Patty's Knits Megan Bargello Scarf Knitting Pattern

Patty's Knits Megan Bargello Scarf

Project Overview

The Megan Bargello Scarf is a color stacking scarf designed by Patty Nance that uses an innovative intarsia technique to create vertical color pooling rather than traditional horizontal stripes. This knitted scarf combines simple intarsia construction with easy lace detail to produce a visually striking "how-did-you-do-that?" finished piece that appears more complex than its straightforward construction suggests.

What Is Being Made

This project creates a finished scarf measuring 79 inches in length and 9.5 inches in width. The scarf is worked as a single flat piece from bottom to top, featuring three distinct vertical columns of intarsia that showcase color changes in a stacked formation rather than the typical striping pattern associated with variegated yarns.

Techniques Used

• Intarsia: The primary technique used to create vertical color stacking. Three separate skeins of yarn are worked simultaneously in three distinct segments across each row. The intarsia method requires picking up new yarn from underneath the previously dropped yarn to link yarns and prevent holes in the fabric.
• Color Stacking: By carefully selecting starting points on variegated yarn skeins, each of the three intarsia segments begins with a different color. This creates the illusion of vertical color pooling down the length of the scarf.
• Lace Detail: Easy lace stitches are incorporated throughout the pattern to add visual interest and texture to the scarf.
• Seamless Construction: The scarf is worked flat in a single piece with no seaming required.
• Bottom-Up Construction: The scarf is worked from the cast-on edge upward to the bind-off edge.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch: Used for gauge measurement and foundational fabric construction, worked with a gauge of 19 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches.
• Pattern Stitch: The main stitch pattern, worked at a gauge of 20 stitches and 21 rows over 4 inches.
• Easy Lace Stitches: Simple lace elements incorporated throughout the design.
• Cast-On and Bind-Off: Basic cast-on and bind-off techniques required; crochet cast-on is optional.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern requires 570 yards of worsted weight variegated yarn with long color changes. The model shown uses Sprightly Yarns Spectrum Worsted by Craftsy (50% wool, 50% acrylic blend), with 3 skeins in the color Plum Crazy. Each skein provides 150 yards of yardage.

Needles and Tools: US 8 / 5mm straight needles are required, sized to obtain proper gauge. A size H / 5mm crochet hook is optional for crochet cast-on. Additional materials include 3 resealable plastic sandwich-size baggies for organizing yarn segments, a permanent marker for labeling, scissors, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Skill Level and Requirements

This project is rated as Easy skill level and requires basic knitting knowledge including cast-on, knit stitch, purl stitch, easy lace techniques, and bind-off. While intarsia experience is helpful, the pattern notes that it is not required, making this an accessible introduction to intarsia techniques for knitters seeking to expand their skills.

Pattern Notes

After casting on and working four rows, the scarf is worked in three columns of intarsia segments, with each segment worked using its own skein of yarn. Proper yarn management is essential: examine the yarn ends of each purchased skein and re-wind into center-pull balls if necessary to ensure each segment starts with a different color. When working across rows, pick up new yarn from under the previously dropped yarn to link yarns properly and prevent holes. Gauge is not critical for this project, though different gauges will affect yarn requirements and finished piece size. Knitters are encouraged to work a gauge swatch, block it, measure it, and then unravel it to reclaim the yarn before beginning the main project.