For me, mindless knitting is being able to quickly learn a pattern stitch so I no longer refer to the instructions. Both of the stitch patterns in this scarf are easily learned and lend themselves beautifully to a mindless (and fun carry-along) project. They are also just complicated enough to produce impressive results and keep your knitting interest, but won't tax your brain as you knit away.

Each end of the scarf is a chunky section of a textured rib stitch that is just a mix of knits and purls, but is visually much more than a simple rib. The middle is a pretty trellis lace that is actually quite repetitive. After knitting a few reps, you'll start to get a feel for it and soon be able to "read" your knitting in order to maintain the stitch pattern (with only an occasional peek at the instructions).

The two stitch patterns transition seamlessly into one another and provide a pleasing contrast in textures.

Before you know it, you'll have a luxurious scarf knit up and will be lamenting that your mindless (and relaxing) knitting is over too soon!

Sample was knit in Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light in Rainwater. This to-die-for (pun intended!) shade combines gorgeous gradations of grey with beautiful blue and silver tones. It is perfect in this design – allowing both the stitches and the yarn to showcase their beauty.

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Finished Knit Measurements: 74 ¾" [190 cm] x 12 ¼" [31 cm].

Skill Level:   

Yarn Used: Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light (100% Superwash Merino Wool); 3.5 oz/100 g [420 yds/384 m] per hank): 2 hanks in Color Rainwater. NOTE: The scarf uses up most all of the yarn, so be sure your gauge is correct and be prepared to reuse swatch yarn, if needed.

Gauge(s):
Pattern Gauge: 23 sts and 34 rows = 4" [10 cm] in Sailor's Rib, blocked.
Yarn Label Gauge and Information: A fingering-weight superwash merino wool yarn with a gauge of 26-30 sts = 4" [10 cm] on sizes 1-2 [2.25-2.75 mm] needles.

Total Yardage Required: 840 yds [768 m].

Some suggested yarn substitutes to try (but be sure to swatch first to match gauge!):
Some non-wool suggestions: Knitpicks Comfy Fingering Weight, Crystal Palace Panda Cotton, Rowan 4 Ply Cotton, Patons Cotton 4ply, Brown Sheep Cotton Fine, Cleckheaton Bamboo, Quince and Company Sparrow

Some merino blend suggestions: Wollmeise Sockenwolle 80/20 Twin, Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Lightweight, Koigu Painter's Palette Premium Merino, Knit Picks Stroll (Solids, Heathers, or Tonal), madelinetosh tosh sock
If you have a yarn substitute to suggest for this project, email us!

Knitting Needles Used: Size 7 [4.5 mm] needles OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE.

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