Basketweave Scarf -- The Secrets Revealed

Several people have asked me to write down the pattern for the basketweave scarves I made for the Red Scarf Project, and specifically to clarify how I did the edges.  

Because I did it the way I often do things -- that is, just DO it, without thinking about it -- I could not remember, when pressed, exactly how I had made that nice edge. So I had to sit down and start another one, writing down every step so that I could convey it clearly. 

Here it is.

BASKETWEAVE SCARF WITH SELVEDGE EDGE

Soft worsted-weight yarn, about 360 yards (I used Cascade 220, and I'm only estimating at the yardage, but this pattern is very economical with the yarn. It took less than two skeins of 220 to get a 6-inch by 64-inch scarf.)

Size US8 needles

Cast on 30 stitches to make a scarf approximately 6 inches wide. (Make the scarf wider or narrower by increasing or reducing in multiples of 4. Always add 2 stitches to your number for the selvedge edge. The blocks of stitches on either end are composed of 5 stitches; the others are composed of 4.)

Row 1:  With yarn in front, slip 1st stitch as if to purl; put yarn in BACK.

K4.  P4 K4 across until you reach last stitch. K1

Row 2: Hold yarn in FRONT. Slip 1st stitch as if to purl. Keep yarn in front. 

P4. K4 P4 across until you reach last stitch. Put yarn in BACK, K1.

Row 3: Repeat Row 1

Row 4: Repeat Row 2

--------------------------

Row 5:  (You are switching here from a knit block to a purl block first, to begin the change which will result in the basketweave pattern.)  Repeat Row 2

Row 6: Repeat Row 1

Row 7: Repeat Row 2

Row 8: Repeat Row 1

And then start the sequence all over again.

Easy!

This pattern is a super-easy, super-fast knit, which results in a fabric that is the same on both sides. I maintain that it grows faster than many other scarf patterns, because the fabric it creates is so flat, but maybe that's just me. You've done a 60-inch scarf that is unisex and lovely and soft and highly suitable for the Red Scarf Project in no time at all! 

This pattern greatly benefits from a light steam blocking.

Comments

[Paula]

It's the same selvedge treatment as on the Corrugator because, you know, great minds think alike.

[Melissa in El Cajon]

Yay! Thank you, Norma. I will do EXACTLY what you describe. I want those lovely edges! I didn't make a red scarf this year, although I did donate to the project. I promise to make a scarf AND donate this year as a thank you!

Melissa in El Cajon

[Joannah]

Just when I'm thinking that I only have one skein of red yarn in the house and maybe I should buy some more, the cosmos suggests a way that my scarves next year could look even better!

[marianne]

Yes, yes it IS the same selvedge treatment as the Corrugator (ahem, Paula :^) and I love it, it's now my 'go to' for loads of projects.

[Kayten]

Cool pattern. I will start one after the Knitting Olympics, which is kicking my butt, as birthdays keep popping up that must be dealt with in two or three days. I should learn to think ahead.

[Mary Fran]

Copy. Paste. Print. Thank you!!

[Chris]

Apropos of nothing but because I think it will appeal to your sense of humor:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u-quGlpzGM

[Acornbud]

Thank you!

[Cookie]

360?

You're a loose, aren't you? :p

[Jean E.]

Looks like a perfect red scarf pattern. I saw some beautiful cascade 220 heather yesterday; I might have to buy it.

[Linda M.]

thanks for 'splaining this... I couldn't figure out how to make it work for the purl boxes.

[Norma]

Yes, Linda, I think that is where the biggest confusion was. For me too! I flubbed it up more times than you can imagine before I finally figured out how to make it work.

[elizabeth a airhart]

thank you big help

hope you feel a little better

i always want to answer

feel a little better what