We have FINALLY reached the #1 project on the Nikki, In Stitches Top 10 Countdown! Is it me, or did this take forever?? I’m happy this is the #1 project because it was the first big project I did, and had no idea it would be such a hit way back when I started this little craft blog, but, to be honest, I’m also excited to get back to posting new material ASAP. Now is the perfect time to start this scarf. It does take a bit of time, so you will probably just be finishing it up as the cooler weather starts making its way back. Many of the questions you might have have already been answered in the comments, but don’t hesitate to send me an email asking for any help you may need!
Enjoy…again!
Nikki, In Stitches
********ORIGINAL POST********
A Hooded Scarf, The New Little Black Dress
March 10th, 2009
Last summer, my husband’s entire family (and I do mean entire, there were over 40 of us) went to Ireland. It was an amazing trip. Ireland is just beautiful. Words can not describe the landscapes and pictures just do not do them justice. Along with an overwhelming feeling of awe and wonder at the majestic scenery, I left there inspired to get home and knit. The sweaters, scarves and blankets were just extraordinary. One item in particular stood out for me, a hooded scarf my sister-in-law spotted, which is not surprising considering I am a scarf junky. Some women love shoes, others purses, for me, its scarves. I hope you enjoy this scarf as much as I do. It not only warms me and gives me that wonderful, snuggly feeling, but it brings back memories of the trip of my lifetime and reminds me how truly lucky I am to have such a loving family.
Enjoy!
Nikki, In Stitches
Added Later: Printer Friendly Version Now Available!
A Hooded Scarf, The New Little Black Dress Pattern PDF
Materials:
900 yards of yarn (Caron Country Merino Wool Blend in Spruce is pictured)
Size 8 (5 mm) needles
Spare circular needles for grafting
Cable needle
Stitch markers
Tapestry needle
2 1″ – 1 ½” buttons
Scarf (Note: The center of the Scarf Pattern is taken in part from Knit N’ Style’s “Balanced Floral Ring Scarf”)
Cast on 47 stitches.
- Purl row.
- (RS) Knit row.
- Purl row.
- K21, sl 1 as if to knit, move yarn to front, sl 1 as if to knit, pass the first slipped stitch over the second and off the needle. Continue to sl 1 and pass first over and off until a total of four stitches have been bound off. Sl last stitch on right needle back to left. Turn. Move yarn to front. Cast on 5 sts using a twisted purlwise cast on. Turn. Sl 1 as if to knit, pass the extra cast on stitch over the next stitch. Slip stitch back to left needle. K22. (Note: This buttonhole design was taken from Knitting on the Net)
- Purl row.
- Knit row.
Rows 7 to 54: Repeat Scarf Pattern 3 times.
55. Purl row.
Rows 56 to 471: Repeat Scarf Pattern 26 times.
472. Knit row.
Rows 473 to 520: Repeat Scarf Pattern 3 times.
521. Purl row.
522. Knit row.
523. Purl row.
524. K21, sl 1 as if to knit, move yarn to front, sl 1 as if to knit, pass the first slipped stitch over the second and off the needle. Continue to sl 1 and pass first over and off until a total of four stitches have been bound off. Sl last stitch on right needles back to lift. Turn. Move yarn to front. Cast on 5 sts using a twisted purlwise cast on. Turn. Sl 1 as if to knit, pass the extra cast on stitch over the next stitch. Slip stitch back to left needle. K22.
525. Purl row.
526. Knit row.
Bind off.
Block.
Sew sides of pockets to edges of scarf.
Attach buttons to scarf.
Weave in all loose ends.
