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# The Alpine Scoodie — Bulky Hooded Scarf

A snug, continental-style hooded scarf (often called a *scoodie* in Europe) worked in warm chunky yarn. The hood drapes gently over the head while two long tails wrap and cross at the front — perfect for cold market mornings and mountain walks. Worked as one straightforward strip with garter borders, this is an ideal first hooded project for beginners.

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## Materials

- **Yarn:** Chunky (bulky) weight wool or wool-blend
  - Approx. **350–400 m (380–440 yds)** / roughly **250–280 g** depending on brand
  - Sample uses a soft, slightly heathered grey for that alpine look
- **Needles:** 8 mm (UK 0 / US 11) straight or long circular needles, used flat
- **Notions:**
  - Tapestry/darning needle for seaming and weaving in ends
  - 2 stitch markers (optional, to mark the fold points)
  - Scissors

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## Tension (Gauge)

**12 sts × 18 rows = 10 cm (4 in)** over stocking stitch on 8 mm needles, after gentle blocking.

> Tension is important for both fabric drape and yarn quantity. Work a swatch and adjust needle size if needed — looser for a softer drape, tighter for more structure.

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## Finished Measurements (One Size)

- **Total strip length:** approx. **160 cm (63 in)**
- **Width:** approx. **25 cm (10 in)**
- **Hood depth (folded):** approx. **33 cm (13 in)**

This generous size suits most adults. To adjust, add or remove rows in multiples of 18 (= 10 cm) for length.

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## Abbreviations (UK)

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| k | knit |
| p | purl |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| RS | right side |
| WS | wrong side |
| st st | stocking stitch (k on RS, p on WS) |
| rep | repeat |
| cm | centimetres |

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## Pattern Notes

- The scarf is worked **flat in one long strip**. The centre of the strip is then **folded in half widthwise and seamed along the top** to create the hood; the two ends form the scarf tails that wrap around the neck.
- A **3-stitch garter border** runs along both long edges to keep the bulky stocking stitch from curling and to give a tidy, European finish.
- Keep the **30-stitch count constant** throughout — there is no shaping, which makes this perfect for beginners.
- Slip the first stitch of each row purlwise *if you wish* for a neater edge, but this is optional and not counted separately.

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## Instructions

### Cast On

Using 8 mm needles, **cast on 30 sts**.

*(Check: 3 border sts + 24 body sts + 3 border sts = 30 sts ✓)*

### Lower Garter Border

**Rows 1–6:** Knit every st across (garter stitch). *(6 rows ≈ 3.3 cm)*

### Main Body Pattern (Bordered Stocking Stitch)

Work the following two rows repeatedly:

- **Row 1 (RS):** k3, k to last 3 sts, k3 — i.e. knit all 30 sts.
  *(In effect, a knit row.)*
- **Row 2 (WS):** k3, p24, k3. — 30 sts.

*(Check: 3 + 24 + 3 = 30 sts ✓)*

Repeat **Rows 1–2** until the piece measures approx. **154 cm (60½ in)** from cast-on edge, ending after a WS row.

> **Row maths:** 154 cm × (18 rows ÷ 10 cm) = 277 rows of body. Combined with borders this gives the full strip; the exact count is flexible — just measure as you go and finish after a WS (Row 2) row.

### Upper Garter Border

**Next 6 rows:** Knit every st across (garter stitch). *(6 rows ≈ 3.3 cm)*

**Cast off** all 30 sts loosely knitwise.

*(Total length check: 3.3 cm border + ~153.4 cm body + 3.3 cm border ≈ 160 cm ✓)*

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## Forming the Hood

1. Lay the finished strip flat, RS up, in a long line.
2. Find the **centre** of the strip (80 cm from each end) and fold the strip in half **widthwise**, bringing the two short cast-on/cast-off edges together so the strip doubles back on itself.
3. The **fold** sits at the back of the head; the doubled section forms the hood.
4. With RS facing each other (WS out), **seam along the top edge** of the folded section for approximately **30 cm (12 in)** down from the fold using mattress stitch or a simple whip stitch.

> **Tip:** Use a long marker pin or scrap yarn to mark the 30 cm seam line before sewing. Seam from the fold downward; stop once the hood is deep enough to comfortably cover the head — about 30 cm gives a snug fit. The unseamed remainder of the strip becomes the two long front tails.

5. Turn the hood right-side out.

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## Finishing

- **Weave in all ends** neatly along the borders or seam line using the tapestry needle.
- **Block gently:** lay flat, pin to measurements, mist with cool water (or steam-block lightly if your yarn allows), and leave to dry. This relaxes the stocking stitch and sets the hood shape.
- **Optional pom-pom:** for extra European flair, add a large pom-pom to the top fold point of the hood.

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## Wearing Your Scoodie

Place the hood over your head and let the two tails fall at the front. Cross them over the chest and tuck into a coat, or wrap them once around the neck for extra warmth. Enjoy your cosy alpine scoodie!

*Designed for chunky yarn • Beginner level • One size (adjustable)*