Bias 'Before & After' Scarf Pattern

“Perfect for warmer days, or layer two for coziness.”

• about the DESIGN

We dubbed this scarf 'before & after' because it's so ugly (truly!) before it's blocked and so beautiful after.  Knitted on the bias, this light, airy scarf has the smooth simplicity of stockinette stitch without all the rolling at the edges. The pattern includes simple instructions for adding beads at the ends.

• basic DETAILS

FINISHED SIZE
Approx. 8 x 94"/20 x 239 cm, after blocking.

YARN
1 skein Classic Elite Silky Alpaca Lace (460 yds/420m); shown in Color HP-2468 (variegated) and Color 2438 (solid). Or approx. 460 yds/420m of an equivalent lace-weight yarn.

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
US 7 (4.5mm), or size to obtain gauge.
Crochet hook size G (4mm) for provisional cast-on.
Blocking wires.
Optional: 2 packages Mill Hill size 6 beads; size 10 (1.15mm) steel crochet hook for placing beads.

GAUGE
Approx. 21—22 sts = 4"/10cm in bias stockinette stitch, before blocking.
Approx. 19—20 sts = 4"/10cm in bias stockinette stitch, after blocking.

• NOTES

The stockinette stitch fabric of this scarf is remarkably stretchy. Don't be tempted to skip the provisional cast-on step. You will need a very loose bind-off on each end of the scarf to accommodate this stretchiness.

When you begin, don't be fooled by the 'purlish' appearance of that first row you knitted into the provisional chain—your first stockinette row after this should be a KNIT row (those purl bumps will go away after you remove your chain). This will ensure that the tail you reserve for binding off later will be on the correct end.

By the way, if you've forgotten to leave enough yarn to bind off later (and several of us have!), don't despair. After putting the cast-on stitches back onto your needles, un-knit two rows carefully, stitch by stitch (you'll have to pull your tail through the edge stitch) and use the yarn from these two rows to do your bind-off. There's always a way!

• errata & CLARIFICATIONS

Our apologies! In spite of our best efforts, we've discovered an error in the optional beaded bind-off portion of our Bias Before & After Scarf pattern. While we were at it, we added a little helpful clarification to the PBRN maneuver described in the glossary.

The italic text describing the beaded embellishment option should read:

This scarf is so simple, it invites embellishment. Here's a clever way to add beads to the very edge of your bound-off ends: K1, *PBRN (see glossary), K1, lift beaded stitch over K1 to bind off.* Repeat between * * until 1 stitch remains. PBRN; cut yarn and pull tail through beaded stitch.

In the pattern glossary, PBRN should read:

PBRN = place bead onto stitch on right needle (slip a bead onto crochet hook; remove right needle from stitch and insert hook into stitch; using left thumb and forefinger to pinch base of stitch and pulling for a little tension with hook, slide bead onto stitch with right fingertips; replace needle back into beaded stitch (don't twist stitch).

Should you have any further suggestions, or need clarification, we’d be delighted to hear from you.