Tailspin Scarf by Thea Colman
Featured Festivus Pattern

Sample is shown in  Festivus 9.0 worsted in Red Flannel shade.  

Tailspin features a bold and detailed cable pattern, bordered by a combination of garter and a little edge ribbing at each side. The diagonal lines of this pattern create a bold and beautiful statement scarf, which I opted to knit in a somewhat unexpected lavender so it would feel springlike on the dreary winter days I need a little boost of color!

Width can be adjusted by altering stitch count in either the reverse stockinette or garter sections at each edge, or you could opt adding or removing a repeat of the 12-stitch cable at center if you prefer. Each repeat is just under 2”/5cm wide. To add or remove length from the scarf, work more or fewer rows in pattern. I ended after Row 35, with 11 full repeats of the chart, but the scarf could be as long or short as desired. Each repeat is about 6”/15.25cm long. If altering, be sure to finish cables on a RS row, and then bind off on the next WS row.

Work a swatch in the cable pattern to be sure you are getting gauge, and to make sure pattern shows up in your yarn. Festivus 9.0 worsted is a bouncy, worsted weight Merino. 

Another worsted-weight yarn in a solid, a tweed or semisolid colorway would work as a substitute. Think subtle so the cable detail and texture are what really stands out on the scarf.

Note that yarn quantity and scarf size may vary in substitute yarns or due to modifications in gauge, but as this is a scarf you can absolutely have fun with the shape and work to any size you like!

Yarn Festivus 9.0 worsted(100%  Merino wool, 225 yds per 4oz/115g skein). Sample used 3 skeins, approx. 675yds including fringe. Shown in Red Flannel.

Size 9.5”/24.25cm wide, 66”/167.75cm long. 15 tassels, each 3”/7.75cm long once tied off.

Needles US#9/5.5mm needle. I used a 16”/40.5cm circular so work would fit neatly when rolled in my knitting bag.

Notions Stitch marker, cable needle, tapestry needle.

Gauge 26 sts and 24 rows per 4"/10 cm in pattern. Gauge is based on lightly steam-blocked fabric.

Other Suggested yarns: 

Kent Aran, Targhee Tango Worsted, Kent Worsted, Stone Soup Worsted, Better Breakfast Worsted

Knit for a Cause! 100% of the proceeds from this KAL go to Harmony House, an emergency supportive housing program for young people ages 18–24. Harmony House offers emergency and transitional housing, rapid rehousing, and inclement weather shelters. It’s the only program of its kind in Summit County, Ohio.