purlJam

# CLASSIC STOCKING STITCH SCARF

A timeless rectangular scarf featuring smooth stocking stitch with neat garter stitch borders to prevent curling. Perfect for showcasing beautiful yarns and practising essential knitting techniques.

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:** Approximately 300-350 metres of DK weight yarn
- Sample shown uses 2 balls (100g/250m per ball) of DK wool or wool blend
- Choose a yarn you love - this simple pattern lets the fibre shine!

**Needles:** 4.0mm (UK 8, US 6) straight or circular needles

**Notions:**
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Scissors

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## TENSION

22 stitches × 28 rows = 10cm (4") in stocking stitch, blocked

**To check your tension:** Cast on 26 stitches and work in stocking stitch (knit RS rows, purl WS rows) for 12cm. Block your swatch, then measure. Tension is important for achieving the stated scarf width.

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## FINISHED SIZE

Approximately 20cm (8") wide × 152cm (60") long, blocked

*Note: Garter stitch borders add approximately 3cm to width; adjust length as desired by working more or fewer rows.*

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- k = knit
- p = purl
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- st(s) = stitch(es)

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## PATTERN

### Cast On
Cast on **46 stitches** using your preferred method (long-tail cast on recommended).

### Bottom Border
**Rows 1-8:** Knit all stitches. (This creates garter stitch border)
*These rows form a flat, stable base for your scarf.*

### Main Body
**Row 1 (RS):** K3, k40, k3. (46 sts)
**Row 2 (WS):** K3, p40, k3. (46 sts)

**Repeat Rows 1-2** until scarf measures approximately 145cm (57") from cast on edge, or until scarf is 7cm shorter than desired finished length, ending after a WS row.

*Inline calculation check: 3 border sts + 40 centre sts + 3 border sts = 46 sts total ✓*

*Tip: The 3 stitches at each end remain in garter stitch (knit every row) throughout, while the centre 40 stitches are worked in stocking stitch. This prevents edge curling.*

### Top Border
**Next 8 rows:** Knit all stitches. (This mirrors the bottom border)

### Bind Off
Bind off all stitches knitwise, keeping tension loose and even.

*Final check: Your scarf should measure approximately 152cm (60") long.*

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## FINISHING

1. **Weave in ends:** Using tapestry needle, weave in all yarn tails securely on the wrong side of work, following the line of stitches to keep them invisible.

2. **Blocking:** Wet block your scarf to even out stitches and achieve final measurements. Soak in lukewarm water for 15-20 minutes, gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring), lay flat on towels, and pin to measurements. Allow to dry completely.

3. **Optional fringe:** If desired, cut yarn into 30cm (12") lengths. Using 3 strands together, fold in half and attach to cast on and bind off edges using a crochet hook to pull through. Space fringe evenly across each short edge (approximately every 2-3 stitches).

**Care instructions:** Hand wash gently in cool water and lay flat to dry, or follow yarn label instructions.

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*Enjoy your beautiful handknitted scarf! This classic design never goes out of style.*