Introducing the Rock Island Scarf

At the 2019 NY Sheep and Wool Festival, I picked up an oversized hank of worsted weight wool from a regional farm. I really loved the color and it’s been hanging out in my stash while I figured out exactly what to do with it. I wanted a cozy but simple scarf and experimented with knit and slipped stitches until I got the right look.

I’ve experimented with this kind of knit and slipped stitch pattern before with my Oakenshawe Cowl and the Stillhouse Cove Hat and Cowl. I really love the way this kind of stitch pattern works up. The simplicity of it is perfect for a beginner interested in trying something other than a garter stitch scarf or a more experienced knitter looking for a project for some ‘TV knitting’. This pattern is available for free and I’d love to see your versions of this scarf!

The pattern is included below or you can download the print-friendly PDF at the top of this blog post.

Rock Island Scarf Pattern

Materials:

• US 8 (5.0 mm) knitting needles, or size needed to obtain gauge.
• 530 yards (approx 225 g) of worsted-weight wool or wool blend yarn.
• 8 stitch markers (optional)
• Yarn needle
• Scissors

Abbreviations:

• k: knit
• sl1 wyif: slip one stitch with yarn in front

Notes:

• This pattern includes written instructions with a chart of the pattern.
• This scarf is reversible and has no right or wrong side. 
• Optional: use stitch markers to mark each six-stitch pattern repeats to help keep track of your place. 

Instructions:

• Cast on 48 sts on US 8 needles. 
• Row 1 (as shown in chart below): sl1 wyif, k1, sl1 wyif, *k5, sl1 wyif; repeat from * to last three stitches, k1, sl1 wyif, k1.
• Repeat rnd 1 until scarf measures 84”, or desired length.
• Bind off loosely and wet block. Wear.

Chart:

If you knit a Rock Island Scarf and sharing it on instagram or Ravelry, I’d love to see it! If you like this kind of content, please consider supporting this work by subscribing to by email newsletter.