Scarf Pattern
- P9, K4, P4, K2, [P1, K1] (4), P1, K2, P4, K4, P9
- K9, P4, wrap 4, P2, [K1, P1] (4), K1, P2, wrap 4, P4, K9
- P9, K4, P4, K2, [P1, K1] (4), P1, K2, P4, K4, P9
- C6B, K3, P3, 1/1RPC, 3/1LPC, P1, [K1, P1] (5), 1/3RPC, 1/1LPC, P3, C6B, K3
- P9, K3, P1, K2, P3, [K1, P1] (5), K1, P3, K2, P1, K3, P9
- K9, P2, 1/1RPC, P2, 3/2LPC, [P1, K1] (3), P1, 2/3RPC, P2, 1/1LPC, P2, K9
- P9, K2, P1, K5, P3, [K1, P1] (3), K1, P3, K5, P1, K2, P9
- K3, C6F, P1, 1/1RPC, P5, 3/3LPC, K1, 3/3RPC, P5, 1/1LPC, P1, K3, C6F
- P9, K1, P1, K9, P7 tog, K9, P1, K1, P9
- K9, P1, K1, P9, m1, yo, K1, yo, m1, P9, K1, P1, K9
- P9, K1, P1, K9, P2 [P1, yo, P1] in next stitch, P2, K9, P1, K1, P9
- C6B, K3, P1, 1/1LPC, P5, 3/3RPC, k1 tbl, 3/3LPC, P5, 1/1RPC, P1, C6B, K3
- P9, K2, P1, K5, P3, [K1, P1] (3), K1, P3, K5, P1, K2, P9
- K9, P2, 1/1LPC, P2, 2/3RPC, P1, [K1, P1] (3), 3/2LPC, P2, 1/1RPC, P2, K9
- P9, K3, P1, K2, P3, [K1, P1] (5), K1, P3, K2, P1, K3, P9
- K3, C6F, P3, 1/1LPC, 1/3RPC, [P1, K1] (5), P1, 3/1LPC, 1/1RPC, P3, K3, C6F
Hood (The short row method of shaping this hood, and only that method, is taken from a very similar hooded scarf found in Interweave Knits Winter 2008)
Cast on 80 stitches.
- Sl 1, work Row 8 of Hood Pattern A, P20, pm, P16, pm, P20, work Row 8 of Hood Pattern B, P1.
- (RS)Sl 1, work Row 1 of Hood Pattern A, K20, sl m, M1R, knit to next m, M1L, sl m , K20, work Row 1 of Hood Pattern B, p1.
Continue in pattern and work increases as established every 4th row 7 more times, ending with Hood Pattern Row 8. – 96 sts
Continue in pattern, work Rows 1 to 8 of Hood Pattern twice more, then work Rows 1 to 4 of Hood Pattern again and at the same time work increases every RS row 10 times. – 116 sts
Work even through Row 8 of Hood Pattern, then work even Rows 1 – 8 of Hood Pattern again.
Shape Crown: Work short-rows without wrapping stitches as follows:
- Sl 1, work Row 1 of Hood Pattern A, knit to first marker, sl m, K5, ssk, turn.
- Sl 1, P5, sl m, P20, work Row 2 of Hood Pattern B, P1. – 115 sts
- Sl 1, work Row 3 of Hood PatternA, knit to second marker, sl m, K20, work Row 1 of Hood Pattern B, P1.
- Sl 1, work Row 2 of Hood Pattern A, purl to first marker, sl m, P5, P2 tog, turn.
- Sl 1, K5, sl m, K20, work Row 3 of Hood Pattern B, P1.
- Sl 1, work Row 4 of Hood Pattern A, purl to second marker, sl m, P20, work Row 4 of Hood Pattern B, P1. – 114 sts
- Sl 1, work Row 5 of Hood Pattern A, knit to second marker, sl m, K20, work Row 5 of Hood Pattern B, P1.
- Sl 1, work Row 6 of Hood Pattern A, purl to second marker, sl m, P20, work Row 6 of Hood Pattern B, P1.
- Sl 1, work Row 7 of Hood Pattern A, knit to first marker, sl m, K5, ssk, turn.
- Sl 1, P5, sl m, P20, work Row 8 of Hood Pattern B, P1. – 113 sts
- Sl 1, work Row 1 of Hood Pattern A, knit to second marker, sl m, K20, work Row 7 of Hood Pattern B, P1.
- Sl 1, work Row 8 of Hood Pattern A, purl to first marker, sl m, P5, P2 tog, turn.
- Sl 1, K5, sl m, K20, work Row 1 of Hood Pattern B, P1. – 112 sts
- Sl 1, work Row 2 of Hood Pattern A, purl to second marker, sl m, P20, work Row 2 of Hood Pattern B, P1.
- Sl 1, work Row 3 of Hood Pattern A, knit to first marker, sl m, K5, ssk, knit to 7 sts before second marker, K2 tog, knit to second marker, sl m, K20, work Row 3 of Hood Pattern B, P1. – 110 sts
- Sl 1, work Row 4 of Hood Pattern A, purl to second marker, sl m, P20, work Row 4 of Hood Pattern B, P1.
