Running Stitch Scarf Knitting Pattern

Running Stitch Scarf in Berroco Ultra Wool

What Is Being Made

The Running Stitch Scarf is a long, narrow knitted accessory measuring approximately 10 inches wide by 82 inches long. This scarf is designed by Ann Weaver and features a striking multi-color construction using ten distinct yarn colors from the Berroco Ultra Wool collection. The scarf is knit lengthwise, creating a dynamic striped effect through strategic color changes and stitch variations.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level scarf employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its finished design:

• Lengthwise construction: Rather than knitting from one short end to the other, this scarf is worked along its length, allowing for continuous color changes and stitch pattern transitions.
• No-turn rows: Certain rows in the garter stitch sections are worked without turning the work. After completing a row, the knitter returns to the beginning and knits the next row with a new color, creating a unique directional effect.
• Color carrying: Unused yarn colors are carried loosely up the side of the work between color changes, reducing waste and maintaining continuity. Colors are twisted together at the beginning of every other row to prevent long, loose loops.
• Yarn management: The pattern requires careful attention to joining and fastening off yarns at specific points to create clean color transitions.

Stitches Used

The Running Stitch Scarf alternates between two primary stitch patterns:

• Garter stitch: Created by knitting every row, garter stitch produces a textured, bumpy fabric with horizontal ridges. This stitch is used in multiple sections throughout the scarf and provides visual and tactile contrast.
• Stockinette stitch (St st): Formed by alternating knit and purl rows, stockinette stitch creates a smooth, flat fabric with a distinctive V-pattern on the right side. This stitch appears in bands between the garter stitch sections.

The alternating band structure creates visual interest and demonstrates the contrast between textured and smooth knitted surfaces.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The scarf uses Berroco Ultra Wool, a 100% wool yarn. The pattern calls for one 100-gram ball each of ten coordinated colors: Smoke (C1), Kale (C2), Columbine (C3), Granite (C4), Dove (C5), Bittersweet (C6), Rosemary (C7), Thyme (C8), Hollyhock (C9), and Iris (C10). This color palette combines neutral tones with jewel and nature-inspired hues, creating a sophisticated striped effect.

Needles and notions: The pattern requires a 36-inch circular needle in size 6 (4.00 mm), though a 60-inch circular needle is recommended to make working the long rows easier and more comfortable. Additional materials include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and an optional crochet hook for attaching fringe.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 36 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished scarf meets the intended measurements. The initial cast-on requires 350 stitches, establishing the scarf's width before working lengthwise toward the finished 82-inch length.