Handmade Ruffled Knit Scarves
Ruffles add a pretty and graceful embellishment to a hand-knit scarf. In addition to being versatile, ruffles are also easy to knit by doubling the number of stitches in a row with simple increases to create excess fabric that gathers to form a ruffle. There are a variety of options for using ruffles with knitted scarves, including adding ruffles to the edges of a scarf or knitting a long ruffle to form a frilly scarf.
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Simple Ruffle
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Perhaps the simplest way to add a ruffle to a scarf is to incorporate the ruffle into the process of knitting the pattern. To do this, cast on four times the number of stitches called for in the scarf pattern, then work in stockinette or garter stitch for three rows. Knit two together across the next row to cut the number of stitches in half. Repeat these four rows one more time to finish the ruffle. Knit the body of the scarf and then create a ruffle on the opposite edge by working three rows in garter or stockinette stitch, and then increasing across the fourth row by knitting into the front and back of each stitch. Repeat this process one more time to create a ruffle that matches the ruffle on the opposite edge. Try knitting the ruffles with a needle that is one or two times larger than the needle you use to knit the body of the scarf to create a more pronounced ruffle.
Pick Up Ruffle
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If you have already completed knitting a scarf and want to add ruffles, pick up stitches along the edges and work three rows in stockinette or garter stitch. Then increase in every stitch by knitting into the front and back of each stitch. Repeat these four rows at least one more time to create a ruffle. You can also use this method to make a double ruffle. Knit a scarf with ruffles on both edges and then pick up stitches at the junction of the ruffle and the body of the scarf on the wrong side. Knit at least eight rows in stockinette or garter stitch, and then create a ruffle that will hang below the first ruffle.
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Seamed Ruffles
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Another way to attach a ruffle to an already completed scarf is to knit the ruffles separately and then seam them to the scarf. Choose from one of a variety of knitted ruffle patterns, including basic ruffles, bell ruffles, or ruffles that incorporate lace or eyelet stitches. Cast on enough stitches to create a ruffle as wide as the edge of the scarf and knit the ruffle to the length desired. Then use an invisible seaming method, such as the mattress stitch, to join the ruffle to the edge of the scarf.
Potato Chip Ruffle
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Another popular ruffle scarf, commonly known as the potato chip ruffle, creates a scarf out of one long ruffle. This scarf is knit lengthwise rather than the more traditional method of knitting a scarf across the width. Cast on 125 stitches and then knit across the first row. On the second row, increase across the row by knitting into the front and back of each stitch. Knit another row, and then increase in every stitch again. Knit across the next row, which will now have 500 stitches. Bind off. This scarf will create a spiral that has the appearance of multiple ruffles. If you want your scarf to be wider, knit more rows between the increased rows.
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