- Sl 1, work Row 5 of Hood Pattern A, knit to first marker, sl m, K5, ssk, knit to 7 sts before second marker, K2 tog, knit to second marker, sl m, K20, work Row 5 of Hood Pattern B, P1. – 108 sts
- Sl 1, work Row 6 of Hood Pattern A, purl to second marker, sl m, P20, work Row 6 of Hood Pattern B, P1.
- Sl 1, work Row 7 of Hood Pattern A, knit to first marker, sl m, K5, ssk, knit to 7 sts before second marker, K2 tog, knit to second marker, sl m, K20, work Row 7 of Hood Pattern B, P1. – 106 sts
- Sl 1, work Row 8 of Hood Pattern A, purl to first marker, sl m, P21, pm, purl to second marker, sl m, P 20, work Row 8 of Hood Pattern B, P1.
- Sl 1, work Row 1 of Hood Pattern A, knit to first marker, sl m, K5, ssk, turn.
- Sl 1, P5, sl m, P20, work Row 2 of Hood Pattern B, P1. – 105 sts
- Sl 1, work Row 3 of Hood Pattern A, knit to first marker, sl m, K5, ssk, knit to 3 sts before center marker, ssk, K1, sl m, K1, K2 tog, knit to 7 sts before third marker, K2 tog, knit to third marker, sl m, K20, work Row 1 of Hood Pattern B, P1. – 101 sts
- Sl 1, work Row 2 of Hood Pattern A, purl to first marker, sl m, P5, P2 tog, turn.
- Sl 1, K5, sl m, K20, work Row 3 of Hood Pattern B, P1.
- Sl 1, work Row 4 of Hood Pattern A, purl to third marker, sl m, P20, work Row 4 of Hood Pattern B, P1. – 100 sts
- Sl 1, work Row 5 of Hood Pattern A, knit to first marker, sl m, K5, ssk, turn.
- Sl 1, P5, sl m, P20, work Row 6 of Hood Pattern B, P1. – 99 sts
- Sl 1, work Row 7 of Hood Pattern A, knit to first marker, sl m, K5, ssk, knit to 3 sts before center marker, ssk, K1, sl m, K1, K2 tog, knit to 7 sts before third marker, K2 tog, knit to third marker, sl m, K20, work Row 5 of Hood Pattern B, P1. – 95 sts
- Sl 1, work Row 6 of Hood Pattern A, purl to first marker, sl m, P5, P2 tog, turn.
- Sl 1, K5, sl m, K20, work Row 7 of Hood Pattern B, P1. – 94 sts
- Sl 1, work Row 8 of Hood Pattern A, purl to third marker, sl m, P20, work Row 8 of Hood Pattern B, P1.
- Sl 1, work Row 1 of Hood Pattern A, knit to first marker, sl m, K5, ssk, knit to 3 sts before center marker, ssk, K1, sl m, K1, K2 tog, knit to 7 sts before third marker, K2 tog, knit to third marker, sl m, K20, work Row 1 of Hood Pattern B, P1. – 90 sts
- Sl 1, work Row 2 of Hood Pattern A, purl to first marker, sl m, P2 tog, purl to 3 sts before center marker, P2 tog, P1, sl m, P1, P2 tog tbl, purl to 2 sts before third marker, P2 tog tbl, sl m, P20, work Row 2 of Hood Pattern B, P1. – 86 sts
- Sl 1, work Row 3 of Hood Pattern A, knit to first marker, sl m, ssk, knit to 3 sts before center marker, sssk, sl m, K3 tog, knit to 2 sts before third marker, K2 tog, sl m, K20, work Row 3 of Hood Pattern B, P1. – 80 sts
Sl 40 sts onto spare circular needle. With wrong sides together, join using a Kitchener stitch.
Block.
Sew hood to scarf in desired location.
Weave in all loose ends.
