purlJam

# The Rounded Garter Cravat
**An Intermediate Knitting Pattern**

**Description:**
A sophisticated, textured neck warmer worked in squishy garter stitch. Unlike standard scarves, this piece features a rounded, tapered edge rather than a sharp point or blocky rectangle. Designed to be tied once at the neck or secured with a pin.

**Skill Level:** Intermediate
**Date:** October 2023

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### MEASUREMENTS
*   **Width:** 15 cm (6 inches) at widest point.
*   **Length:** 76 cm (30 inches) from tip to tip.

### MATERIALS
*   **Yarn:** Approx. 110–130 metres of Worsted or Aran weight yarn (medium weight).
    *   *Note on Yarn Weight:* Ensure the yarn ball band suggests a needle size of 4.5mm–5.5mm.
*   **Needles:** 5.0 mm (UK 6 / US 8) straight or circular needles, or size needed to obtain tension.
*   **Notions:** Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, measuring tape, blocking mats and pins.

### TENSION (GAUGE)
18 stitches and 32 rows = 10 cm x 10 cm in garter stitch (every row knit), after blocking.
*It is critical to check your tension to ensure the scarf reaches the correct width.*

### ABBREVIATIONS (UK TERMINOLOGY)
*   **k:** Knit.
*   **p:** Purl.
*   **sl1 wyif:** Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front (creates a neat edge).
*   **kfb:** Knit into front and back of stitch (increase 1 stitch).
*   **k2tog:** Knit 2 stitches together (decrease 1 stitch).
*   **ssk:** Slip, slip, knit (decrease 1 stitch).
*   **st(s):** Stitch(es).
*   **RS:** Right Side.
*   **WS:** Wrong Side.
*   **Rep:** Repeat.

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### INSTRUCTIONS

#### SECTION 1: The First Rounded Taper
*Design Note: To achieve a rounded edge rather than a sharp point, we begin with a blunt cast-on width.*

**Cast on** 9 sts using the Long Tail Cast On method.

**Row 1 (WS):** Sl1 wyif, k to end. `[9 sts]`
**Row 2 (RS - Inc):** Sl1 wyif, k1, kfb, k to last 3 sts, kfb, k2. `[9 start + 2 inc = 11 sts]`
**Row 3:** Sl1 wyif, k to end. `[11 sts]`
**Row 4 (RS - Inc):** Sl1 wyif, k1, kfb, k to last 3 sts, kfb, k2. `[11 start + 2 inc = 13 sts]`

**Rep Rows 3 and 4** for 7 more times.
*Intermediate Check:* You should have completed a total of 9 increase rows.
`[Calculation: Start 9 sts + (9 rows x 2 incs) = 27 sts]`

**Row 19 (WS):** Sl1 wyif, k to end. `[27 sts]`

*Verification:* The piece should measure approx. 5.5 cm (2.25 inches) long and 15 cm (6 inches) wide.

#### SECTION 2: The Straight Body
This section creates the main length of the scarf.

**Row 1 (RS):** Sl1 wyif, k to end.
**Row 2 (WS):** Sl1 wyif, k to end.

Repeat these 2 rows until the piece measures **70.5 cm (27.75 inches)** from the cast-on edge.
*(Note: We stop 5.5 cm short of the final 76 cm length to allow for the final taper.)*

#### SECTION 3: The Second Rounded Taper
We will now decrease symmetrically to match the beginning shape.

**Row 1 (RS - Dec):** Sl1 wyif, k1, ssk, k to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. `[27 start - 2 dec = 25 sts]`
**Row 2 (WS):** Sl1 wyif, k to end. `[25 sts]`

**Rep Rows 1 and 2** for 8 more times.
`[Calculation: Start 25 sts - (8 rows x 2 decs) = 9 sts remaining]`

**Next Row (RS):** Sl1 wyif, k1, ssk, k to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. `[9 start - 2 dec = 7 sts]`
*Wait: Standard symmetry requires stopping at 9 sts to match the Cast On. Do not work this extra decrease row if you wish to match the cast on width exactly. However, binding off often flares slightly. For a perfect visual match, work decreases until 9 stitches remain.*

**Correction for Symmetry:** Stop decreasing when you have **9 sts** on the needle.

**Final Row (WS):** Sl1 wyif, k to end. `[9 sts]`

### FINISHING
Cast off all 9 stitches knitwise on the RS. Do not cast off too tightly, or the "rounded" edge will look pulled.

1.  Cut yarn leaving a 15 cm tail.
2.  Weave in all loose ends using the tapestry needle.
3.  **Blocking (Crucial):** Soak the scarf in lukewarm water with wool wash for 15 minutes. Squeeze out excess water gently. Lay flat on blocking mats.
4.  **Shaping:** Pin the scarf to the measurements (15 cm x 76 cm). Pay special attention to the start and end: gently manipulate the 9-stitch cast-on/cast-off edges into a curve with your fingers before pinning, smoothing out the "corners" to enhance the rounded effect.
5.  Allow to dry completely.