These scarves were knit in the round with steeks. The steeks were sized so that the stitches there would become the fringe. The pattern is available as a pdf here or at the link in the left bar.
The pattern was written for this scarf which uses Cascade 220 (color 2413) and sari silk yarn. The pattern is pretty simple, a combination of garter and stockinette.
This scarf is the 3 color variation. It uses 1 skein of Cascade 220 (color 2413), 1+ skein of Nashua Handknits Wooly Stripe (color 31 Fiesta), and 1/2 skein of Crystal Palace Party ribbon yarn (color 211 lacquer red). I ended up needing a tiny bit of a second skein of the wooly stripe; decreasing the number of stitches to 220+22 for the fringe/steek would probably keep it at one skein (your knitting mileage may vary).
The pattern contains a lot of photographs. I want to add them here as well (my apologies to those of you on dial-up) so they can be viewed at a larger size (all are clickable).
Casting on is a little different. This is necessary to make the fringe work. It starts with a slip knot loop 9 inches long. The slip knot is held below the needle and the long tail cast-on proceeds like usual.
I use string or stitch markers to mark cast-on stitches in groups of 20. It helps me to cast-on the right number with a lot less hassle.
The cast-off is a little different too. There is no need to cast-off the steek stitches since they will be unraveled. The last stitch loop does need to be secured by pulling the tail through. The tail should be trimmed long enough to become part of the fringe.
Here's the steek. You can see that all the steek stitches are knit. I did this so I could easily see the limits of the steek.
Let's cut it! It is fun, just take your time and only cut the running thread between the center two steek stitches.
Unravel the steek stitches at each end of the scarf. This is the fringe.
Knot the fringe. All that is left is to wash and block the scarf. Wetting the fringe will remove the crinkles. Trim the fringe after it is dry for the straightest edge to the fringe.
I had a lot of fun making these scarves. I plan to make at least one more using all the bits and pieces of red yarn. I think I will try doing it in seed or moss stitch so I can play with that texture. Any pattern stitch that will give a flat, non-curling fabric should work. Be sure to adjust the number stitches to work with the pattern stitch and think about whether it will look appropriate on a scarf that is knit lengthwise. I would love to see what you do with the pattern.
Oh.my.GOSH,those are beautiful and ingenious. AND that top one is the best use of sari silk I have ever seen. I was just recently shopping with a friend and she said, "These are pretty, but what does one DO with them?" We both said the day of the skinny scarf was over for us....but here is a wonderful way of using it. Thank you!
Posted by: Norma | September 29, 2006 at 05:10 AM
Both scarves absolutely beautiful, but the sari silk one is my favourite. Most ingenious design too.
Posted by: Jacquie | September 29, 2006 at 09:32 AM
That is SUCH a great idea!
Posted by: scoutj | September 29, 2006 at 04:23 PM
Very cool. I'm going to have to try this!
Posted by: jen | September 29, 2006 at 05:27 PM
genius!
and beautiful!!!
Posted by: pippi | October 03, 2006 at 02:04 PM
Brilliant! Definitely a technique I will try and your photo explanations are great - I love steeks :)
Posted by: DeeAnn | October 03, 2006 at 04:09 PM