Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Corkscrew Potato Chips--a Scarf

I recently started (yeah, another project) a new scarf. I had seen a picture of a potato chip scarf on a recent posting on the Knitting Out Loud blog. It was a corkscrew style scarf that she had seen during a book reading. I searched for patterns on Ravelry and they all were made by casting on a bajillion stitches and then after knitting a few rows, doubleing stitches several times on subsequent rows. Ruffly to be sure, but not what I wanted. I thought I had hit the jackpot with another another pattern but it was stockinette and I liked the garter appearance of the first one. This one uses short rows to give a wedge shape that will spiral along as the scarf grows. (I hope!) So I combined the two and here are the results.
I had already purchased yarn, and using these two patterns, I made a slightly wider version, using sport weight yarn.
So here is the pattern I call--Corkscrew Potato Chips--a Scarf'.

I used size 5 needle, the size recommended for this yarn and I am using Lanaloft sport weight, in the handpaint colorway of Autumn Run. I have 2 skeins of 145 yards each.

Gague is not important to pattern. Just whatever you like the look of.

Cast on 22 stitches. I used backwords loop and then knit 2 rows. If you use long tail or knitted cast on, just knit one set up row.

Pattern :

Row 1--Knit 13, sl 1, wrap, slip back and turn (W & T),

Row 2 and all even rows--Knit back

Row 3--Knit 11, sl 1, W & T

Row 5--Knit 9, sl 1, W & T

Row 7--Knit 7, sl 1, W & T

Row 9--Knit 5, sl 1, W & T

Row 11--Knit 3, sl 1, W & T

Row 13--Knit to end, picking up the wraps and knitting with the wrapped stitch.

Repeat rows 1-14 until you are almost out of yarn, or until you are sick of it and bind off.

Here is a picture after just a few repeats. I will supply a finished picture when I finish. Probably at the top of the post.

13 comments:

Ketutar said...

You're right! Amazing! I assumed that the scarfs are made with short rows, because that's the obvious, intelligent and self-evident way of doing it! Why would anyone want to knit a long scarf any other way? But suprisingly many did... absolutely amazing...

ninab731 said...

do u not have to knit together so there arent holes or am i doing the wrap wrong :P

pgkk said...

can you explain the "wrap and turn" to me?

Linda said...

Wrap & turns: I followed directions I found somewhere, not sure where. But before I slip, I bring the yarn to the side nearest me. Then slip the stitch. After moving yarn between the needles to the back side, I slip the stitch back with the unknit stitches and turn work. When finally knitting all stitches, I pick up the wrap and knit with the stitch. That seems to tighten the fabric and prevent holes.
Hope that helps.

Andrewsgrannie said...

I have a question about knitting this. The pattern shows directions for rows 1 through 13. But then it says to repeat rows 1-14to desired length. What is row 14? A knit row? I would appreciate clarification. Thanks so much in advance.

Linda said...

Row 14 is also a plain knit row. You need to return to other side to start the short rows again.
Sorry for the confusion.

Linda said...

Row 14 is also a plain knit row. You need to return to other side to start the short rows again.
Sorry for the confusion.

Andrewsgrannie said...

Thanks so much for clearing that up. I suspected that I needed to knit row 14, now I am certain! Can't wait to try the scarf. Thank you for the pattern.

Anonymous said...

I do not understand the " knit wrapped stitch? Help

Anonymous said...

I do not understand the " knit wrapped stitch? Help

Linda said...

Knit the wrapped stitch is after all short rows are done and you are knitting all the way back. As you come to each stitch that was previously wrapped, pick the yarn wrapping it and knit it with the stitch that it was wrapping. It tightens any gaps that could occur. Hope that helps.

Unknown said...

I am new to your musings and love this corkscrew potato chip pattern. How do you think it would look in stripes?

Linda said...

It would depend on length of the stripes. I think it would form wedges or triangles of color. I think it would look nice.