Our designer Nicoleās step-by-step guide of how to make any scarf a super scarf!
Get your needles and hooks ready because Super Sized scarves are the hottest trend right now when it comes to winter accessories! Weāve noticed them on the runway and are already spotting them in stores, but as crafters we know the best scarf is a handmade one! However, what if you love the look of a scarf but it isnāt quiteā¦. Wellā¦. Super enough? Luckily some simple calculations can help you ramp up almost any scarf pattern with a simple stitch repeat into mega proportions! To get that dramatic Super Scarf look, itās best to exaggerate the measurements and aim for a width of between 10-15ā wide by at least 100ā long! Now thatās a scarf!
We took two of our most popular scarf patterns, one knit & one crochet and gave them the Super Scarf treatment. Hereās how:
Easy Knit Scarf
When this scarf was originally designed, it was made to measure 6½ā (16.5 cm) wide x 63ā (160 cm) long.
The stitch pattern in this scarf is a multiple of 6 sts + 5, calling to work the pattern over 17 stitches. To determine approximately how many stitches youād need to get a scarf 10ā wide, youāll need to do some simple math.
First, Divide the number of stitches by the final width of the scarf:
17/6.5 = 2.6
This means in the current pattern, there are 2.6 stitches per inch. To calculate how many youād need for a 10ā wide scarf, multiply the number of stitches per inch by your desired width:
2.6 x 10 = 26.
So now we know that 26 stitches will bring us to approximately 10ā. The only problem? 26 is not divisible by 6 + 5. We can get close though, by working the stitch pattern over 29 sts (6 x 4 = 24. 24 + 5 = 29) Besides, when it comes to super scarves, a couple of stitches never hurt anyone, right?
Easy Crochet Scarf
For the crochet Super scarf, we did the same thing with this Popular Pattern
As written, this scarf is 7ā (18 cm) wide, worked over 18 sts. The pattern repeat used in this design is a multiple of 4 sts + 2.
18/7 = 2.57
2.57 stitches per inch x 10ā = 25.7.
So we need somewhere in the neighbourhood of 26 stitches to get a 10ā wide scarf. 26 is divisible by 4+2, however, to account for the fact that you work the first cluster into the 5th ch from hook, itās recommended to add some chains to account for that. Bumping up to the next number divisible by 4+2 brings the total number of chains to 30, which ends up equalling 10ā wide.
So now what? Now that youāve figured out how many stitches you need to get that Super sized width, you can follow along the pattern, taking into account the fact that you have more stitches than originally called for. Then just kick back and go⦠and goā¦.. and go⦠until your scarf is long. Like, really long. Once you have that runway look and your scarf is measuring approximately 100ā, you can finish off according to the original pattern. **Remember though, in order to get a scarf that is almost double the length, youāll need double the amount of yarn! Generally, doubling the ball amounts is a safe bet ā youāll need that extra yarn to create beautiful, lush tassels or fringe when youāre done!
To finish off the scarf, consider adding fringe (remember though, to keep the scarf proportional, cut lengths of yarn at least 20ā (51 cm) long. If your fringe is too short, it will look awkward. Donāt be shy about fringe either ā itās sad to see a gorgeous scarf with skimpy fringe ā fill that fringe out! Make it lush! Also, consider adding tassels for an ultra trendy look! You can make 4 big tassels and attach one to each corner at the ends of your scarf!
After youāve super sized your scarf thereās only one thing left to do ā go out there and strut your stuff!
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