purlJam

# Sophie Scarf (Machine Knit Version)
**Difficulty**: Beginner
**Machine**: Bulky (9mm) or Mid-Gauge (6.5mm)
**Yarn**: Worsted Weight (approx. 200 yards / 180 meters)

### Specifications
*   **Tension Dial**: 7 (Main Bed)
*   **Width**: 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) at center
*   **Length**: Approx. 65 inches (165 cm)
*   **Gauge**: 14 sts and 20 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette

### Required Tools
*   1-prong transfer tool
*   2-prong transfer tool
*   Cast-on comb and small claw weights
*   Latching tool (for bind-off)
*   Waste yarn and ravel cord

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### Phase 1: Machine Setup
1.  **Bed Configuration**: Single bed (Main Bed). 
2.  **Needle Position**: Bring 3 needles (L1, 0, R1) to Working Position (B).
3.  **Carriage Settings**: 
    *   Set Side Levers to 'N' (Normal). 
    *   Set Cam Lever to 'S' (Slip/Part) for the first 2 rows, then return to 'Plain/Stitch'.
    *   **COL** (Carriage on Left).
4.  **Cast-on**: 
    *   Cast on 3 stitches using the e-wrap method or start with waste yarn/ravel cord for a cleaner edge.
    *   Hang cast-on comb and one claw weight.
    *   Knit 2 rows to stabilize. **RC: 002**.

---

### Phase 2: Increase Section (The First Taper)
*Goal: Increase 1 stitch every 8 rows on the Right side until you have 16 stitches.*

1.  **Carriage Setting (I-Cord Edge)**: 
    *   To prevent rolling, we will slip the edge stitches. On most machines (Brother/Silver Reed), set the carriage to **Slip/Part** in one direction (e.g., when moving Right to Left).
2.  **RC 002 - RC 106**:
    *   Knit 8 rows. (Current RC: 010).
    *   **Increase**: Using the 2-prong transfer tool, move the 2 outermost stitches on the Right side (COR) out by one needle (move R1-R2 to R2-R3). Pick up the "heel" (the loop from the row below) of the stitch now at R2 and place it on the empty needle at R1. This creates a "Fully Fashioned Increase."
    *   Repeat this increase every 8th row (RC 18, 26, 34, 42, 50, 58, 66, 74, 82, 90, 98, 106).
    *   **Note**: Move your claw weights up every 10-15 rows to ensure the edge stitches knit off properly.
3.  **End of Section**: You should have 16 needles in work (L1 to R15). **RC: 106**.

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### Phase 3: Straight Section
1.  **RC 106 - RC 226**:
    *   Knit straight for 120 rows. 
    *   Maintain the Slip/Part setting for the edge stitches to continue the I-cord effect.
    *   Keep weights balanced.

---

### Phase 4: Decrease Section (The Second Taper)
*Goal: Decrease 1 stitch every 8 rows on the Right side until 3 stitches remain.*

1.  **RC 226 - RC 330**:
    *   Knit 8 rows. (Current RC: 234).
    *   **Decrease**: Using the 2-prong transfer tool, pick up the 2 outermost stitches on the Right side. Move them inward by one needle, so the inner-most stitch of the tool sits on top of the next needle in work (a 2-to-1 transfer). Move the empty needle to Non-Working Position (A).
    *   Repeat this decrease every 8th row (RC 242, 250, 258, 266, 274, 282, 290, 298, 306, 314, 322, 330).
2.  **End of Section**: 3 needles remain in work. **RC: 330**.

---

### Phase 5: Finishing
1.  **Bind-off**:
    *   Knit 2 rows plain (no slip settings). **RC: 332**.
    *   Cut yarn, leaving a 12-inch tail.
    *   Perform a **Latch-tool bind off**: Push needles forward to the hold position. Starting at the side opposite the yarn tail, pull the yarn through the first stitch loop, then the next, creating a chain.
2.  **Blocking**:
    *   The scarf will look like a long, distorted "D" shape off the machine.
    *   **Wet Block**: Soak in lukewarm water with wool wash. 
    *   Lay flat on a towel. Gently pull the i-cord edges to straighten the taper. 
    *   **Technical Tip**: Do not over-stretch the center width; focus on smoothing the tapered ends so they transition elegantly from the points to the 4.5" center.
3.  **Fringe (Optional)**: If following the template preference, add 4-inch tassels only to the very tips of the tapered ends.

**Math Validation**: 
Total Rows: 332. 
Total Length: 332 rows / 5 rows per inch = 66.4 inches. 
Matches target length of 60-70 inches.