21. Free knitting pattern - Initials Scarf
« Jusque en haut des cuisses / Elle est bottée / Et c'est comme un calice / À sa beauté / Elle ne porte rien / D'autre qu'un peu / D'essence de Guerlain / Dans les cheveux »
(Right up to the top of her thighs / She’s in boots / And it’s like a chalice / To her beauty / She wears nothing / Other than a little / Essence of Guerlain / In her hair)
These 1968 lyrics by Serge Gainsbourg were dedicated to an apparition that needed no artifice to leave a mark. This quest for the essential and the perfect silhouette is what inspired my latest pattern. While the heroine of the song wears only her perfume, the fashion of that era was obsessed with an accessory that has since become iconic: the ascot.
The ascot: feminine androgyny
During this time, men’s and women’s wardrobes were merging. Women claimed the Ascot tie from English dandies, reinventing it for themselves. Tied with nonchalance, it became that "little detail" that highlights the neck and gives an incredible allure—somewhere between Brigitte’s sophistication and Jane’s "garçonne" style. This versatility is what I wanted to capture with Initials : a minimalist and graphic pointed scarf, worn like a signature.
The pattern: "Initials" scarf
After testing it in every fiber (from airy mohair to rustic wool) and in many sizes, I am finally sharing my version of this essential accessory.
- The vibe: An androgynous accessory for every wardrobe.
- The style: Wear it tied to the side, artist-style, or simply crossed to protect the neck.
- The little extra: The ideal project for that one luxury skein (cashmere, silk) you’ve been saving. Like Guerlain perfume, a little goes a long way.
Materials
- Yarn: Your choice (adapted to your needle size).
- Needles: Corresponding to the chosen yarn.
- Notions: At least 2 stitch markers.
- Notion (optional): A kitchen scale (to follow the Pirate’s Tip and optimize your yarn usage).
Abbreviations
- i-cord edge: A neat, rounded border created by slipping the last 3 stitches of every row.
- Sl (Slip): Move the stitch from the left to the right needle without knitting it (purlwise).
- Yfwd (Yarn forward): Bring the yarn to the front between the needle tips before slipping the edge stitches.
- Inc (Increase): Add a stitch. You can use a yarn over (YO) or a discreet "knit front and back" or "make one" (M1L).
- k2tog (Knit 2 together): A decrease to close the point.
Instructions
Cast-on and setup
- Cast on 6 stitches.
- Row 1: Knit 3. Place a first marker. Bring yarn forward (yfwd). Slip the remaining 3 stitches purlwise. Turn.
Part 1: The Point (Increases)
This section establishes the i-cord edge and the growth of the scarf.
- Rows 1 to 7: Knit to marker. Yfwd, slip marker and 3 edge stitches. Turn.
- Row 8 (Increase Row): Knit to marker. Slip marker. Make 1 increase. Place a second marker after the increase. Yfwd, slip the 3 edge stitches. Turn.
Repeat pattern:
- Rows 1 to 7: Knit to 2nd marker. Yfwd, slip marker + 3 edge stitches. Turn.
- Row 8 (Inc): Knit to 1st marker, slip it, Make 1 increase, knit to 2nd marker. Yfwd, slip marker + 3 edge stitches. Turn. Repeat these 8 rows until you reach your desired width (e.g., 6 cm for a skinny version, 16 cm for a wider one).
Part 2: The straight section
- Rows 1 to 8: Knit to 2nd marker. Yfwd, slip marker + 3 edge stitches. Turn. Repeat this sequence for as long as you want the middle part to be.
Part 3: The end (Decreases)
- Rows 1 to 7: Knit to 2nd marker. Yfwd, slip marker + 3 edge stitches. Turn.
- Row 8 (Decrease Row): Knit to 1st marker, slip it, k2tog, knit to 2nd marker. Yfwd, slip marker + 3 edge stitches. Turn. Repeat until only 6 stitches remain.
Finishing
Knit one last row over the 6 stitches, then bind off loosely.
🏴☠️ Pirate’s tip: The scale tactic
To ensure you never run out of yarn (or waste a single gram), use your kitchen scale! Weigh your yarn before starting. Knit your increases and your straight section until you have used exactly half of the total weight (keep a 2-3g safety margin for the bind-off). This is your signal to start Part 3. That’s the pirate way: leave no treasure behind!