purlJam

# Woodland Scarf

A richly textured scarf featuring raised vertical columns that evoke the trunks of trees in a forest. The combination of front post and back post trebles creates a deeply dimensional fabric perfect for cool weather. This intermediate pattern uses post stitches to create a reversible, sculptural texture.

## Finished Dimensions
- Width: 20cm (8")
- Length: 160cm (63")

## Materials
- **Yarn**: Approximately 450m (492 yards) of worsted weight yarn (category 4/aran weight)
  - Shown in woodland green or bark brown
- **Hook**: 5mm (UK 6, US H/8) crochet hook, or size needed to obtain tension
- **Notions**: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, blocking pins (optional)

## Tension (Gauge)
16 tr and 9 rows = 10cm (4") in treble crochet, blocked

**Tension is important for this project.** Take time to check your tension and adjust hook size if needed.

## Abbreviations (UK Terms)
- ch = chain
- dc = double crochet (US single crochet)
- tr = treble crochet (US double crochet)
- FPtr = front post treble (yarn over, insert hook from front to back to front around post of stitch, complete as treble)
- BPtr = back post treble (yarn over, insert hook from back to front to back around post of stitch, complete as treble)
- rep = repeat
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side

## Special Stitches

**Front Post Treble (FPtr)**: Yarn over, insert hook from front to back to front around the post (vertical part) of indicated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), [yarn over and pull through 2 loops] twice.

**Back Post Treble (BPtr)**: Yarn over, insert hook from back to front to back around the post of indicated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), [yarn over and pull through 2 loops] twice.

## Pattern Notes
- The scarf is worked lengthwise in rows.
- Ch 2 at beginning of rows does not count as a stitch.
- Post stitches are worked around the post of stitches from the previous row.
- The pattern creates a reversible fabric with texture on both sides.
- For Row 1, you will work regular trebles to establish posts for Row 2.
- The 12-stitch pattern repeat creates vertical columns resembling tree trunks.

## Instructions

**Foundation**: Ch 34. [Calculation: 32 sts + 2 for turning = 34 ch]

**Row 1 (RS)**: Tr in 3rd ch from hook (skipped ch do not count as st), tr in each ch across. (32 tr)

**Row 2 (WS)**: Ch 2 (does not count as st), turn. Tr in first 4 sts, *FPtr around each of next 2 sts, tr in next 4 sts, BPtr around each of next 2 sts, tr in next 4 sts; rep from * once more, tr in last 4 sts. (32 sts: 24 tr, 4 FPtr, 4 BPtr)
[Calculation: 4 tr + (2 FPtr + 4 tr + 2 BPtr + 4 tr) × 2 + 4 tr = 4 + 12 + 12 + 4 = 32 sts ✓]

**Row 3 (RS)**: Ch 2, turn. Tr in first 4 sts, *BPtr around each of next 2 sts, tr in next 4 sts, FPtr around each of next 2 sts, tr in next 4 sts; rep from * once more, tr in last 4 sts. (32 sts: 24 tr, 4 FPtr, 4 BPtr)

**Row 4 (WS)**: Ch 2, turn. Tr in first 4 sts, *FPtr around each of next 2 sts, tr in next 4 sts, BPtr around each of next 2 sts, tr in next 4 sts; rep from * once more, tr in last 4 sts. (32 sts)

**Row 5 (RS)**: Ch 2, turn. Tr in first 4 sts, *BPtr around each of next 2 sts, tr in next 4 sts, FPtr around each of next 2 sts, tr in next 4 sts; rep from * once more, tr in last 4 sts. (32 sts)

**Repeat Rows 4-5** until scarf measures approximately 160cm (63") from beginning, or desired length, ending with a Row 4. [Total rows needed: approximately 144 rows]

**Last Row**: Ch 1, turn. Dc in each st across. (32 dc)

Fasten off, leaving a 20cm (8") tail for weaving in.

## Finishing

1. Weave in all ends securely using tapestry needle.
2. **Blocking** (recommended): Soak scarf in cool water for 15-20 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Lay flat on blocking surface and pin to finished dimensions, ensuring vertical lines are straight. Allow to dry completely.
3. Steam lightly if desired, being careful not to flatten the textured stitches.

## Stitch Diagram

```
Pattern Repeat (12 sts shown)
Rows 4-5 repeat

Row 5 (RS): tr tr tr tr BPtr BPtr tr tr tr tr FPtr FPtr
Row 4 (WS): tr tr tr tr FPtr FPtr tr tr tr tr BPtr BPtr
Row 3 (RS): tr tr tr tr BPtr BPtr tr tr tr tr FPtr FPtr
Row 2 (WS): tr tr tr tr FPtr FPtr tr tr tr tr BPtr BPtr
Row 1 (RS): tr tr tr tr  tr   tr  tr tr tr tr  tr   tr

Full width: [4 edge tr] + [12-st rep] × 2 + [4 edge tr] = 32 sts
```

**Key for Diagram:**
- tr = treble crochet (regular stitch)
- FPtr = front post treble (comes toward you)
- BPtr = back post treble (recedes away from you)

**Visual Pattern**: The post stitches create raised vertical columns. On RS rows, BPtr stitches recede and FPtr stitches come forward. On WS rows, this reverses, creating the dimensional effect.

## Design Notes

The Woodland Scarf features a 4-row repeat that creates vertical ribbed columns reminiscent of tree bark. The alternating front and back post stitches produce a reversible fabric with different but complementary textures on each side. 

**Customization Ideas:**
- **Length**: Adjust by working more or fewer repeats of Rows 4-5
- **Width**: Add or subtract multiples of 12 stitches to foundation chain (remember to add 2 for turning chain)
- **Colour**: Try variegated yarns in autumn colours, or work stripes in different woodland hues
- **Fringe**: Add 15cm (6") fringe at each short end for extra warmth and visual interest

## Troubleshooting

**Post stitches look loose**: Make sure you're working around the entire post of the stitch, not just inserting hook through the fabric.

**Edges are pulling in**: This is normal with post stitch patterns. Blocking will even out the edges. You can also work the first and last 4 stitches of each row slightly looser.

**Difficulty seeing stitches**: Use a stitch marker to mark the first and last stitch of each row until you're comfortable with the pattern.

**Scarf is curling**: This will relax significantly after blocking. The reversible nature of the pattern minimizes curling.

## Yarn Requirements by Length
- 150cm (59"): approximately 420m (460 yards)
- 160cm (63"): approximately 450m (492 yards) - as written
- 180cm (71"): approximately 510m (557 yards)

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**Pattern designed by Expert Pattern Designer**
**Technical editing verified**

© 2024 All rights reserved. This pattern is for personal use only.