Pattern: Troubled Waters scarf

Troubled Waters

a free knitting pattern, by Judy

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"When you’re weary Feelin’ small When tears are in your eyes I will dry them all. I’m on your side when times get rough And friends just can’t be found.

Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down. Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down."            

 -  Paul Simon

This soft, sweet scarf is full of simplicity and turbulence. Because life has its ups and downs.
The ebb and flow of the simple rows and more complex rows has a lovely soothing rhythm to it.

Suitable for a novice knitter. It involves knitting, purling, a simple cable, and short rows – if you have never done cables or short rows before, this scarf is simple enough to learn on.

The particular yarn used is a limited edition homespun available on eBay*, but this pattern would be suitable for a DK or sport weight yarn, preferably with a good halo and subtle color variation. One skein should be enough! Pictured scarf used 120 yards.

Happy knitting! - Judy

Want to see more photos? Check out the Ravelry website for the pattern! (Ravelry has free membership and I highly recommend it for all us avid knitters or crocheters!)

MATERIALS: 

Yarn:

One skein (120 yards or more) of yarn; preferably DK or sport weight with a good halo and subtle color variation.

Needles:

4.5 mm (US size 7). Also tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge:

10 cm x 10 cm = 20 stitches, 26 rows in stockinette stitch. Gauge is not strict, however it will affect the amount of yarn you use and the size of your finished scarf.

PATTERN:

Cast-on 20 stitches. I use the long-tail cast on for this scarf.
Set-up: Knit 2 rows.

Row 1 (RS): k8, p2, k10
Row 2 (WS): p10, k2, p8
Row 3: As Row 1
Row 4: As Row 2
Row 5: Place first 4 stitches onto a cable needle and hold to the back of your work. Knit the next 4 stitches, then knit the stitches, in order, from the cable needle. This should make a left-cross cable (the left side of the cable will be crossing over the right side of the cable). p2, k10.
Row 6: Work SHORT ROWS (see below).
Row 7: As Row 1
Row 8: As Row 2
Row 9: As Row 1
Row 10: As Row 2

Work Rows 1-10 a total of 24 times, or until desired length is almost reached, then work Rows 1-9.
Knit 2 rows.
Bind-off: *p2tog, place stitch just created back onto the left needle* repeat until only one stitch remains. Pull yarn through last stitch and cut, leaving 6 inch tail to weave in.
Blocking may not be necessary. If you do decide to block, block suitably for your yarn type and be careful not to block out the ruffles.
Weave in ends.
 
Short Rows:After Row 5, turn work and p8, then w&t (see Techniques). Knit to the end of the row (8 stitches). Turn work, p6, w&t. Knit 6. Turn work, purl 4, w&t. Knit 4. Turn work, p2. Do NOT w&t any more stitches during the short row section (see
NOTE below). Turn work, k2. Turn work, p4. Turn work, k4. Turn work, p6, picking up the wrap stitch as you go (see Techniques). Turn work, k6. Turn work, p8, picking up the wrap stitch. Turn work, k8. Turn work, p10, picking up the wrap stitch as you go, k2, p8.




NOTE: I found the yarn I used did not require wrap and turns during the second half of the short row section because the yarn’s large halo made them bulky and unnecessary. Depending on your yarn, you may wish to include wrap and turns at every turn. If after your first short row section you notice holes in your work you may wish to wrap and turn every time you turn your work in the middle of a row.

Techniques:

w&t = wrap and turn: bring yarn to back of work, slip the next stitch from the left needle to the right needle, bring yarn forward, return the slipped stitch back to the left hand needle. Turn work. (This prevents you from getting holes in your work.)

picking up w&t = when you get to the stitch that is wrapped, first pick up the wrap itself from front to back (bottom to top), then insert the needle as you normally would into the stitch on the left-hand needle. Knit these stitches together.

Need a tutorial on wrap and turns? Check out Purlbee's tutorial.

ABBREVIATIONS:
WS = wrong side
RS = right side
k = knit
p = purl
p2tog: purl 2 stitches together
w&t = wrap and turn

TIPS FOR NOVICE KNITTERS




1. If you are not used to cables, you may find it useful to keep track of your rows to help you know when to work your cables, ie. when you get to Row 5.
2. If you find that the left side of your cable is loose, consider making the following modification: when you make your first purl stitch after your knit stiches, wrap the yarn in the opposite direction around your needle. This will tighten that stitch. On the opposite side, knit that stitch through the back loop. Do this on both the WS and the RS of the work.
3. For a tutorial on wrap and turns and picking up stitches, see Purlbee's tutorial.

 

© 2012 Judy Bandsmer

The copyright of this pattern remains with the author. Products made with this pattern may be sold for profit. Distributing this pattern or any part thereof in any manner is prohibited under copyright unless Judy Bandsmer has granted express written permission.