Swans Island Old Port Scarf Knitting Pattern

Swans Island Old Port Scarf

What is Being Made

The Old Port Scarf is an extra-long knitted scarf designed with an "old school" aesthetic that pairs with virtually any outfit. Measuring 7½ inches wide and 71¼ inches in length (excluding tassels), this scarf offers substantial coverage and warmth. The finished piece features optional tasseled fringe that adds a playful, decorative element, though the fringe can be omitted for a more understated, masculine appearance.

Techniques Used

This scarf employs stranded knitting techniques, incorporating two colors held together throughout the project to create visual interest and depth. The pattern uses a color-carrying method along the edges when transitioning between striped sections, requiring the knitter to manage yarn tension carefully to avoid pulling too tightly on the first stitch of each new color stripe. The scarf is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making it accessible for knitters of various skill levels. The design is rated as EASY, making it suitable for beginners and intermediate knitters alike.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Old Port Scarf is Fisherman's Rib, a classic stitch pattern that creates a distinctive textured fabric. Fisherman's Rib is worked on a multiple of 2 stitches and consists of a setup row alternating knit and purl stitches, followed by repeating rows that incorporate knit stitches worked into the row below combined with purl stitches. This stitch structure produces the characteristic bumpy, dimensional appearance associated with Fisherman's Rib. The stitch pattern creates a thermal effect—providing excellent insulation—while maintaining a loose enough drape to be wearable during transitional seasons such as early fall or late spring. The oversized stitches created by holding two strands of yarn together throughout the project result in a fluid, graceful drape.

Materials and Gauge

The Old Port Scarf is constructed using premium natural fibers from Swans Island. The Main Color consists of one skein of Swans Island Pure Blends in the colorway Seasmoke (YF121), composed of 85% Organic Merino Wool and 15% Alpaca in fingering weight (100 grams, 525 yards). The Contrast Color is one skein of Swans Island Natural Colors in Natural (YF111), which is 100% Organic Merino Wool, also in fingering weight (100 grams, 525 yards).

Two equal balls are wound from each color, and two ends of the indicated color are held together throughout the entire scarf, effectively creating a doubled yarn weight that accelerates the knitting process despite the scarf's generous length. US size 11 (8 mm) straight needles are used to work the fabric. The gauge is 3¼ stitches and 5 rows per 1 inch when measured in Fisherman's Rib Stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to achieve the intended finished dimensions. Additional materials include a crochet hook size US L/11 (8 mm) for constructing the tasseled fringe and a 6-inch piece of sturdy cardboard used as a tool for wrapping yarn to create uniform tassels. A yarn needle completes the basic toolkit required for this project.

Pattern Summary

• Designed by Michele Rose Orne
• One size only
• Finished dimensions: 7½ inches wide by 71¼ inches long (excluding tassels)
• Cast on 24 stitches using two strands of Main Color held together
• Work entire scarf in Fisherman's Rib Stitch pattern
• Incorporate color changes for striped sections, carrying unused color loosely along edges
• Optional tasseled fringe finish created with crochet hook and cardboard wrapping technique
• Pattern format: Downloadable PDF