purlJam

# Ribbed Neck Scarf with Rounded Tapered Ends

**Description:**
A sophisticated, intermediate-level short scarf (neck warmer) featuring a classic 1x1 rib texture. Unlike standard rectangular scarves, this design features rounded, tapered ends for a refined drape and reduced bulk at the tie-point. Designed for worsted weight yarn, it works up quickly and provides excellent warmth.

**Difficulty Level:** Intermediate

**Finished Dimensions:**
*   Width: 6 inches (15 cm)
*   Length: 30 inches (76 cm)

**Materials:**
*   **Yarn:** Approx. 120-140 yards (110-128 m) of Worsted Weight yarn. (Wool or wool blend recommended for best rib memory).
*   **Needles:** US 7 (4.5 mm) or US 8 (5 mm) straight or circular needles (or size needed to meet gauge).
*   **Notions:** Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, measuring tape, scissors.

**Gauge:**
20 stitches & 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in 1x1 rib, slightly relaxed.
*Note: Ribbing is elastic. Measure gauge by flattening the swatch slightly, but do not stretch it fully.*

**Terminology & Abbreviations (US English):**
*   **k:** knit
*   **p:** purl
*   **st(s):** stitch(es)
*   **RS:** Right Side
*   **WS:** Wrong Side
*   **M1R (Make 1 Right):** Lift the bar between stitches from back to front, knit into the front of it. (Inc 1)
*   **M1L (Make 1 Left):** Lift the bar between stitches from front to back, knit into the back of it. (Inc 1)
*   **Pattern Stitch (1x1 Rib):** *K1, P1; rep from * to last st, K1.

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### INSTRUCTIONS

**Section 1: Cast On & First Rounded Taper**
*Rationale: To achieve a "rounded" end rather than a sharp point, we begin with a medium-width cast-on and increase rapidly.*

**Cast on 11 stitches** using the Long Tail Cast On method.

*   **Row 1 (WS):** Sl1 wyif, *p1, k1; repeat from * to last 2 sts, p1, k1. [11 sts]
*   **Row 2 (RS - Inc):** Sl1 wyif, k1, M1L, work in rib as established to last 2 sts, M1R, k2. [11 start + 2 inc = 13 sts]
    *   *Tech Note: Incorporate the new M1 stitches into the K1, P1 rib sequence on the following row.*
*   **Row 3 (WS):** Sl1 wyif, work in rib pattern to last st, k1. [13 sts]
*   **Row 4 (RS - Inc):** Sl1 wyif, k1, M1L, work in rib to last 2 sts, M1R, k2. [13 start + 2 inc = 15 sts]
*   **Row 5 (WS):** Sl1 wyif, work in rib pattern to last st, k1. [15 sts]

**Repeat Rows 4 and 5** (increasing 2 stitches every RS row) **8 more times**.
*   *Verification:* You will work increase rows with stitch counts: 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, reaching 31.
*   **End with a WS row.**
*   **Final Stitch Count:** 31 stitches.
*   **Current Length:** Approx. 3.5 inches (9 cm).

**Section 2: Body**
Work even in established rib pattern.

*   **Row 1 (RS):** Sl1 wyif, *k1, p1; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
*   **Row 2 (WS):** Sl1 wyif, *p1, k1; rep from * to last 2 sts, p1, k1.

Repeat these 2 rows until the piece measures **26.5 inches (67 cm)** from the cast-on edge (or 3.5 inches less than desired total length).

**Section 3: Second Rounded Taper**
*Rationale: We decrease at the same rate we increased to mirror the rounded shape.*

*   **Row 1 (RS - Dec):** Sl1 wyif, k1, ssk, work in rib to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. [31 start - 2 dec = 29 sts]
*   **Row 2 (WS):** Sl1 wyif, work in rib pattern to last st, k1. [29 sts]

**Repeat Rows 1 and 2** (decreasing 2 stitches every RS row) until **11 stitches remain**.
*   *Verification:* Decrease counts: 27, 25, 23, 21, 19, 17, 15, 13, 11.

**Finishing:**
*   Work 1 WS row even on the remaining 11 stitches.
*   Bind off all stitches loosely in rib pattern.
*   Cut yarn leaving a 6-inch tail.
*   Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle.
*   **Blocking:** Soak in lukewarm water with wool wash. Gently squeeze out excess water. Lay flat to dry, pinning the scarf to exactly 6" x 30". Pin the ends into a gentle curve to emphasize the rounded shape.