How many stiches does it take to make an adult scarf and what is a standard width? Need to know both knitting and crocheting.Thank-You

-- Brenda (thecfarm@midmaine.com), January 20, 2002

Answers

It depends on what type of yarn and what size needles. It also depends on how tight or loose you knit. As a general starting point for knitting I can tell you that, if you are using a worsted weight yarn and size 8 needle, you will need to cast on approximately 32-40 stiches; just depends on how wide you really want it, but that is a general idea. If you want a really easy beginner scarf here is a very easy pattern that was used on a Martha Stewart segment: Finished size of scarf: 8 by 60 inches Materials: 1 ball worsted weight yarn and size-9 knitting needles

Pattern Stitch (Work this series of stitches when directed to in the pattern.) Row 1: (right side) k32 Row 2: (wrong side) k32 Row 3: k32 Row 4: k4, p24, k4 Row 5: k32 Row 6: k32

Cast on: Loosely cast on 32 stitches. Rows 1-8: k32: Knit each stitch across the row for 8 rows. Tally the rows in your notebook. There should be 4 ridges on each side of the work. Row 9 (wrong side): k4, p24, k4: Knit the first 4 sts. Purl the next 24 sts, remembering to bring the yarn in front of the project. Move the yarn to the back again, and knit the last 4 sts. Row 10 (right side): k32: Mark this side by placing a safety pin in the middle of the knitting so you always know when you are working a right-hand-side row. This side should be facing you when the knitting is in your left hand ready for you to knit a right-side row. Repeat rows 9 and 10 until the knitting measures 3 inches from the cast-on edge. End after working a row 9. To measure, place the knitting on a flat surface, place the measuring tape under the needle, and measure down to the cast-on edge. Next 6 rows: Work the 6 rows of the pattern stitch. These are the rows that form the ridges at each end of the scarf. Repeat rows 9 and 10 until the knitting measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge. End after working a row 9. Next 6 rows: Work the 6 rows of the Pattern Stitch. Repeat rows 9 and 10 until scarf measures 53 inches from the cast-on row. End after working a row 9. Rows 9 and 10 can be repeated for as long as you like. Any adjustments to length should be made while working these rows. If you’re adjusting the scarf to a certain length, keep in mind that 7 inches will be added after this point. Next 6 rows: Work the 6 rows of the pattern stitch. Repeat rows 9 and 10 until scarf measures 56 inches from the cast-on row. End after working a row 9. Next 6 rows: Work the 6 rows of the pattern stitch. Repeat Rows 9 and 10 until the scarf is 59 inches. Next eight rows: Knit next 8 rows. Cast off. Weave in yarn ends. Block scarf: Block the scarf by spraying with water and smoothing it with your hands. If necessary, pin the scarf to a towel to keep the edges from rolling, and allow it to dry flat overnight; or place a damp towel over the scarf, and press flat with a steam iron. Sorry I can't help with the crochet - never did learn to crochet but would like to some day.

-- Karen (mountains_mama2@hotmail.com), January 20, 2002.

Karen I will be using fleece that I have spun myself. I'm just learning how to spin and it's alot of fun. Brenda The Farm

-- Brenda (thecfarm@midmaine.com), January 22, 2002.

Brenda-Lion Brand yarn has a kind of yarn called "Homespun" Its very thick yarn. Here are two super easy scarf patterns they put out that might help.

For knitting-use size eleven needles-cast on 18 stiches. Work in Garter stitch for 72"-or desired length, (They say this will use one skein of thier homespun yarn 4.5 oz) leaving 36 ' of yarn for binding off. Bind off and weave in ends.

For crochet, use size k hook. (note;first chain 3 is 1 turn-chain) chain 19. Double crochet in 4th chain from hook and in each chain to end (16 double crochet and one turn-chain) Row 1 chain 3 double crochet in 1st double crochet and each double crochet across, turn repeat row one until you run out of yarn (using one of thier skeins) tie off and weave in ends.

I'm doing one of the knitted ones now-so far, I like it. It goes fast!

-- Kelly(KY) (homearts2002@yahoo.com), January 22, 2002.