Magic Three-Yarn Scarf & Wrap Pattern

“Easy as 1–2–3!”

• about the DESIGN

Our favorite lengthwise scarf takes advantage of the fact that, if you start with three yarns and change yarn every row, the next one you need will always be waiting right where you need it—as if by magic! Because you're changing yarns every row, you get a beautifully integrated fabric (not too stripey) with no wrong side. We put a Magic Three-Yarn Wrap Project Kit together for you (shown), but it's a great stash-busting project, too.

• basic DETAILS

THE BASIC RECIPE
You can use this basic 'recipe' to make a scarf, wrap or throw of any length and width you wish. Our most successful pieces use at least one bulky yarn, and often include our favorite seasonal novelty yarn. You can't go wrong, so have fun!

YARN
For a medium sized scarf (approx. 6"/15cm wide x 60"/153cm long, you'll need approx. 87 yds/80m each of three different yarns, plus approx 5–15% more for fringe.
We like mixing one textured yarn, one fuzzy yarn and one smooth yarn; or three colors of the same yarn. At least one of your yarns should call for a needle size US 10–15 (6-10mm).
See Knitter's Notes tab for what we used for our photos.

NEEDLES
Start with a 24–36"/60–90cm circular needle in the size recommended for your thickest yarn; you might change size after you evaluate your swatch. You'll also need one needle two sizes larger than gauge needle to bind off; and a crochet hook to match gauge needle size for provisional cast-on and to attach optional fringe.

GAUGE
Knit a garter stitch approx. 5 x 5"/13 x 13cm in your three-yarn sequence and see how you like the fabric. Once you have a fabric you love, measure your gauge over 4 interior inches of your swatch and divide by 4 to determine stitches per inch. This is your stitch gauge; it will help you determine how many stitches to cast on.

• NOTES

What We Used:
Our three-color scarf, shown lower right: 3 skeins Rowan Cocoon (126 yds/115m each); 1 skein in Color 806 Frost (A), 1 skein in Color 815 Amber (B), and 1 skein in Color 809 Crag (C).
Needles: US 10½ (6.5mm) 24" circular, or size to obtain gauge.
Gauge: Approx. 14 sts = 4"/10cm.
Size: 62 x 6"/155 x 15cm.

Our three-yarn wrap, shown lower left and center: 1 skein Hand Maiden Maiden Hair (328 yds/300m) (A); 2 skeins Fleece Artist Slubby Blue (110 yds/100m each) (B); 1 skein Fleece Artist Curlylocks (246 yds / 225m) (C). Shown in the "Red Fox" colorway.
Needles: US 11 (8mm) 24" circular, or size to obtain gauge.
Gauge: Approx. 11 sts = 4"/10cm.
Size: 69 x 14"/175 x 36cm, before fringe.