Valley Yarns Gearhart Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Gearhart Knitted Scarf

What Is Being Made

The Gearhart is a luxury knitted scarf designed by Julie Turjoman for Valley Yarns. This gender-neutral accessory measures 14 inches wide by 70 inches long and combines practical wearability with refined elegance. The scarf is crafted from Valley Yarns Brodie, a premium yarn blend of 95% cashmere and 5% extrafine merino wool, making it an approachable yet sophisticated gift suitable for any occasion.

Techniques Used

The Gearhart employs two primary colorwork techniques to create visual interest and depth. Stranded colorwork forms the foundation of the design, allowing multiple colors to be carried across rows to create intricate patterns. This technique is complemented by slip stitch colorwork, which adds textural variation by slipping stitches while carrying yarn on the right side of the work. This combination is inspired by classic Bohus knitting traditions, bringing heritage textile techniques into a contemporary design. The scarf is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making it accessible to intermediate knitters.

Stitches Used

The pattern relies on fundamental knitting stitches executed with precision. Stockinette stitch forms the base fabric in sections of the scarf, providing a smooth, refined surface. The colorwork sections incorporate knit stitches as the primary stitch, with slip stitches worked strategically to carry colors on the right side of the fabric. These slip stitches are executed both with yarn in back (wyib) and with yarn in front (wyif), allowing the crafter to control color placement and create the distinctive Bohus-inspired aesthetic. Edge stitches are maintained consistently throughout to ensure neat selvages.

Materials and Tools

The Gearhart requires Valley Yarns Brodie yarn in three colorways: 5 balls of Color 218 Denim (main color), 1 ball of Color 211 Spring Meadow (contrast color 1), and 1 ball of Color 225 Powder Blue (contrast color 2). Each ball contains 50 grams and 154 yards. The yarn composition of 95% cashmere and 5% extrafine merino wool provides exceptional softness, warmth, and drape.

Needle requirements vary depending on the stitch being worked to maintain consistent gauge:

• US size 6 (4 mm) needles for stockinette stitch sections
• US size 7 (4.5 mm) needles for stranded colorwork sections
• US size 8 (5 mm) needles for slip stitch colorwork sections

Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The target gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on US 6 (4 mm) needles when blocked. The same gauge applies to both stranded and slip stitch colorwork sections when worked on their respective needle sizes. The finished scarf measures one size: 14 inches wide by 70 inches long, providing generous coverage and elegant drape.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, the Gearhart is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to explore colorwork. The combination of stranded and slip stitch methods, along with the need to manage multiple yarn colors and maintain consistent tension, makes this an engaging project for developing advanced skills while remaining achievable for experienced crafters.