purlJam

# SOPHIE'S SCARF

A timeless, beginner-friendly scarf knit in soft garter stitch. This classic rectangular scarf is perfect for your first knitting project - simple, relaxing, and elegant. The garter stitch fabric lies beautifully flat and looks identical on both sides, making it ideal for a scarf.

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: Approximately 300 yards (275 m) of worsted weight yarn
- Suggested: Any soft worsted weight yarn in your favorite color
- Sample shown uses worsted weight wool or wool blend

**Needles**: US 8 (5 mm) straight or circular needles (you'll only use them as straight needles)

**Notions**: 
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Scissors

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## GAUGE

**18 stitches** = 4" (10 cm) in garter stitch (knit every row)

*To check gauge: Cast on 24 stitches and knit for 5 inches. Lay flat and measure across the center 4 inches. Count your stitches. Gauge doesn't need to be perfect for a scarf, but checking helps you know your final size.*

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## FINISHED SIZE

**Width**: 8" (20 cm)  
**Length**: 60" (152 cm)

*Note: You can easily customize the length - just keep knitting until you reach your desired length!*

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- **k** = knit
- **st(s)** = stitch(es)
- **RS** = right side
- **WS** = wrong side

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## PATTERN

**Cast On**

Cast on **36 sts** using your preferred cast-on method.
- *Math check: 36 sts ÷ 4.5 sts per inch = 8" width ✓*

**Body of Scarf**

Knit every row until scarf measures 60" (152 cm) from cast-on edge, or until scarf is your desired length.

*That's it! Just knit every row. This creates garter stitch - those beautiful horizontal ridges.*

**Tips for Success:**
- Try to keep your tension consistent for even edges
- Count your stitches occasionally to make sure you still have 36
- If you find a hole or dropped stitch, it's easier to fix right away
- Each garter ridge (one bump) = 2 rows of knitting
- Take breaks! This is meant to be relaxing

**Bind Off**

When scarf reaches desired length (approximately 60" or your preferred length):

Bind off all stitches loosely. Make sure your bind-off edge has the same amount of stretch as the rest of your scarf - don't pull too tight!

*Math check: At 36 rows per 4 inches in garter, 60" length = approximately 540 rows total*

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## FINISHING

1. **Weave in ends**: Thread your yarn needle with the yarn tails and weave them into the edge of the scarf for 3-4 inches. Trim excess yarn.

2. **Blocking (optional)**: Gently hand wash your scarf in cool water with wool wash. Roll in a towel to remove excess water, then lay flat to dry, gently patting into shape. This will even out your stitches and give a professional finish.

3. **Wear with pride!** Your Sophie's Scarf is complete.

**Optional Fringe**: If you'd like to add fringe to the ends:
- Cut strands of yarn 10" long (you'll need about 40-50 strands total)
- For each fringe bundle, take 2-3 strands, fold in half
- Insert crochet hook through edge stitch, catch folded loop, pull through
- Pull yarn ends through the loop and tighten
- Space fringe evenly across both short ends
- Trim evenly when complete

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**Congratulations on completing Sophie's Scarf! This classic piece will keep you cozy for years to come.**

*Design note: This pattern uses a simple rectangular construction with garter stitch throughout - perfect for beginners to build confidence and muscle memory while creating a beautiful, wearable accessory.*