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# PROTECT YA NECK — Wu-Tang Colourwork Scarf

A beginner-friendly worsted weight scarf featuring the iconic Wu-Tang "W" and the phrase **PROTECT YA NECK** worked in colourwork from the attached chart. Garter stitch borders keep the edges flat, while a smooth stockinette centre showcases the motif. Duplicate stitch is recommended for absolute beginners — no floats, no fuss.

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## MATERIALS

- **Yarn:** Worsted weight (Aran) wool or wool blend
  - **MC (Main Colour — Black):** approx. 250 g (≈ 460 m / 500 yds)
  - **CC (Contrast Colour — Bright Yellow):** approx. 50 g (≈ 90 m / 100 yds)
- **Needles:** 4.5 mm (UK 7 / US 7) straight or circular needles — or size needed to obtain tension
- **Notions:**
  - Tapestry/darning needle (for weaving in ends and duplicate stitch)
  - Stitch markers (optional)
  - Scissors
  - Locking stitch marker to mark RS

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## TENSION (GAUGE)

**18 sts × 24 rows = 10 cm (4") over stocking stitch**, measured after blocking, on 4.5 mm needles.

*Take time to check your tension — a small change affects width and the position of the chart.*

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## FINISHED SIZE

- **Width:** approx. 21 cm (8¼")
- **Length:** approx. 152 cm (60") — adjustable

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- **k** — knit
- **p** — purl
- **st(s)** — stitch(es)
- **RS** — right side
- **WS** — wrong side
- **MC** — main colour (black)
- **CC** — contrast colour (yellow)
- **st st** — stocking stitch (knit RS rows, purl WS rows)
- **rep** — repeat

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## ATTACHED STITCH CHART

**The colourwork motif is provided as a separate attached chart panel — please refer to that file for the visual grid. Do not look for the grid inside this pattern text.**

**Chart dimensions:** 28 sts wide × 60 rows tall (the Wu-Tang "W" sits above the words **PROTECT YA NECK**).

**Where the chart is placed in the pattern:**
The chart is worked across the **centre 28 sts** of the scarf, **after the first 5-st garter border and before the final 5-st garter border**, during the **Colourwork Section** (see PATTERN below). The chart occupies 60 rows in the middle of the scarf's length.

**How to read the chart:**
- Each square = 1 stitch; each row of squares = 1 row of knitting.
- Read **RS (odd-numbered) rows from right to left**, and **WS (even-numbered) rows from left to right**.
- **Empty / background squares = MC (black)**; **filled squares = CC (yellow)**.
- Begin at **Row 1 (bottom right)** of the chart and work upward.

**Recommended method — Duplicate Stitch (easiest for beginners):**
Knit the entire colourwork section in MC only (plain stocking stitch). Once finished and blocked, use CC and a tapestry needle to embroider the yellow stitches on top, following the attached chart square-by-square. This avoids floats and tangled yarns.

**Alternative method — Intarsia:**
Use small bobbins/butterflies of CC for each isolated yellow area. Twist MC and CC around each other at every colour change on the WS to prevent holes. Do not carry yarn across the back over more than 3 sts.

**Yarn management notes:**
- For duplicate stitch: only one yarn in use at a time — simplest option.
- For intarsia: prepare one CC bobbin per separate yellow shape before starting. Keep tension relaxed at colour joins.

**Stitch-count integration math:**
- Total sts on needle: **38**
- Border (right): 5 sts garter (MC)
- **Chart field: 28 sts (centred)**
- Border (left): 5 sts garter (MC)
- **Check: 5 + 28 + 5 = 38 sts ✓**

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## PATTERN

### Cast On
With MC, cast on **38 sts** using your preferred method (long-tail recommended).

### Bottom Border (Garter Stitch)
**Rows 1–12:** Knit every stitch across (12 rows garter = 6 ridges).

### Main Body — Plain Section (before chart)
Set-up: place a locking marker on the RS to keep track.

**Row 1 (RS):** k38.
**Row 2 (WS):** k5, p28, k5.
Rep these 2 rows until work measures approx. **64 cm (25")** from cast-on, ending after a WS row.

### Colourwork Section (Chart Rows 1–60)
Continuing the same structure (5 garter sts each side, 28 sts centre):

**RS rows:** k5 (MC), work next 28 sts following the **attached chart** (read right to left), k5 (MC).
**WS rows:** k5 (MC), work next 28 sts following the **attached chart** (read left to right) — purling background and motif stitches if using intarsia; OR purl all 28 sts in MC if using duplicate stitch (you will embroider later), k5 (MC).

Work all **60 rows** of the chart.

*Math check: 60 rows ÷ 24 rows per 10 cm = 25 cm (≈ 10") of chart height ✓.*

### Main Body — Plain Section (after chart)
With MC only, return to plain body:
**Row 1 (RS):** k38.
**Row 2 (WS):** k5, p28, k5.
Rep these 2 rows until work measures approx. **146 cm (57½")** from cast-on, ending after a WS row.

### Top Border (Garter Stitch)
**Knit 12 rows** (6 ridges).

### Cast Off
Cast off all 38 sts knitwise. Cut yarn leaving a 15 cm tail.

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## FINISHING

1. **Duplicate stitch (if chosen):** Thread CC onto a tapestry needle and embroider the yellow stitches onto the colourwork section, following the attached chart square-by-square. Each duplicate stitch covers one knit "V". Keep tension relaxed so the fabric lies flat.
2. **Weave in all ends** on the WS using a tapestry needle, working ends along same-colour areas where possible.
3. **Block the scarf:** Soak in lukewarm water with a little wool wash for 20 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring), roll in a towel, then lay flat on a blocking mat. Pin to finished dimensions (21 cm × 152 cm), keeping edges straight and the chart area squared. Leave to dry completely.
4. **Optional fringe:** Cut 20 cm lengths of MC (and CC if desired). Fold in half, hook through cast-on/cast-off edge, and pull tails through the loop. Trim ends evenly.

Wear it proud. **Protect ya neck.** ☯

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*Pattern © for personal use. Wu-Tang Clan name and logo are referenced for fan/personal use only.*