Rachel Brown Fauske Scarf Knitting Pattern

Rachel Brown Fauske Knitted Scarf

What Is Being Made

The Fauske scarf is a sophisticated knitted accessory designed by Rachel Brown as part of the Nordlándda collection. This is a worked-flat scarf project that combines cable stitch patterns with strategic shaping through increases and decreases, creating a dynamic, sculptural fabric that evolves as you knit.

Construction Method

The scarf is worked flat on straight needles or circular needles in the flat position, beginning with a long tail cast on of 29 stitches. The construction features three distinct sections: a body increase pattern, a body decrease pattern, and an integrated edging. The final 3 stitches of each row are slipped as if to purl and worked on the following row to create an elegant i-cord edging that frames the entire scarf.

Cable Techniques Used

The Fauske scarf showcases classic cable crossing techniques throughout its stitch patterns. The primary cable stitches include:

• 1/1 RC (Right Cross): A one-over-one right-leaning cable that creates diagonal visual interest
• 1/1 LC (Left Cross): A one-over-one left-leaning cable that mirrors the right cross for balanced patterning
• 2/1/2 LPC (Left Purl Cross): A more complex cable crossing used in the edging chart for textural variation
• 2/1/2 RPC (Right Purl Cross): The right-leaning counterpart to the left purl cross, creating symmetrical edging details

These cables are worked in alternating sequences across the fabric, creating a continuous interlocking pattern that develops complexity as the scarf progresses through its increase and decrease phases.

Stitch Patterns and Shaping

The scarf features two primary body stitch patterns that work in conjunction with strategic shaping:

Body Increase Pattern: This 16-row repeat gradually expands the scarf width through paired increases (M1L—make one left) strategically placed at specific intervals. The cable crosses alternate between right and left configurations, and increases are introduced at different row intervals to create a gentle, organic widening. This pattern allows the cable motifs to expand proportionally as the fabric grows.

Body Decrease Pattern: This 16-row repeat mirrors the increase pattern but narrows the scarf through decreases (ssk—slip, slip, knit and cable decreases like 1/1 LCdec and 1/1 RCdec). The decreases are positioned to maintain the visual balance of the cable pattern while systematically reducing stitch count.

Edging Chart: An 8-row repeat creates a decorative border featuring alternating reverse stockinette (purl) and stockinette (knit) sections combined with the complex purl crosses (2/1/2 LPC and 2/1/2 RPC). This edging provides a finished, professional appearance to the scarf edges.

Stitch Abbreviations and Techniques

The pattern employs standard knitting abbreviations and techniques including:

• RS/WS: Right side and wrong side rows
• K/P: Knit and purl stitches forming the base fabric
• M1L: Make one left increase for seamless shaping
• Ssk: Slip, slip, knit decrease for left-leaning decreases
• Stockinette stitch: Used as fill when insufficient stitches remain for complete cable repeats
• I-cord edging: Created by consistently slipping the final 3 stitches, producing a rounded, finished edge
• Markers: Used to denote pattern sections and shaping points

Materials Required

While specific yarn weight and needle size are not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, the Fauske scarf is designed to be worked with yarn and needles appropriate for the stitch patterns. The cable stitches and i-cord edging technique suggest a yarn with good stitch definition and needles sized to showcase the texture. Knitters should refer to the complete pattern for specific material recommendations regarding yarn fiber content, yardage requirements, and needle gauge specifications.

Pattern Complexity

The Fauske represents an intermediate to advanced knitting project, requiring comfort with cable crossing techniques, shaping through increases and decre