purlJam

# Technical Pattern: The Rounded Rib Ascot

## DESCRIPTION
An intermediate-level neck scarf featuring a classic 1x1 rib structure. While the stitch pattern is fundamental, the construction utilizes fully fashioned shaping to create elegant, rounded-taper ends. Designed to be worn tied closely at the neck (ascot style) due to the 30-inch length.

## STITCH PATTERN DETECTION
*   **User Request:** 1x1 Rib.
*   **Pattern Library Selection:** Classic 1x1 Rib (K1, P1).
*   **Note:** While the template suggests cables/lace, the user specifically requested Rib. The complexity here lies in **Maintained Shaping**—increasing and decreasing without disrupting the vertical columns of knit and purl.

## LAYOUT SELECTION
**Single Panel with Shaped Edges:**
*   **Selvage:** 1 Slip Stitch edge (for neat perimeter).
*   **Body:** 1x1 Rib.
*   **Selvage:** 1 Knit Stitch edge.

## MATERIALS
*   **Yarn:** Worsted Weight Wool or Wool Blend.
    *   *Calculated Yardage:* Approx. 120-150 yards (based on 6" x 30" surface area).
*   **Needles:** US 7 (4.5 mm) or US 8 (5.0 mm) straight or circular needles.
*   **Notions:** Tapestry needle, blocking mats/pins.

## GAUGE
**20 sts & 26 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)** in 1x1 Rib (lightly blocked/relaxed).
*   *Note:* Rib is elastic. Do not stretch fully when measuring gauge. We want a fabric that measures 5 stitches per inch in its relaxed state.

## CHARTS
### Chart A: Rounded Increase Shaping
*Read Right to Left on RS rows, Left to Right on WS rows.*

```text
      Stitches (Start -> End)
Row 5 (RS): [Sl1] [M1P] [K1, P1...] [K1] [M1P] [K1]
Row 3 (RS): [Sl1] [M1K] [P1, K1...] [P1] [M1K] [K1]
Row 1 (RS): [Sl1] [K1, P1 across........] [K1]

Key:
[Sl1] = Slip 1 purlwise with yarn in front
[K]   = Knit
[P]   = Purl
[M1K] = Make 1 Knitwise (Lift bar, knit through back loop)
[M1P] = Make 1 Purlwise (Lift bar, purl through back loop)
```

## PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

### Section 1: The Rounded Start
*Math Check: Target width is 6" (30 sts). We start with 10 sts to create a blunt, rounded curve rather than a sharp point.*

1.  **Cast On:** Using a Long Tail Cast On, CO **10** stitches.
2.  **Set Up Row (WS):** Sl1 wyif, *k1, p1; repeat from * to last st, k1. [10 sts]
3.  **Row 1 (RS):** Sl1 wyif, *p1, k1; repeat from * to last st, k1.
4.  **Row 2 (WS):** Sl1 wyif, *k1, p1; repeat from * to last st, k1.

### Section 2: The Taper (Increases)
*Technical Note: We increase 2 stitches every RS row. To maintain rib, we alternate adding Knit-based increases and Purl-based increases.*

*   **Row 3 (Inc - RS):** Sl1 wyif, **M1P**, *k1, p1* to last st, **M1P**, k1.
    *   *Math:* [10 start + 2 inc = 12 sts].
    *   *Pattern Check:* New sts are purls, maintaining (p, k, p...) sequence.

*   **Row 4 (WS):** Sl1 wyif, k1, *p1, k1* to end.

*   **Row 5 (Inc - RS):** Sl1 wyif, **M1K**, p1, *k1, p1* to last 2 sts, k1, **M1K**, k1.
    *   *Math:* [12 start + 2 inc = 14 sts].
    *   *Pattern Check:* New sts are knits, maintaining (k, p, k...) sequence.

*   **Row 6 (WS):** Sl1 wyif, p1, *k1, p1* to last st, k1.

*   **Repeat Rows 3–6** (alternating the type of increase) until you have **30 stitches**.
    *   *Math:* You need 16 more stitches after Row 6. This is 8 more increase rows.
    *   *Dimensions:* You should now have approx. 6" width.

### Section 3: The Straight Body
*   **Row 1 (RS):** Sl1 wyif, *k1, p1* to last st, k1.
*   **Row 2 (WS):** Sl1 wyif, *p1, k1* to last st, k1.
    *   *Note:* Ensure your rib columns align. The slipped edge stitch creates a neat chain.
*   **Continue straight** in established rib pattern until piece measures **25.5 inches** from cast-on edge.
    *   *Math Check:* Total length 30" - 4.5" (decrease section) = 25.5" stop point.

### Section 4: The Taper (Decreases)
*We now mirror the shaping to round off the other end.*

*   **Dec Row A (RS):** Sl1 wyif, ssk, rib to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.
    *   *Math:* [Current sts - 2 = New count].
*   **Work 1 WS Row even.**
*   **Repeat Dec Row A and WS Row** until **10 stitches** remain.

### Section 5: Finishing
1.  **Bind Off:** Bind off all 10 stitches in pattern (knit the knits, purl the purls) loosely.
2.  **Weave in ends:** Use a tapestry needle to weave ends invisibly into the rib columns.
3.  **Blocking:** Wet block the scarf.
    *   *Instruction:* Soak in cool water/wool wash for 15 mins. Squeeze out water (do not wring). Lay flat.
    *   *Measurements:* Pin to exactly 6" x 30". Ensure the "rounded" ends are pinned in a curve, not pulled into points. Allow to dry completely.