Hood Pattern A:
- K9, P1, K1 tbl
- P9, K1, P1 tbl
- C6B, K3, P1, K1 tbl
- P9, K1, P1 tbl
- K9, P1, K1 tbl
- P9, K1, P1 tbl
- K3, C6F, P1, K1 tbl
- P9, K1, P1 tbl
Hood Pattern B:
- K1 tbl, P1, K9
- P1 tbl, K1, P9
- K1 tbl, P1, C6B, K3
- P1 tbl, K1, P9
- K1 tbl, P1, K9
- P1 tbl, K1, P9
- K1 tbl, P1, K3, C6F
- P1 tbl, K1, P9
Abbreviations
st(s)…………stitch
sl…………….slip
cn……………cable needle
K…………….knit stitch
P…………….purl stitch
pm………….place marker
psso………..pass slipped stitch over
inc…………..increase
tbl……………through back loop
RS……………right side
ssk…………..slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, k2 sl sts together tbl (decrease)
sssk………….ssk dec worker over 3 sts instead of 2
tog…………..together
1/1RPC…….sl 1 st to cn and hold to back, K1, P1 from cn
1/1LPC……..sl 1 st to cn and hold to front, P1, K1 from cn
3/1LPC……..sl 3 sts to cn and hold to front, P1, K3 from cn
1/3RPC……..sl 1 st to cn and hold to back, K3, P1 from cn
3/3RPC……..sl 3 sts to cn and hold to back, K3, P3 from cn
3/3LPC……..sl 3 sts to cn and hold to front, P3, K3 from cn
2/3RPC……..sl 2 sts to cn and hold to back, K3, P2 from cn
3/2LPC……..sl 3 sts to cn and hold to front, P2, K3 from cn
2/1LPC……..sl 2 sts to cn and hold to front, P1, K2 from cn
C6B…………slip next 3 sts to cn and hold to back, K3, K3 from cn
C6F…………slip next 3 sts to cn and hold to front, K3, K3 from cn
m1……………make 1 st
yo……………yarn over
wrap 4………sl 4 sts to cn, wrap yarn counterclockwise once around these 4 sts, then K4 from cn
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Hi, Nikki! This pattern is gorgeous, but I’m finding it difficult to follow and really don’t know why…sigh. I have printed it out so that I can continue to attempt it. Crossing my fingers! Love your site…congrats!
Oh, no! Ruby! Scroll through the comments for a few hints and tips, and please, please, please ask questions if you have them!! Keep me posted!!
how long will the scarf end up being?
Chelsea, this scarf, as written, is LONG!
I like a long scarf that I can wrap around my neck a few times.
If you think that each repeat is about 5 – 6 inches long…well…like I said, it’s long!
I know some people, that just wrap one time, have cut it back to about 18 repeats!
Bonjour,
J’ai aussi beaucoup de mal à comprendre les explications alors que je tricote d’ordinaire très bien.
Pouvez-vous m’aider?
Un tout grand merci…
Bisous
Hello,
I also have a hard time understanding the explanation and I usually knit very well.
Can you help me?
A big thank you …
kisses
Francois! Of course!
Can you just tell me a little bit more about where you are having trouble?
Are you working on the scarf or the hood?
François! Bien sûr!
Pouvez-vous m’en dire un peu plus sur l’endroit où vous rencontrez des problèmes?
Travaillez-vous sur le foulard ou le capot?
It’s great that this pattern has done so good. I made one last year and am making a modified version for my mom. I have a friend that wants the pattern for her mother-in-law but all the tips and help that used to be on the post are gone along with the video you posted on how to do the wrap 4 it was very helpfull. Is there a way to find those old comments?
Candice,
Yay! I’m so happy you made my scarf AND that your friend is making it, too!
Everything is still there, the comments are on the original post.
All of the comments and tips that we’ve worked through can be found here: http://www.nikkiinstitches.com/a-hooded-scarf-the-new-little-black-dress/
And the Wrap 4 video is in this post: http://www.nikkiinstitches.com/ask-nikki/
Please tell your friend to let us know how it goes!
I’ve finished the scarf and it’s fantastic. I’m trying to work the hood but am really confused on the rows that aren’t actually written out in the pattern. I’ve scrolled through comments on the original post for a little help, but still feel lost. help!
Yay, Melissa! You’ve made it through the hard part!
