purlJam

# Silesian Seed Stitch Scarf with Rounded Ends

**Skill Level:** Intermediate  
**Finished Measurements:** 15cm (6") wide × 76cm (30") long  
**Construction:** Knitted flat with shaped ends  

## Materials
- **Yarn:** 350-400g worsted weight yarn
- **Needles:** 4.5mm (UK 7, US 7) needles
- **Notions:** Tapestry needle, stitch markers (optional)

## Tension
19 stitches and 26 rows = 10cm (4") in seed stitch, blocked  
*Always work a tension swatch and block before beginning*

## Stitch Guide

**Seed Stitch (worked over odd number of sts):**
- Row 1 (RS): *K1, p1; rep from * to last st, k1
- Row 2 (WS): *P1, k1; rep from * to last st, p1
- Repeat Rows 1-2

**Silesian Edge (worked over 3 sts each side):**
- RS rows: Sl1 wyif, k1, p1 (beginning); p1, k1, sl1 wyif (end)
- WS rows: Sl1 wyib, p1, k1 (beginning); k1, p1, sl1 wyib (end)

**Increases (maintaining pattern):**
- Inc1R (increase 1 right): Knit into front and back of stitch, working new stitches to maintain seed stitch pattern
- Inc1L (increase 1 left): Pick up bar between stitches, knit through back loop, maintaining pattern

## Special Techniques

### Rounded Cast-On
Using long-tail cast-on, cast on 7 stitches. This creates the narrow rounded end.

### Pattern Maintenance During Shaping
When increasing, maintain seed stitch pattern by ensuring knit stitches stack above purl stitches and vice versa. After each increase row, count stitches to confirm pattern alignment.

## Instructions

### First Rounded End (Increasing)
Cast on 7 sts using long-tail method.

**Set-up Row (WS):** Sl1 wyib, p1, k3, p1, sl1 wyib

**Row 1 (RS):** Sl1 wyif, k1, inc1R in next st, k1, inc1L in next st, k1, sl1 wyif. (9 sts)

**Row 2 (WS):** Sl1 wyib, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, sl1 wyib

**Row 3 (RS):** Sl1 wyif, k1, p1, inc1R in next st, p1, inc1L in next st, p1, k1, sl1 wyif. (11 sts)

**Row 4 (WS):** Sl1 wyib, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, sl1 wyib

Continue increasing 2 stitches every RS row, maintaining Silesian edges and seed stitch pattern, until you have 29 sts. This should take 11 increase rows.

*Stitch count check: 7 + (11 × 2) = 29 sts ✓*

### Straight Section
**Pattern Row 1 (RS):** Sl1 wyif, k1, p1, *k1, p1; rep from * to last 3 sts, k1, sl1 wyif

**Pattern Row 2 (WS):** Sl1 wyib, p1, k1, *p1, k1; rep from * to last 3 sts, p1, sl1 wyib

Repeat these 2 rows until piece measures 61cm (24") from end of increases, ending with a WS row.

### Second Rounded End (Decreasing)
**Row 1 (RS):** Sl1 wyif, k1, p1, k2tog, work in pattern to last 6 sts, ssk, p1, k1, sl1 wyif. (27 sts)

**Row 2 (WS):** Work in established pattern

Continue decreasing 2 stitches every RS row, maintaining Silesian edges and seed stitch pattern, until 7 sts remain.

**Final Row (WS):** Sl1 wyib, p1, k3, p1, sl1 wyib

Bind off all stitches knitwise.

## Finishing

### Blocking
Soak scarf in lukewarm water for 15 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Lay flat on blocking mats, gently stretching to measurements. Pin rounded ends to smooth curves. Allow to dry completely.

### Weaving in Ends
Using tapestry needle, weave ends invisibly into Silesian edge stitches, following the path of existing stitches for 5-7cm before trimming.

## Stitch Pattern Chart

```
Seed Stitch (over centre 23 sts in straight section):
    23  21  19  17  15  13  11   9   7   5   3   1
 2  .  -  .  -  .  -  .  -  .  -  .  -  .  -  .  -  .  -  .  -  .  -  . 
 1  -  .  -  .  -  .  -  .  -  .  -  .  -  .  -  .  -  .  -  .  -  .  - 

Key:
- = knit on RS, purl on WS
. = purl on RS, knit on WS
```

## Silesian Edge Chart

```
Silesian Edge (3 sts each side):
    3   2   1
 2  -  .  s     (WS: sl1 wyib, p1, k1)
 1  s  -  .     (RS: sl1 wyif, k1, p1)

Key:
- = knit on RS, purl on WS
. = purl on RS, knit on WS  
s = slip 1 stitch (wyif on RS, wyib on WS)
```

## Design Notes
The Silesian edge creates a beautiful non-rolling border traditional in German knitting. The slipped stitches create a neat, stable edge perfect for scarves. The seed stitch provides texture while lying flat, and the rounded ends add an elegant finishing touch.

**Yarn Substitution:** Any worsted weight yarn may be substituted. Wool or wool blends are recommended for best blocking and drape.

**Length Adjustment:** To adjust length, work more or fewer rows in the straight section. Each 2.6cm (1") requires approximately 7 additional rows.