purlJam

# The Winter Harbour Ribbed Scarf

**Description**
A sophisticated yet cozy scarf featuring bold stripes and a deep, squishy ribbed texture. While the stitch concept is simple, this pattern is rated **Intermediate** because it requires precise tension control to maintain straight edges while working in the back loops, and mastery of neat colour transitions. The resulting fabric mimics the look of knitted garter stitch but with the structural integrity of crochet.

**Difficulty Level:** Intermediate
**Finished Measurements:**
*   **Width:** 20 cm (8 inches)
*   **Length:** 175 cm (69 inches), excluding fringe

**Materials**
*   **Yarn:** Chunky weight yarn (approx. 100-110m per 100g ball).
    *   Colour A (Navy): 200g
    *   Colour B (Grey): 100g
    *   Colour C (Cream): 100g
*   **Hook:** 7.00 mm (or size needed to obtain tension). *Note: We use a larger hook than standard for chunky yarn to ensure the scarf drapes comfortably around the neck.*
*   **Notions:** Tapestry needle, sharp scissors, measuring tape.

**Tension (Gauge)**
11 stitches and 12 rows = 10 x 10 cm over double crochet in the back loop only (BLO).
*Technical Editor Note: Please take the time to swatch. If your fabric feels stiff like a rug, increase your hook size. The fabric should flow.*

**Terminology & Abbreviations (UK Terms)**
*   **ch:** chain
*   **dc:** double crochet (US single crochet)
*   **BLO:** back loop only (insert hook only under the back leg of the stitch loop)
*   **st(s):** stitch(es)
*   **turn:** turn work to start new row
*   **prev:** previous

**Pattern Notes**
1.  **Turning Chain:** The ch 1 at the beginning of the row does **not** count as a stitch. Work the first dc into the very first stitch at the base of the chain.
2.  **Colour Changes:** To change colour neatly, work the last dc of the row until two loops remain on the hook. Yarn over with the **new colour** and pull through to complete the stitch. Cut the old colour leaving a 15 cm tail (these will be incorporated into the fringe).
3.  **Stitch Placement:** All stitches from Row 2 onwards are worked in the **Back Loop Only (BLO)** to create the ridges.

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### Instructions

#### Foundation
**With Colour A (Navy)**, ch 23.
*Tip: Keep this foundation chain loose so the bottom edge does not pull tight.*

**Row 1 (Right Side):**
Insert hook into 2nd ch from hook and work 1 dc. Work 1 dc in each ch across. Turn.
`[Math Check: 23 chains - 1 turning ch = 22 dc total]`

**Row 2:**
Ch 1 (does not count as st), dc in BLO of first st, dc in BLO of each st across until end. Turn.
`[Math Check: 22 prev sts = 22 dc total]`

**Row 3 - 14:**
Repeat Row 2 using Colour A.
`[Section Height: 14 rows total approx 11.5 cm]`

#### Stripe Sequence
*Change to Colour B (Grey) in the final step of the last stitch of Row 14.*

**Rows 15 - 20:** With Colour B, repeat Row 2. (6 rows)
*Change to Colour C (Cream).*

**Rows 21 - 24:** With Colour C, repeat Row 2. (4 rows)
*Change to Colour B (Grey).*

**Rows 25 - 30:** With Colour B, repeat Row 2. (6 rows)
*Change to Colour A (Navy).*

**Rows 31 - 44:** With Colour A, repeat Row 2. (14 rows)

*Repeat the Stripe Sequence (Rows 15–44) a total of 5 times.*

`[Math Check: Foundation (14) + (5 repeats x 30 rows/repeat) = 164 rows total so far]`

#### Final Section
Continue with Colour A.
**Rows 165 - 178:** Repeat Row 2 to mirror the start of the scarf.
`[Final Row Count: 178 rows. Length approx 175 cm]`

**Row 179 (Edging Stability):**
Ch 1, dc in **both loops** of each st across (this matches the stability of the foundation chain).
`[Math Check: 22 dc total]`

Fasten off. Cut yarn.

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### Finishing

**Blocking**
Soak the scarf in lukewarm water with wool wash for 15 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Lay flat on a towel, shape to 20 cm x 175 cm, and allow to dry completely. This step is crucial to relax the chunky yarn and open up the ribbed texture.

**Fringe (Optional but Recommended)**
Since there are many colour changes, adding fringe is the most efficient way to handle ends.
1.  Cut strands of yarn 30 cm long.
2.  Hold 2 strands together and fold in half.
3.  Use the crochet hook to pull the folded loop through the edge of the scarf.
4.  Pull the loose ends through the loop and tighten.
5.  Place fringe in every other row along both short edges, incorporating the loose tails from colour changes into the fringe knots where possible.
6.  Trim fringe evenly to 12 cm.

**Weaving Ends (If not using fringe)**
If you prefer a clean edge, weave all ends in securely using a tapestry needle. When weaving in ends on ribbed crochet, weave up and down through the "bumps" of the ribbing to hide the yarn invisibly.