Classic 3‑Cable Scarf (Worsted Weight)
A timeless reversible cable scarf with a clean ribbed edge and three 8‑st cable columns down the length. Worked flat — cables cross every 8 rows for a structured, sculpted look. Sized for an adult scarf approx 8.5" x 64" (22 cm x 162.5 cm); easily adjustable (see "Sizing & Customizing").
Materials
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4). Approximately 300–350 yards (274–320 m) total. Sample shown uses 320 yards (292 m).
- Needles (choose based on preferred fabric density):
- Main: US 8 / UK 6 / 5.0 mm (recommended)
- Optional for looser fabric: US 9 / UK 5 / 5.5 mm
- Use straight needles or a long circular (24–32" / 60–80 cm) for convenience when working many stitches.
- Cable needle (or scrap double‑point) — cable needle optional if you prefer to cable without one
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Stitch marker (optional) to mark beginning of a pattern repeat)
Finished Size & Gauge
- Finished: approx 8.5" (22 cm) wide x 64" (162.5 cm) long (after blocking)
- Gauge (in pattern on 5.0 mm / US 8): 18 sts and 24 rows = 4" (10 cm). Cable fabric may pull in slightly — always swatch in pattern.
Abbreviations
- K = knit
- P = purl
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- C8F = Cable 8 Front: slip next 4 sts to cable needle and hold in front, k4, then k4 from cable needle (left‑leaning 8‑st cable)
- C8B = Cable 8 Back: slip next 4 sts to cable needle and hold in back, k4, then k4 from cable needle (right‑leaning 8‑st cable)
Pattern Notes
- This layout uses a 4‑st ribbed edge (k2, p2) at each side to keep edges neat and prevent curling.
- The center section is made of three 8‑st cables separated by 2 purl stitches. The stitch formula for cast‑on is: Cast on = 10N + 6, where N = number of cables you want. For the sample N = 3 -> 36 sts.
- Cable crosses occur every 8th row (rows 8, 16, 24…). On non‑cross rows work stitches as established: cable columns are knit on RS and purled on WS; purl separators remain purls on RS and knits on WS where applicable to preserve texture.
Cast On & Setup
Cast on 36 stitches (or use formula above to customize).
Setup Row (RS): Work 4‑st edge rib (k2, p2), then k8, p2, k8, p2, k8, then edge rib k2, p2.
Row 1 (WS): Work edge rib as established (k2, p2), then p8, k2, p8, k2, p8, edge rib (k2, p2).
These two rows establish the knits/purls that form the cable columns and separators.
Cable Pattern (work rows 1–8; repeat these rows for length)
Row 1 (RS): Edge rib (k2, p2); k8, p2, k8, p2, k8; edge rib (k2, p2).
Row 2 (WS): Edge rib (k2, p2); p8, k2, p8, k2, p8; edge rib (k2, p2).
Row 3 (RS): Same as Row 1.
Row 4 (WS): Same as Row 2.
Row 5 (RS): Same as Row 1.
Row 6 (WS): Same as Row 2.
Row 7 (RS): Same as Row 1.
Row 8 (WS - Cable Row): Edge rib (k2, p2);
C8F (first 8‑st cable), p2, C8B (second 8‑st cable), p2, C8F (third 8‑st cable); edge rib (k2, p2).
Notes on the cable row: Even though Row 8 is written as WS, because our cable columns are worked knitwise on RS and purled on WS, the actual crossings are easiest done on the row where the knit faces are visible. If you prefer, you may execute cable crosses on the RS instead — just keep crossings every 8 rows consistently.
Repeat
Repeat Rows 1–8 until scarf measures approx 62–64" (157–162.5 cm) or your preferred length, ending after Row 7 of a set (so the final cable cross is centered nicely). Then work one more full Setup Row pair if you like symmetry, and prepare to bind off.
Bind Off
Bind off loosely in pattern: keep edge rib (k2, p2) as established and bind off knit stitches and purl stitches in sequence to maintain elasticity. Tip: use a larger needle (one size up) for bind‑off row to keep the edge flexible.
Finishing
- Weave in ends with tapestry needle.
- Block gently: soak in lukewarm water with mild wool wash, squeeze (do not wring), roll in towel to remove excess water, shape to final dimensions on a flat surface and pin lightly. For neat cables, pin to the desired width and length and allow to dry completely.
Sizing & Customizing
- To make wider or narrower: change N (number of cables). Formula: Cast on = 10N + 6. Each added cable adds approx 2.5"–3" (6–7.5 cm) to width depending on yarn/tension.
- To make shorter/longer: change the number of repeats of Rows 1–8 to reach desired length. Add rows in multiples of 8 to keep cable symmetry.
- Change yarn weight and needle size to dramatically alter the look. If using heavier yarn, do a gauge swatch and adjust cast on accordingly.
Tips
- To cable without a cable needle: slip the first 4 sts onto a spare dpn or needle tip (or hold on the left needle), knit the next 4, then knit the held 4. For C8F hold sts in front; for C8B hold sts in back.
- If cables look tight, try the next needle size up for a more relaxed fabric.
- Keep an eye on tension when crossing cables — try to pull the cable stitches slightly so they lie flat when crossing.
Care
Hand wash or machine wash gentle (if yarn label permits), lay flat to dry. Press lightly with steam if needed, using a press cloth.
Pattern by PurlJam. For help, contact: team@verde.uk. Visit: https://purljam.verde.uk. Social: #purljam