Valley Yarns Carlotta Scarf Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Carlotta Scarf

What Is Being Made

The Carlotta Scarf is a beginner-friendly knitted accessory designed by Kirsten Hipsky. This finished scarf measures 20 inches wide and 8 inches tall, making it a compact, versatile neckwear piece. The scarf features a distinctive slip-stitch texture pattern that creates visual interest and shimmer, complemented by a functional button closure system.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for Valley Yarns Colrain, a blend of 50% Merino and 50% Tencel that provides both softness and subtle sheen. The yarn is worked at a gauge of 20 stitches and 34 rows over 4 inches in the stitch pattern. You will need 2 skeins of Grape Jelly (color A) and 1 skein of Brick Red (color B), with each skein containing 109 yards from a 50-gram ball. The pattern also requires one 1-inch button and US size 7 (4.50mm) needles or the size needed to achieve proper gauge.

Knitting Techniques

The Carlotta Scarf employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners. The seamless construction method involves picking up stitches along the sides of the main scarf body to create the button band and buttonhole band, eliminating the need for seaming the primary fabric. This approach produces clean, professional edges and ensures proper alignment of the closure system.

The pattern incorporates a buttonhole technique worked into the buttonhole band. The buttonhole is created by binding off 2 stitches and then casting on 2 stitches on the following row, producing a simple yet effective opening for the decorative button.

The button is sewn to the button band to correspond with the buttonhole, creating a functional and aesthetic closure detail inspired by a button from Celadon Studio.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k): The fundamental stitch forming the base of the pattern
• Purl (p): Used in combination with knit stitches to create texture
• Slip stitch (sl): The signature technique of this pattern, worked with yarn in back (wyib) and yarn in front (wyif) to create the textured, shimmering slip-stitch pattern

Pattern Structure

The scarf is constructed in three main sections. The button band is worked first by casting on 88 stitches with color A and knitting 7 rows. The main scarf body follows a 12-row repeat pattern that combines stockinette stitch with the slip-stitch texture detail using both Grape Jelly and Brick Red. This 12-row repeat is worked a total of 3 times, creating the primary textured section. After completing the repeats, rows 1 through 6 are worked once more, followed by 8 rows of knit stitches with color A.

The buttonhole band is created by picking up stitches along the opposite side of the scarf, knitting 3 rows, working the buttonhole opening, and then knitting 3 more rows before binding off. This seamless pickup method ensures that the bands align perfectly with the main scarf body.

Finishing

Finishing involves sewing the 1-inch button to the button band to align with the buttonhole opening on the buttonhole band. All loose yarn ends are sewn in, and the completed scarf is blocked to even out the stitches and enhance the drape of the Merino and Tencel blend.