I’m not sure exactly where you’re struggling on the scarf. I’m assuming with the first part that reads: “Continue in pattern and work increases as established every 4th row 7 more times, ending with Hood Pattern Row 8. – 96 sts”
This means that you are really going to knit 28 more rows. Each row you start with Hood Pattern A and finish with Hood Pattern B. This gives you a mirror image of the braid along the edge. If you look in the directions above that, you can see that in Row 1 you start with Hood Pattern A, Row 8, and then at the end of the row, you work Hood Pattern B, Row 8. For row 2, you start with Hood Pattern A, Row 1, and then at the end of the row, you work Hood Pattern B, Row 1. Continue going through the rows of the hood patterns, while at the same time working the increases as instructed, and each row, start with Hood Pattern A and finish with Hood Pattern B.
And as far as the increases go…
You did your first increase in Row 2. It then says to increase every 4th row, so you will increase in Row 6, Row 10, Row 14, etc.
Let me know if this helps!!
XOXO
I wrote out the hood pattern and in order to end with hood pattern row 8 i came up with knitting 31 more rows not 28 more rows. if i go back up to the last time i ended with hood pattern row 8 i would have only knit 23 more rows. i’m not counting the first 2 rows that were written on your original pattern. is this right? i can’t figure out where i went wrong.
Melissa!
You aren’t doing anything wrong! You are correct the 28 rows does not end you on Row 8. The 28 rows gets you to the correct number of increases, and thus 96 stitches total. Your 28th row should actually be Row 5 of the hood pattern. Finish up rows 6 – 8 as is, no increases….and that gives you 31 rows total. Confusing, I know! Let me know if that helps!
Hello Nikki! I was looking around for a free pattern for a hood scarf when I found this! It’s absolutely beautiful, and looks very Irish! I’ve got some strong Irish roots and have always wanted to visit, but so far I haven’t gotten the chance. A friend of mine however, went after high school and brought me back a beautiful arancrafts knit scarf. This scarf reminds me of that and I can’t wait to try out the pattern! Thanks for sharing it!
Oh my goodness! My pleasure, Loriana!
Let us know how it goes and send pics!
XOXO
i would like to make this pocket scarf with hood in just a stockinnet st. Please send me the pattern thanks joan
Hi Joan!
The scarf is 47 stitches across, so cast on that same amount, and start creating your stockinette! Follow along the rows. You’ll notice that where the pocket turns (around Row 55), you’ll do two purl rows. This will give you a ridge to fold your pocket on. The same thing happens on the other end of the scarf.
Send us pictures! I’d love to see the scarf done this way!
I’m making the scarf as a Christmas present, the pattern is just gorgeous. I’m almost finished the scarf and about to start the hood. Is it better to sew the hood to the middle of the scarf and have 2 short wraps or sew it off-centre and have just one long wrap. Maybe I knitted it too tight because I don’t think it’s going to be as long as in the picture even though I repeated 26 times.
Fiona!
I’ve actually done it both ways, depending on how the person prefers to wrap their scarf. I, personally, would rather have it off center, so I can get a good wrap with the long side, but some people prefer to shorter.
So happy you like the pattern and happy holidays!!!
great thanks for the help, now to start on the hood!
Hi Nikki
This scarf is BEAUTIFUL! Exactly what I have been looking for. I just learned to knit last month and I am diving in to this scarf next. Thanks for the free pattern.
Jodi! My pleasure! And welcome to the world of knitting!
Let me know if you need any help! As you can see from all of the comments, I’ll walk you through any parts you need me to!
I’m confused! (not hard for me to be confused !)
Scarf Pattern 4. reads “C6B, K3, P3, 1/1RPC, 3/1LPC, P1, [K1, P1] (5), 1/3RPC, 1/1LPC, P3, C6B, K3″ – I’m counting this as 42 stitches? 6+3+3+2+4+1+5+4+2+3+6+3 = 42
I an reading the [K1,P1] (5) as taking 5 stitches – is this wrong or where am I off in counting???
Never mind… I obviously started this project too late at night ! have figured it out !
HaHa! And I obviously haven’t had my coffee yet! I just replied!
Happy you figured it out!
Sue! This is an easy one to fix! [K1, P1] (5) means repeat that [K1, P1] five times, for a total of 10 stitches. Make sense?
Keep me posted!
The scarf is coming along faster than I thought it would ! I’m already on my 4th round of the scarf pattern (for the middle section … the pocket is done !) Loving the pattern !!!
