Valley Yarns The Stack Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns The Stack Knitted Scarf

Project Overview

The Stack is an advanced-level knitted scarf designed by Julie Turjoman, named after Los Angeles's iconic curving four-level freeway interchange. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a luxurious accessory featuring a dramatic asymmetrical braided cable that showcases the elasticity and stitch definition of premium yarn. The finished scarf measures 72 inches long by 17 inches wide, making it a substantial and elegant wrap suitable for cold-weather wear.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for Valley Yarns Taconic, a wool and cashmere blend composed of 70% Merino Wool and 30% Cashmere. Six skeins are required, with each skein weighing 50 grams and containing 125 yards of yarn. The Taconic yarn is described as warm, tweedy, and luxuriously soft, with excellent elasticity and stitch definition that makes it particularly well-suited for cable work. The recommended color is Bright Blue.

Needles required are US size 8 (5.00 mm) needles, or the size needed to achieve proper gauge. Additional materials include stitch markers to set off the asymmetrical cable sections and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Gauge and Construction

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 25 rows over 4 inches when worked in rib stitch on US size 8 needles and blocked. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements. The Stack is worked in one piece, back and forth in rows, meaning the scarf is knitted flat rather than in the round, allowing for the asymmetrical cable design to develop across the width of the fabric.

Cable Techniques and Stitches

This advanced pattern features a complex braided cable stitch that serves as the focal point of the design. The braided cable is constructed from four three-stitch segments that create an intricate interlocking pattern. The cable technique involves the following specialized stitches:

• 3/1 LPC (Left Purl Cross): Slip the first 3 stitches to a cable needle and hold to the front, purl 1 stitch, then knit 3 stitches from the cable needle
• 3/1 RPC (Right Purl Cross): Slip the first stitch to a cable needle and hold to the back, knit 3 stitches, then purl 1 stitch from the cable needle
• 3/3 LC (Left Cross): Slip 3 stitches to a cable needle and hold to the front, knit 3 stitches, then knit 3 stitches from the cable needle
• 3/3 RC (Right Cross): Slip 3 stitches to a cable needle and hold to the back, knit 3 stitches, then knit 3 stitches from the cable needle

The braided cable pattern repeats over a multiple of 20 stitches and 24 rows. The design features the top two cable segments crossing over the front and back, while the bottom two segments cross beneath them, creating the characteristic braided appearance. The four strands of the braid are worked over a purl background, which adds visual definition and makes the openness and dimension of the braid more visible and striking.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced, reflecting the complexity of the braided cable work and the precision required to execute the multiple cable crosses correctly. Knitters should be comfortable with cable techniques, reading stitch abbreviations, and managing stitch markers before attempting this project. The asymmetrical cable placement and the interaction between the four cable segments require attention to detail and cable needle proficiency.

Design Features

The asymmetrical cable is the defining characteristic of The Stack scarf. Rather than a traditional centered or symmetrical cable design, this pattern places the dramatic braided cable off-center, creating visual interest and movement. Stitch markers are placed to set off the cable sections, helping knitters maintain pattern accuracy throughout the 72-inch length. The combination of the luxurious Taconic yarn's softness and the textured cable work creates both tactile and visual appeal.