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# MISTY MORNING NECKERCHIEF

A delicate triangular neck scarf perfect for adding a touch of warmth and style. Worked from the centre top down in cosy garter stitch with a simple lace border, this quick knit is ideal for layering or as a thoughtful handmade gift.

**Skill Level**: Easy

## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

- **Wingspan** (after blocking): 110 cm (43")
- **Depth** (after blocking): 42 cm (16.5")

## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: Approximately 200 m (220 yds) of DK weight yarn
- Sample shown uses a single colour, but stripes or variegated yarn would work beautifully

**Needles**: 4.0 mm (UK 8, US 6) needles, or size needed to obtain tension
- Straight or circular needles (60 cm/24" or longer recommended for comfort as stitch count grows)

**Notions**:
- 1 stitch marker
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Blocking wires or pins (optional but recommended)

## TENSION

20 stitches × 40 rows (20 garter ridges) = 10 cm (4") in garter stitch after blocking

**Important**: Take time to check your tension. Garter stitch tension can vary significantly between knitters. Work a 15 cm (6") square swatch in garter stitch, block it, then measure.

## PATTERN NOTES

- This neckerchief is worked flat from the centre top down, creating a triangular shape.
- The centre spine marker remains in place throughout; you will work increases on either side of this marked stitch.
- Garter stitch is created by knitting every row.
- All increase rows are right-side (odd-numbered) rows; all even-numbered rows are knit plain.
- Slip marker as you come to it on every row.
- The yarn over (yo) increases create decorative eyelets along the centre spine and both side edges.

## ABBREVIATIONS

- k: knit
- yo: yarn over
- k2tog: knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
- pm: place marker
- sm: slip marker
- st(s): stitch(es)

## INSTRUCTIONS

### SETUP

Cast on 3 sts using the long-tail method (or your preferred cast-on).

**Setup Row (WS)**: Knit.

### MAIN BODY

Begin working the increase pattern. The centre stitch will be marked on Row 1.

**Row 1 (RS)**: K1, yo, k1, pm, k1, yo, k1. [7 sts]
**Row 2 and all WS rows**: Knit all sts, slipping marker when you reach it.

**Row 3 (RS)**: K1, yo, k to 1 st before marker, yo, k1, sm, k1, yo, k to last st, yo, k1. [4 sts increased]

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until you have completed **70 garter ridges** (140 rows total) from cast-on, ending with a WS row.

**Stitch Count Check**: After Row 140 (70th ridge), you should have **283 sts**.
- Calculation: 3 + (4 sts increased per RS row × 70 RS rows) = 3 + 280 = 283 sts ✓

### LACE BORDER

The final section adds a delicate lace edge. Continue working increases as established, but incorporate a lace pattern.

**Row 141 (RS)**: K1, yo, *k2tog, yo; repeat from * to 2 sts before marker, k1, yo, k1, sm, k1, yo, k1, **yo, k2tog; repeat from ** to last st, yo, k1. [287 sts]

**Row 142 and all WS rows in border**: Knit all sts, slipping marker.

**Row 143 (RS)**: K1, yo, k1, *yo, k2tog; repeat from * to 2 sts before marker, k1, yo, k1, sm, k1, yo, k1, **k2tog, yo; repeat from ** to last 2 sts, k1, yo, k1. [291 sts]

**Rows 145, 147, 149, 151**: Repeat Row 141, then work WS row. [295, 299, 303, 307 sts after Rows 145, 147, 149, 151 respectively]

**Row 153 (RS)**: Repeat Row 143. [311 sts]

**Row 154 (WS)**: Knit all sts.

**Stitch Count Check**: After Row 154, you should have **311 sts**.
- Calculation: 283 + (4 sts × 7 more RS rows) = 283 + 28 = 311 sts ✓

### FINISHING

**Bind off very loosely** on RS: Knit 2 sts, *slip both sts back to left needle, k2tog through back loop, k1; repeat from * until 1 st remains. Cut yarn and pull through final st.

Alternative: Use a larger needle (5.0-5.5 mm) for binding off to ensure adequate stretch.

Weave in all ends securely on the wrong side.

## BLOCKING

Blocking is essential for opening up the lace border and achieving the correct dimensions.

1. Soak the neckerchief in lukewarm water with a small amount of wool wash for 15-20 minutes.
2. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Roll in a clean towel to remove more moisture.
3. Lay flat on a blocking surface or clean towel.
4. Pin out the top centre point first.
5. Gently stretch the two bottom points outward to create the wingspan, pinning in place.
6. Pin along the bottom edge, creating a gentle curved line between the two points.
7. Pin out the lace border, ensuring the eyelets are opened.
8. The neckerchief should measure approximately 110 cm (43") along the bottom edge and 42 cm (16.5") from top to centre bottom.
9. Allow to dry completely (24-48 hours) before unpinning.

## WEARING YOUR NECKERCHIEF

This triangular scarf can be worn multiple ways:
- Fold in half with the point at back, wrap around neck and tie at front
- Wear point at front with ends tied at back
- Use a shawl pin or brooch to secure at the shoulder

## CUSTOMISATION IDEAS

- **Larger shawl**: Continue the main body section for additional rows before beginning the lace border. Every 10 additional ridges adds approximately 6 cm to both wingspan and depth.
- **Stripe pattern**: Change colours every 2, 4, or 10 rows for visual interest.
- **Different border**: Replace the lace border with additional garter stitch for an entirely beginner-friendly version.
- **Yarn weight**: This pattern can be adapted to other yarn weights by adjusting needle size and checking tension.

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**Pattern Design Notes**: 
- Total rows: 154 (77 garter ridges)
- Main body: 140 rows (70 ridges) = 283 sts
- Lace border: 14 rows (7 ridges) = additional 28 sts = 311 sts final
- Increases per RS row: 4 sts (2 at centre, 2 at edges)
- Total increases: 77 RS rows × 4 sts = 308 sts + 3 cast-on = 311 sts ✓

© [Current Year] - This pattern is for personal use. Please do not reproduce or sell this pattern without permission.