Free Pattern:: Quick knit Infinity Scarf

An infinity of passion can be contained in one minute, like a crowd in a small space. 
― Gustave Flaubert, Madame Bovary

This is the EMILY SCARF.  She saw me knitting the cowl for my niece and said, "Well, when are you going to make an infinity scarf for me?! (note pout and pathetic look)  You know I get cold while standing outside waiting for the bus at 5:30am." My daughter is subtle as a sledge hammer. So while talking with a friend about Christmas, I realized that I didn't have much for my daughter.  We decided to have a lean Christmas this year as we have all we really need and well, funds are tight.  But my daughter needed an infinity scarf!  I had the prefect yarn.  A friend at my knitting ministry restashed some luscious Cascade Baby Alpaca Chunky.  It is buttery soft and Alpaca is one of the warmest fibers on the market. Sweet Pea will no longer be cold while waiting for the bus, not on this mom's watch!!!!!!  So shhhhhh, don't tell her about the scarf. It's a surprise, though the sneak walked into my studio as I was trying it on for the first time.  She exclaimed- THAT's MINE! I WANT IT!  Again, subtle as a sledgehammer.   At least I know my last minute knitting will be appreciated!  This cowl took about 4 hours from beginning to end.  As its a chunky yarn, it  is a fairly quick knit and a good almost last minute present.

I wanted a quick knit with lots of texture.  I contemplated cables, but the yarn is soft, so the cables didn't have the pop I wanted, so I settled on a rib, but then half way through, I got bored and switched to welts.  As a result there are vertical ribs and horizontal ribs.  I like how the textures play against each other.

 

You will need:
2 skeins of Cascade Yarn's Baby Alpaca Chunky, 100g / 3.5oz 108yds /100m in color 0558 ( velvet leaf)  Alpaca has a fabulous drape, so working this pattern up in another yarn will lead to a garment with quite a different flow and drape.   
#9 26" circular needles.
Scissors
Tapestry needle
stitch marker

Gauge: 3.5 sts to the inch an 4 rows to the inch.

 

Let's Create!

Cast on 176 stitches using long tail or cable cast on method.

Begin 2x2 rib: place a stitch marker (K2, P2) repeat across the round, ending with a P2.   Be careful on the first round not to twist your stitches. (I twist the cast on edge to the inside of the ring, so I can keep track of my stitches.) 

Continue working in the 2x2 rib for the next 4 inches.

*Knit for the next 6 rounds.

Purl for the next 4 rounds.*

Repeat from * to * ending with a knit round of 6.  

Bind off all stitches.  Sew in tails.

An infinity scarf doesn't really need to be blocked.  So, wrap and give!

 What I especially love is that if she once again forgets a hat, she can pull up a bit of the scarf to act as a hat or hoodie.  Toasty warm!

Comments

[Mary Ford Sussman]

Hi this sounds lovely. I would like to make for my daughter who is 11. What adjustments do you think you would do for a youth size? It sounds like your daughter is older ?
Thanks
Mary

[Lindsay]

HI, Yes, my daughter is 27. This would work just as well for an 11 yea old. To make it slightly smaller, cast on same needle and work in same pattern, but cast on only around 148 stitches.
Send me a pic if you would of your daughter wearing it.

[Caroline Pereira]

Thank you for your gorgeous pattern. Could I knit it on straight needles as I am not very good at using circular needles.
Kind Regards,
Caroline

[Jean]

I have the same question as Caroline-- I have not acquired a skill with the round needles. I would also like to know if i could make it on straight needles. Also, any suggestions as to where I might find that particular type of yarn? Would Michaels or A.C. Moore handle it, or would I have to find another source (i.e. mail order?)

[Lindsay]

Hi,
Yes of course you could knit this on straights. Cast on 28. Work in 4x4 rib for 20 or so inches and then switch to welts. Knit so AT the end, Bind off using the Threeneedle bind off which will leave a seam but it is easier than Kitchner stitch and will make a ring out of what is essentially a scarf. And why not have fun with it and experiment with different stitches! Send me a photo of it when completed. i'd love to see it. The diameter of the original is about 50".
Hope this helps.
PS- If your are really want to try knitting in the round. Print out the pattern and take it to your local yarn store. Buy a set of circular needles and ask for a cast on tutorial. Most shops will happily assist you with getting started.