Yay, Sue!!!!
Hi Nikki-
I found your pattern on the web while looking for Christmas present ideas. It was the first time I had ever attempted cables, but with your instructions it came out absolutely gorgeous!! It was painful to give it away! I wanted to thank you for this amazing pattern and compliment you on the genius it took for you to put it all together!
Oh, Andrea!
It is my pleasure!
You’ve made my morning!
So happy your scarf was a success!
XOXO
Hi
i’m a beginner knitted and just love the idea of a hood in a scarf for my kids – obviously i’d need to make it a bit shorter!
Now, what does tbl mean?
And how do you insert a marker? Quite a few instructions have this but i just can’t work out how to do it!
Also, do we fold the bit with the button hole up the scarf once we have finished?
Am going to try your pattern very soon!
Cheers
Kerrin
Kerrin!
Welcome to the world of knitting!
So, one at a time:
TBL…means Through the Back Loop (In other words insert your needle into the back loop when taking the stitch, rather than the front)
Insert a Stitch Marker…stitch markers are little rings that you slide on your needle between the stitches so you remember you’re supposed to do something special at the point in your knitting
And YES! You fold up the bottom of each end to create the pocket!
You can see by this post, and the original post, that I get TONS of questions about the patter, so feel free to ask away!
Let us know how it goes!
Dear Nikki
Loving the pattern! It is a great knitting challenge. I have taught myself to cable knit without a cn with this pattern. Slow going but I am progressing well. I have figured out all the rows of the scarf when I am done I will tackle the hood. May not be done for this winter but I am having fun anyway.
Love It!
Pam
Oh, Yay!! Pam, I’m so happy you’re enjoying making the scarf! Keep us posted!!
Wow, thanks!
Hi Nikki, my daughter fell in love with this pattern, so I managed to maker her one for Christmas, I put big wooden buttons on the pockets which really set it off well. I did it in a dusky pink and she was absolutley delighted with it and said it was cozy and kept her toasty. Brilliant pattern and design. But I must confess that instead of doing the pattern right through, I actually did stocking stitch for the backs of the pockets which made them a bigger, so she can put whatever she needs in them.
Pamela! I love that idea! And I know it worked up MUCH faster!
Thanks for the suggestion!
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Hi, Nikki,
I’m relatively new to knitting…only a few years. I’ve made dozens of hats and scarves in a variety of designs. The hooded scarf pattern, however, is the most beautiful pattern I’ve ever seen. Thank you for making it possible for all of us to use it!
Because I’m a novice at creating many of the stitches in this pattern, I had difficulty following the steps until I wrote up the instructions myself and now have all the repeats actually written down so I can check them off. That said, I have one ongoing problem…which I believe I’ve solved…but need your confirmation.
I followed the intricacies of Row 9 (ends with 41 stitches) and 10 (ends with 45 stitches) correctly. Row 11 of the Scarf Pattern reads P9, K1, P1, K9, P2 (P1, yo, P1) in next stitch, P2, K9, P1, K1, P9. (Totaling up these stitches, it comes up to 45 stitches and needs to be 47 stitches for the remainder of the repeat.)
Every time I knitted this row, there were two extra stitches remaining. After having ripped out this and surrounding rows multiple times, I believe the pattern for Row 11 needs an added “P1, K1″ just before the ending P9. Am I right?
If I’m wrong, please help me find my mistake!!!
Mary Kay! Welcome to the world of knitting!
I’ve gone over your question a few times, and now I have questions!
With the (P1, yo, P1) all in one stitch, that should bump you up to 47 stitches. Hmmmm….
I’m emailing you now so we can work this out!
Physically, there are 47 stitches in Row 11. However, the instructions (when added up for Row 11) only total 45 stitches!
That was confusing for me. I followed the pattern to the letter, so it took awhile for me to realize that I didn’t need to knit or purl stitches together in order to match the instructions. Rather, I needed to add one more P1, K1 just before the final P9. When I did that, the instructions no longer totaled 45; they totaled the necessary 47!
As I said, your creation is beautiful and I’m eager to finish the one (gift) I’m making now and then make one for myself!
I have to agree, this is a beautiful pattern. I have read the comments cant wait to start it.
Thanks so much, Jae!!
Send us pics of your finished scarf!