Stages Scarf Knitting Pattern

Stages Scarf by Chloe Thurlow

What is Being Made

The Stages Scarf is an intermediate-level knitted accessory designed by Chloe Thurlow. This scarf features a progressive construction that grows in width throughout the piece, measuring 41.5 cm (16¼ inches) at its widest point and approximately 147.5 cm (58 inches) in length. The design showcases a sophisticated approach to color and texture, transitioning through multiple yarn combinations and color stages as the knitter progresses.

Techniques Used

The Stages Scarf employs several advanced knitting techniques that contribute to its intermediate difficulty level. The primary construction method uses brioche rib patterning, a reversible stitch technique that creates a textured, elastic fabric with excellent drape. The scarf incorporates strategic increases worked at regular intervals (every 12th row, with varying frequency across stages) to gradually expand the width. The pattern also demonstrates color blocking through yarn transitions, where different colored yarns are introduced at specific stages while maintaining consistent stitch patterns. Additionally, the scarf uses garter stitch edging worked in single yarn at both ends of rows to create defined selvage edges, contrasting with the multi-strand brioche sections in the center.

Stitches Used

• Brioche Knit (BRK) – The foundational stitch for the main patterned sections, worked by knitting together a slipped stitch with its yarn-over covering
• Yarn Over (yo) – Creates the characteristic loops that are essential to brioche rib construction
• Garter Stitch (g st) – Used for the 3-stitch selvage edges at each end of rows, providing structure and definition
• Slip Stitch (sl) – Used in conjunction with yarn overs to prepare stitches for brioche knitting
• Increase 2 Stitches (inc 2) – Worked at the beginning of specific rows and incorporated into the brioche rib pattern to gradually expand the scarf width
• Decrease 2 Stitches (dec 2) – Executed by slipping a stitch and its yarn-over covering together
• Knit (K) – Standard knit stitch used in garter stitch sections

Materials and Tools

The Stages Scarf is knitted using two premium yarn types from Rowan, creating a luxurious blend of textures and drape. Rowan Felted Tweed (50-gram balls) provides structure and durability, while Rowan Kidsilk Haze (25-gram balls) adds softness and a subtle halo effect. The yarn is worked on 4mm (US 6) needles in a single pair configuration. The pattern specifies five distinct color combinations across the scarf's stages: Felted Tweed in Astor 217, Kidsilk Haze in Peacock 671, Felted Tweed in Heliotrope 219, Kidsilk Haze in Eve Green 684, and Felted Tweed in Fjord 218. The tension is established at 16 stitches and 48 rows over 10 centimeters when measured in brioche rib pattern using the specified needles.

Construction Progression

The scarf is constructed in distinct stages, each introducing new colors while maintaining the brioche rib foundation. The pattern begins with a single yarn (Felted Tweed in Astor), establishing the base with garter stitch edges and brioche rib center. Increases are strategically placed at the beginning of rows at varying intervals—initially every 12th row, then adjusting to every 10th row, then every 8th row—creating a graduated widening effect. Between color transitions, the knitter works rows without increases to stabilize the fabric. When introducing new colors, one strand of the previous yarn is held together with one strand of the new yarn, creating a blended transition section before shifting to the new color combination. This multi-stage approach produces a scarf with visual interest and dimensional texture while maintaining the elasticity and reversibility characteristic of brioche knitting.