Sophie Scarf — Knitting Pattern
Designer: PurlJam ( https://purljam.verde.uk ). For support: team@verde.uk. Socials: #purljam.
Overview
Sophie is a modern, reversible textured scarf with gentle open-blocks that read beautifully on both sides. Worked flat with a garter edge for neat, unrolling edges. Stitches are simple (knit/purl) so it’s great for confident beginners and makers who like relaxing, repeatable work.
Finished Measurements
- Small: approx 6.5” (16.5 cm) wide x 60” (152 cm) long
- Medium: approx 8.5” (21.5 cm) wide x 70” (178 cm) long
- Large: approx 10.5” (27 cm) wide x 80” (203 cm) long
Yarn
DK / Light Worsted weight recommended.
- Sample yarn suggestion: 100 g / 225 yd (205 m) skein.
- Yarn required (approx): Small: 350 yd (320 m) / Medium: 450 yd (411 m) / Large: 600 yd (550 m).
- Use good-quality yarn with defined stitch definition for the textured blocks.
Needles
Worked flat on straight needles or short circulars. Include US, UK (old) and Metric sizes:
- Suggested / primary: US 8 – UK 6 – 5.0 mm
- Tighter fabric: US 7 – UK 7 – 4.5 mm
- Airier drape: US 9 – UK 5 – 5.5 mm
Notions
- Tapestry needle for ends
- Stitch markers (optional)
- Blocking tools (pins, mat)
Gauge
18 sts × 28 rows = 4” / 10 cm in pattern stitch on US 8 (5.0 mm). Adjust needle size to match gauge for desired fabric and yardage.
Construction Notes
- Cast on a multiple of 12 sts, plus 6 edge sts (3 garter sts at each side). That is: multiple of 12 + 6.
- Edge: work 3 sts garter (knit every row) at the beginning and end of every row to give a clean, stable selvage.
- Center panel: 12-st broken-rib block repeat, 2-row pattern repeat, reversible.
- You can lengthen or shorten the scarf by adding or subtracting repeats of the 2-row pattern; adjust yarn accordingly.
Abbreviations
- K = knit
- P = purl
= repeat section in-line (in instructions below each repeat is stated explicitly)- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- st(s) = stitch(es)
Pattern Stitch
12-st broken-rib (2-row repeat). Work with garter edges of 3 sts each side.
Row 1 (RS): K3 (edge), *k3, p3, k3, p3* across center repeats as required, K3 (edge).
Row 2 (WS): K3 (edge), *p3, k3, p3, k3* across center repeats, K3 (edge).
Notes: The center is a block-based broken rib: rows 1 and 2 alternate the knit and purl 3-st blocks to create subtle texture. Because the 2-row repeat is fully reversible you can wear either side out.
Sizes & Cast On
Cast on (multiple of 12) + 6. Suggested counts:
- Small: 42 sts (12 × 3 = 36 + 6 edges)
- Medium: 54 sts (12 × 4 = 48 + 6 edges)
- Large: 66 sts (12 × 5 = 60 + 6 edges)
Instructions
Note: Every row begins and ends with the 3-st garter edge (K3). Maintain edge by knitting those 3 sts on every row.
- Cast on required number of sts using your preferred cast-on (long-tail cast-on gives good elasticity and stability).
- Work 6 rows in GARTER EDGE only to form a neat beginning selvedge: K across every row for 6 rows.
- Begin Pattern Stitch:
Row 1 (RS): K3, *k3, p3, k3, p3* to last 3 sts, K3.
Row 2 (WS): K3, *p3, k3, p3, k3* to last 3 sts, K3.
Repeat Rows 1–2 until scarf reaches desired length minus 6 garter rows for finishing. Typical lengths:
Small ~60”, Medium ~70”, Large ~80”.
- Work final 6 rows in garter (K every row) to match cast-on edge and stabilize.
- Bind off loosely in pattern or knitwise, keeping edge elastic and neat.
Finishing
- Weave in ends with yarn needle.
- Gently block: pin to shape on a blocking mat, steam or wet-block to relax and even the texture. The broken-rib will open slightly; the garter edges will remain stable.
- Optional: add fringe. If adding fringe, plan fringe length so total finished length matches preference. Use grouped fringe to match block spacing, about 1” groups every 1”–2” along ends.
Variations & Tips
- To make a narrower scarf, cast on fewer repeats (keeping a multiple of 12 + 6).
- For a softer drape, use the larger needles listed. For a firmer, more structured scarf, use the smaller option.
- Swap garter edge for a 3-st seed edge if you prefer the look; remember seed edges require alternating stitches each row so keep careful attention to seed alignment.
- Using a tweed or heathered DK will highlight the block texture beautifully; hand-dyed colorways give subtle pooling that looks great in this stitch.
Yardage Reference
Estimate yarn required by size and yarn weight given above. If substituting a heavier yarn, you will need fewer yards but larger needles and the fabric will be denser; if substituting lighter yarn, expect to need more yardage and/or more repeats.
Troubleshooting
- If edges curl slightly: add an extra garter row at the beginning and end or increase edge to 4 garter sts.
- If your fabric is too loose/droopy: drop one needle size and re-check gauge.
- If you accidentally lose the 3-st garter edge pattern, use a lifeline or carefully place a removable marker at each edge to keep track.
Copyright & Use
Pattern by PurlJam. For personal use and gifting only; feel free to sell finished items. Do not redistribute pattern text in whole without permission. Link back to https://purljam.verde.uk when sharing online. For questions or commercial licensing, email team@verde.uk.
Enjoy knitting Sophie — a cozy, reversible scarf that’s easy to memorise and beautiful to wear.