabrigo, a merino wool yarn available in 3½ ounce (100 gram) skeins with approximately 440 yards (402 meters) per skein. The project requires one skein each in two colorways: #809 Solis (a green shade serving as the main color for borders) and #806 Impressionist Sky (a blue shade used for the star motifs and fringe).

Tools: The project requires both knitting needles and a crochet hook in the same size for gauge consistency. One pair of size 3 (3.25 millimeters) knitting needles is needed for the border panels, while a size D/3 (3.25 millimeters) crochet hook is used for the star motifs and fringe. A stitch holder is required to temporarily hold stitches during the finishing process.

Gauge Information

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project's success. The knitted border panels should measure 30 stitches and 42 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked with size 3 (3.25 millimeters) needles. The crocheted stars should measure 1 star to 2¼ inches (5.5 centimeters) when worked with the size D/3 (3.25 millimeters) crochet hook. The pattern explicitly emphasizes taking time to check both gauges before beginning the project.

Design Notes

This design, created by Pat Olski, demonstrates how knitting and crochet can be seamlessly integrated into a single garment. The staggered arrangement of stars—where alternating stars have different numbers of points joined to the border—creates visual movement and prevents a rigid, repetitive appearance. The two-