purlJam

# CLASSIC STOCKING STITCH SCARF WITH GARTER BORDER

A timeless scarf featuring smooth stocking stitch framed by a cosy garter stitch border. The garter border keeps the edges flat and adds textural interest. Perfect for learning the purl stitch while creating a polished, wearable accessory.

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn:** Approximately 300 metres of worsted weight yarn
- Sample shown uses a standard worsted/aran weight wool or wool blend
- Recommended: Any worsted/aran weight yarn (100-200g total)

**Needles:** 5mm (UK 6, US 8) straight or circular needles, or size needed to obtain tension

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

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## TENSION (GAUGE)

19 stitches and 25 rows = 10cm (4") in stocking stitch, after blocking

**To check tension:** Cast on 24 stitches. Work in stocking stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) for 12cm. Measure the centre 10cm. Adjust needle size if necessary: larger needles for fewer stitches, smaller needles for more stitches.

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## FINISHED SIZE

**Width:** 20cm (8")  
**Length:** 150cm (60")

*Note: Length is easily adjustable—simply work to your desired length before beginning the top border.*

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- **k** = knit
- **p** = purl
- **RS** = right side (front of work)
- **WS** = wrong side (back of work)
- **st(s)** = stitch(es)

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## PATTERN

### Cast On
Cast on **38 stitches** using the long-tail method (or your preferred cast-on).

*Math check: 38 sts ÷ 19 sts per 10cm × 10cm = 20cm width ✓*

### Bottom Border
**Rows 1-8:** Knit all stitches. (This creates garter stitch—you'll see horizontal ridges on both sides.)

*After Row 8, you've completed the bottom border.*

### Main Body
**Row 9 (RS):** K5, p28, k5.
**Row 10 (WS):** K5, k28, k5.

*Pattern explanation: The first and last 5 stitches remain in garter stitch (knit every row) to create the side borders. The centre 28 stitches are worked in stocking stitch.*

**Repeat Rows 9-10** until your scarf measures approximately 143cm (56") from cast-on edge, ending after a WS row.

*Stitch check: 5 + 28 + 5 = 38 sts throughout ✓*

*Note: To check length, lay scarf flat without stretching. Remember you'll add approximately 7cm more with the top border and cast-off.*

### Top Border
**Next 8 rows:** Knit all stitches.

*You've now created the matching top border.*

### Cast Off
Knit across, casting off all stitches **loosely**. 

*Tip: Use a needle one or two sizes larger for casting off, or work the cast-off very loosely to maintain scarf flexibility.*

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## FINISHING

1. **Weave in ends:** Thread yarn tails onto tapestry needle and weave through several stitches on the wrong side of the work. Weave in opposite direction for security, then trim excess.

2. **Blocking:** Soak scarf in cool water with wool wash for 15-20 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Roll in a towel to remove more moisture. Lay flat on a clean towel or blocking mat, gently patting into shape with measurements of 20cm × 150cm. Allow to dry completely—this may take 24-48 hours depending on yarn fibre and humidity.

3. **Optional fringe:** For a classic finishing touch, cut strands of yarn 30cm long. Using groups of 3-4 strands, fold in half and use a crochet hook to pull the loop through the edge stitch, then pull the ends through the loop to secure. Space fringe evenly along both short ends (approximately every 2-3 stitches). Trim fringe evenly to desired length.

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**Congratulations on completing your Classic Stocking Stitch Scarf!**

*Design notes: This pattern creates a versatile, double-sided scarf with the smooth stocking stitch as the "right side" framed by garter borders. The reverse side shows the textured purl bumps of stocking stitch, also attractively framed by garter stitch—making this scarf truly reversible and polished from every angle.*