Graphite mini scarf - knitting pattern

NOTE: this listing is for a digital knitting pattern, not for a physical scarf. Upon purchase, you will receive the pattern in PDF format.

The graphite mini scarf is inspired by the hexagonal motif of the graphene sheets in graphite. It aims to be a small but functional accessory that will add a pop of colour and texture to any outfit. It is a great project for those special skeins (or any remnants), as you can easily control its length and the amount of yarn you're using as you go along. 

The graphite mini scarf is knitted flat tip to tip, shaped through increases and decreases, with a built-in i-cord edge. First, increases are worked until the desired width is achieved, then the hexagonal pattern can be worked flat until the desired length, and finally decreases are worked all the way to the other end of the scarf.

The increase/decrease portions can be done in the hexagonal pattern or in garter stitch, to ease adventurous beginners into the motif. The hexagonal motif stands out over the stockinette background by using simple 3 stitch cables. 

Difficulty

Intermediate, suitable for adventurous beginners as only small cables are used. A full video tutorial is available on YouTube to get you started!

Techniques used

Knit, purl, increases (k1fb), decreases (k2tog, ssk), slip stitches, small cables, working with and reading charts.

Gauge

Any gauge

The pattern can be knit at any gauge, just keep increasing until the desired width is achieved. Be mindful the yardage estimates below are provided for the given gauge and you may need more/less yarn than stated. Furthermore, the hexagons will look larger on thicker yarn (or smaller in thinner yarn) than the samples show.

Pattern gauge in samples = 24 sts × 28 rows in 10 cm × 10 cm (4 in × 4 in) in hexagonal pattern and 28 sts × 30 rows in 10 cm ×10 cm in garter stitch (Sample 1); 30 sts × 40 rows in 10 cm × 10 cm (4 in × 4 in) in hexagonal pattern (Sample 2)

Sizes

One size, any size (adjustable).

Sample 1 (burgundy): 138 cm/54 in (length) × 15 cm/6 in (max width).

Sample 2 (green): 110 cm/43 in (length) × 10 cm/4 in (max width).

Yarn

Note: the pattern was knit with yarns of different thicknesses and properties.

Sample 1 was knit in Drops Brushed Alpaca silk, colour Bordeaux (23), 140m/153 yds per 25g, 21 g used.

Sample 2 was knit in Lang Yarns Nomad, colour Apple (17), 125m/137 yds per 25g, 21 g used.

Other recommended yarns: any fingering weight+mohair combination, any DK weight single strand yarn; prefer yarns with greater stitch definition to allow for the motif to show. For that reason, of the sample yarns I recommend Lang Yarns Nomad rather than Brushed Alpaca silk. Other options include Drops Daisy, Drops Flora held double, Blue sky fibers woolstok light held double, KfO merino held double. Prefer single hue yarns rather than multicolored for greater pattern visibility. Check out my testers' FOs for more inspiration!

Yarn quantities: ~100-150 m (110-164 yards) of sport/DK weight yarn (or double that amount if holding fingering weight yarn double)

Needles

Circular needles with cable >50 cm/20 in for ease or straight needles, choose the size that gives you a fabric you enjoy. Both samples were made with 3.75 mm (US 5) needles.

Notions

2 stitch markers; darning needle for weaving ends; cable needle (if using); additional locking stitch markers to help keep track of increases/decreases (optional).

This pattern would not have been possible without the support of my lovely testers and my editor - thank you so much!