Sabrina Thompson (photo)

Keelhauled

Given how cold it gets in Canada, the warmer outerwear is, the better – that is what inspired me to knit a double-knit scarf. Both my husband and brother are the type of guys who are reluctant about going out with sufficient clothing to keep themselves warm and often come home frosty-faced. Last October, their pickiness motivated me to create something they'd likely wear. Skulls and crossbones are classic imagery for Halloween, and suit well braving the sudden change to colder weather!

by Sabrina Thompson

Suggested Listening

"Violet Hill" Viva la Vida by Coldplay

Difficulty

Strong Intermediate
Click here for definitions of difficulty levels.

Finished Measurements

7"/18.5cm W x 57"/145cm H

Download

Keelhauled Chart (pdf format)

Materials

• Bernat Wool Blend Natural Blends [80% acrylic, 20% wool; approx 240yd/216m per 3.5oz/100g skein] Wood, 1 skein (MC)
• Bernat Wool Blend Natural Blends [80% acrylic, 20% wool; approx 240yd/216m per 3.5oz/100g skein] Slate, 1 skein (CC)
• US 8/5 mm knitting needles

Gauge

18 sts and 24 rows per 4"/10cm in stockinette stitch

Design Notes
When working the chart for the first time, start on row 2, and omit the purple stitches (eyes) in the first three rows. When alternating colours to work skulls, bring the opposite colour forward to knit or purl respectively (knit stitches are always knit and purl stitches are always purled). This will create the image on both sides of the scarf, evenly.

At the end of each row, remember to twist the two colours together to create a joined edge – this is what binds together a double knit scarf, with a neat seam up the side.

A note on the chart: The purple stitches are to be ignored in the first and last three rows of knitting. That is the only reason why they are purple; this is still a only a two-color scarf. This is further explained in the instructions.

This is not a good first project to learn double knitting, as it will not be explained in the project instructions. You can learn to double knit here: http://knittinghelp.com/knitting/advanced_techniques/ (scroll down to about the middle of the page). If you: 1) have a handle on the concept, 2) are able to double knit where the purl stitches touch on the inside and the knit stitches lay smooth on the outside, and 3) can read charts easily, then this is a suitable project.

Directions

click image to enlarge
Bill Thompson (model)
Sabrina Thompson (photo)

CO 46 sts with MC.

Join CC.

Row 1 (RS): *K1 MC, P1 CC* across
Row 2 (WS): Begin working chart, starting with line 2 of chart. Omit any purple stitches (that is, continue double kniting across 46 sts as if you were not working a small skull motif) that occur in lines 2 and 3 of the chart, so you do not have half a small skull at the start of your scarf.

Repeat the chart 10 more times (11 times total).

On the final repeat, omit the purple stitches in lines 24, 25, and 25 of the chart (so that you do not have the teeth of a small skull at the end of your scarf).

Bind off knitwise with CC only.

Finishing

Break yarn and weave in all ends. Block lightly. Add fringe, if you desire.

About

contact Sabrina: • http://myknittingbasket.blogspot.com/ • legal info