With or without beads

We dubbed this scarf ‘before & after’ because it’s so ugly (truly!) before it’s blocked and so beautiful after. Knitted on the bias, this light, airy scarf has the smooth simplicity of stockinette stitch without all the rolling at the edges. The nearly sheer fabric is perfect for warmer days—layer two for coziness. The earlier version of this pattern had a minor error in the optional beaded bind-off note which we corrected.

NEEDLES & NOTIONS

• US 7 (4.5mm) needles, or size to obtain gauge (works nicely on straights).
• One needle several sizes larger for binding off we used US 11 (8mm).
• 3-4 yds/3m smooth waste yarn, crochet hook size G (4mm) or larger and locking marker, for provisional cast-on.
• Size 10 (1.15mm) steel crochet hook for placing beads.
• 2 packages Mill Hill size 6 beads (you’ll need 118 beads plus a few extras.)
• Darning needle.
• 3 short blocking wires.

GAUGE
Approx. 21-22 sts = 4”/10cm in Bias Stockinette, before blocking.
Approx. 19-20 sts = 4”/10cm in Bias Stockinette, after blocking.
Note: It’s a good idea to swatch this one, not to get an exact gauge, but to be sure your fabric isn’t too loose and looks nice after blocking.

Important “knitter’s note” from the the pattern’s website:

“The stockinette stitch fabric of this scarf is remarkably stretchy. Don’t be tempted to skip the provisional cast-on step. You will need a very loose bind-off on each end of the scarf to accommodate this stretchiness.

When you begin, don’t be fooled by the ‘purlish’ appearance of that first row you knitted into the provisional chain—your first stockinette row after this should be a KNIT row (those purl bumps will go away after you remove your chain). This will ensure that the tail you reserve for binding off later will be on the correct end.“