How to Knit an Ascot Scarf

An ascot is a short scarf that ties around the neck with pointed ends. You can make spaced increases along one end and decrease along the other to shape the scarf. The scarf is knit in a simple seed stitch pattern, using a combination of knit and purl stitches. Knit in a light weight yarn, the ascot is perfect for warmer weather. Reminiscent of a man sitting in the library of his estate or wearing a smoking jacket, an ascot brings back the fashions from days' gone by.

Things You'll Need

• Yarn
• Knitting needles
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle

Instructions

1. Cast on three stitches.

2. Knit into the front of the first stitch and purl into the back of the next stitch. Knit one stitch. Purl into the front of the next stitch and knit into the back of the same stitch. You will now have five stitches on the needle.

3. Work one wrong side row in seed stitch. Seed stitch is worked by alternating the knit and purl stitches on each row so that you are knitting the purl stitches and purling the knit stitches. With an uneven number of stitches, every row is worked the same to maintain the seed stitch pattern. Knit one stitch then purl the next stitch and repeat to the end.

4. Purl into the front and knit into the back of the first stitch. Work in seed stitch to the last stitch. Knit into the front and purl into the back of the last stitch. Work one row in seed stitch.

5. Knit into the front and purl into the back of the first stitch. Work in seed stitch to the last stitch. Purl into the front and knit into the back of the last stitch. Work one row in seed stitch.

6. Repeat the last four rows until you have 17 stitches on the needle or the number of stitches needed for the desired width.

7. Continue working in seed stitch until the scarf measures 20 inches.

8. Purl the first two stitches together. Work in seed stitch to the last two stitches. Purl the two stitches together. Work one row in seed stitch.

9. Knit the first two stitches together. Work to the last two stitches. Purl the last two stitches together. Work one row in seed stitch.

10. Repeat the last four rows until you have 5 stitches on the needle. Repeat the first decrease row once more.

11. Bind off all stitches. Cut the yarn and weave in the ends.

References

• "A Treasury of Knitting Patterns"; Barbara G. Walker; 1998