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# The Classic Cravat Scarf
**A Worsted Weight Garter Stitch Scarf with I-Cord Edging**

**Description**
A sophisticated, intermediate-level project designed to produce a neat neckerchief-style scarf. This piece features a squishy garter stitch fabric framed by a polished I-cord decorative edge. The ends are gently tapered and rounded for a refined silhouette. Perfect for tucking into a coat or wearing as a collar accessory.

**Difficulty Level**
Intermediate

**Dimensions**
*   **Width:** 15 cm (6 in) at the widest point.
*   **Length:** 76 cm (30 in) from tip to tip.

**Yarn & Materials**
*   **Yarn Weight:** Worsted / Aran weight.
*   **Quantity:** Approximately 130–150 metres of wool or wool-blend fibre.
*   **Needles:** 4.5 mm or 5.0 mm needles (or size needed to obtain tension). Double-pointed needles (DPNs) are recommended for the cast-on, but standard straight or circular needles work for the main body.
*   **Notions:** Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, measuring tape.

**Tension (Gauge)**
18 stitches and 36 rows = 10 cm x 10 cm in garter stitch, blocked.
*It is crucial to check tension to ensure the 30-inch length is sufficient for tying.*

**Terminology & Abbreviations (UK English)**
*   **k**: knit
*   **p**: purl
*   **st(s)**: stitch(es)
*   **RS**: Right Side
*   **WS**: Wrong Side
*   **sl3 wyif**: slip 3 stitches purlwise with yarn in front (brings the yarn around the edge to form the I-cord).
*   **M1L**: Make 1 Left (lift the bar between stitches from front to back, knit through the back loop).
*   **M1R**: Make 1 Right (lift the bar between stitches from back to front, knit through the front loop).
*   **k2tog**: knit 2 stitches together (decrease).
*   **ssk**: slip, slip, knit (slip 2 sts one by one knitwise, insert left needle into fronts of these 2 sts and knit them together).

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### **INSTRUCTIONS**

#### **Section 1: Setup and Rounded Cast On**
This section establishes the decorative I-cord edge immediately for a rounded tip.

**Cast On:** Using the Long Tail method, cast on 7 sts.
**Row 1 (WS):** Sl3 wyif, k1, sl3 wyif.
**Row 2 (RS):** K7.

#### **Section 2: Increase Taper**
You will increase on Right Side (RS) rows only, every 4th row, to create a smooth taper.

**Row 3 (WS):** Sl3 wyif, k1, sl3 wyif.
**Row 4 (RS - Inc):** K3, M1L, k1, M1R, k3. [Inline Math: 7 sts + 2 inc = 9 sts]
**Row 5 (WS):** Sl3 wyif, k3, sl3 wyif.
**Row 6 (RS):** Knit to end.

*Repeat rows 3–6, increasing 2 stitches every 4th row (on the RS "Inc" row) as follows:*

**Row 7 (WS):** Sl3 wyif, k to last 3 sts, sl3 wyif.
**Row 8 (RS - Inc):** K3, M1L, k to last 3 sts, M1R, k3. [Inline Math: 9 sts + 2 inc = 11 sts]
**Row 9 (WS):** Sl3 wyif, k to last 3 sts, sl3 wyif.
**Row 10 (RS):** Knit to end.

**Continue repeating Rows 7–10 until you have 27 stitches on the needle.**
[Inline Check: You will perform the increase row 9 more times. Final count: 9 + (9 * 2) = 27 sts.]

*At this point, your piece should measure approximately 13 cm from the cast-on edge.*

#### **Section 3: Main Body**
Work straight without increasing until the scarf measures 63 cm (25 in) from the cast-on edge.

**Row 1 (WS):** Sl3 wyif, k to last 3 sts, sl3 wyif.
**Row 2 (RS):** Knit to end.

*Repeat these 2 rows.*

#### **Section 4: Decrease Taper**
You will now mirror the start by decreasing every 4th row.

**Row 1 (WS):** Sl3 wyif, k to last 3 sts, sl3 wyif.
**Row 2 (RS - Dec):** K3, ssk, k to last 5 sts, k2tog, k3. [Inline Math: 27 sts - 2 dec = 25 sts]
**Row 3 (WS):** Sl3 wyif, k to last 3 sts, sl3 wyif.
**Row 4 (RS):** Knit to end.

*Repeat Rows 1–4 until 9 stitches remain.*
[Inline Check: 25 sts -> 23 -> 21 -> 19 -> 17 -> 15 -> 13 -> 11 -> 9 sts.]

**Next Row (WS):** Sl3 wyif, k3, sl3 wyif.
**Final Dec Row (RS):** K3, ssk, k1 (center st), k2tog... *wait, simply k2tog the 6th and 7th st? No, to maintain symmetry:*
**Final Dec Row (RS):** K3, sl1, k2tog, psso (central double decrease), k3. [Inline Math: 9 sts - 2 sts = 7 sts]
*Alternatively, if simpler: K3, k3tog, k3.*

#### **Section 5: Finishing**
You now have 7 stitches corresponding to the cast-on width.

**Next Row (WS):** Sl3 wyif, k1, sl3 wyif.
**Bind Off:** Bind off all stitches knitwise. To ensure the rounded edge matches the start, pull the yarn through the final loop and thread it onto a tapestry needle.

**Making Up:**
1.  Weave the tail ends into the hollow tube of the I-cord edge for an invisible finish.
2.  **Blocking:** Soak the scarf in lukewarm water with a wool wash. Squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Lay flat on a towel. Pin the scarf to the dimensions (15 cm x 76 cm), ensuring the edges are straight and the ends are gently rounded. Allow to dry completely.