Valley Yarns Atacama Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Atacama Knitted Scarf

What is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Atacama is a long, rectangular knitted scarf designed by Julie Turjoman. This beginner-friendly project measures approximately 70 inches long by 13 inches wide, making it an ideal accessory for adding warmth to fall jackets. The scarf is worked as a single piece from bottom to top using a seamless, flat construction method.

Design and Texture Features

The Atacama scarf showcases a striking visual design created through strategic color manipulation and textural contrast. Wide stripes of Huntington Splash (a variegated colorway) alternate with narrow stripes of solid Huntington in violet. Throughout the variegated sections, short bursts of contrast color are highlighted with raised bobbles—small three-dimensional knitted accents that draw attention to the color variations. This interplay between solid and textured areas creates visual interest while remaining accessible to knitters of all skill levels.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Atacama employs several foundational knitting techniques to achieve its polished appearance:

• Bottom-up construction: The scarf is worked from the cast-on edge upward, allowing knitters to try on the piece as it grows
• Seamless, flat knitting: The entire scarf is worked flat on straight needles without seaming, eliminating the need for finishing
• Striping: Color is introduced through alternating wide and narrow horizontal stripes, requiring yarn changes and color management
• Long-Tail Cast-On: The pattern specifies this traditional cast-on method to create a secure, elastic foundation edge
• Slipped stitch edges: The first stitch of every row is slipped purlwise to create smooth, finished side edges that resist curling
• Bobble accents: Small raised bobbles are worked into the variegated sections to emphasize color bursts and add textural dimension

Stitches Used

The Atacama uses a limited stitch vocabulary, making it suitable for beginners:

• Stockinette stitch: Forms the main body of the scarf, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Seed stitch: Used for the borders at both short ends and along both long side edges to prevent the stockinette from rolling and to frame the piece with textural interest
• Bobble stitch: A decorative raised element worked into the stockinette field to highlight color variations in the Huntington Splash yarn

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Atacama requires minimal yardage, making it an economical project:

• Yarn A: One hank of Valley Yarns Huntington Splash in color 09 - Baltic Sea (75% Merino Wool / 25% Nylon, 436 yards per 100 grams)
• Yarn B: One hank of Valley Yarns Huntington in color 0052 - Violet (75% Merino Wool / 25% Nylon, 218 yards per 50 grams)
• Needles: US 8 (5.0mm) straight or circular needles, or the size required to achieve proper gauge
• Additional materials: Stitch markers (optional), tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern calls for a gauge of 21 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, blocked. This gauge is worked on US 8 (5.0mm) needles with the specified yarn. The finished scarf measures one size: approximately 70 inches long by 13 inches wide, providing generous length for wrapping and styling.

Skill Level and Project Scope

Classified as a beginner project, the Atacama introduces knitters to color work, basic texture techniques, and edge finishing without overwhelming complexity. The combination of stockinette and seed stitch, along with straightforward bobble placement, builds foundational skills while producing a sophisticated, wearable accessory. The pattern is designed to be completed with just one hank each of two coordinating yarns, making it an efficient use of materials.