Knitty: Hug - Fall 2008

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model: Allison Kessler, Maya

photos: Sarah Pasternak

by Sarah Pasternak

I once overheard a knitter describe the gifts she gave as “hugs”. I tought that was such a nice sentiment and I began thinking about that idea. How could I knit hugs? That’s how the idea evolved.

Using chunky yarn and big needles, this garter stitch scarf is quick to make. With hands on each end of the scarf, I can hug the people I love even when I’m not there! It’s easy, just take out the scarf, wrap it around you and...voila! I gave you a hug!

This scarf can be made to the length necessary to fit the recipient. You can change colors to make “sleeves”, or add stripes to the fingers to make rings. Be creative!

SIZE

One

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Length: 56 inches

MATERIALS

Blue Sky Alpacas Bulky Hand Dyes [50% Alpaca/50% Wool; 45yd/41m per 100g skein]; color: #1019 Geranium; 2 skeins

Recommended needle size:

1 set US #15/10mm straight needles
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below -- every knitter's gauge is unique]

Stitch holder

Chunky waste yarn

GAUGE

8 sts/12 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch

PATTERN NOTES
[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here]

Instructions for a Provisional Cast On can be found here.

DIRECTIONS

FIRST HALF
Using a provisional cast on method, CO 8 sts. Work in garter st until work measures 16 inches.

Shape Hand:
Row 1 [RS]: K3, k2tog, k3. 7 sts.

Rows 2-3: K all sts.

Row 4: K2, k2tog, k3. 6 sts.

Rows 5-6: K all sts.

Row 7: Kfb, k to end. 7 sts.

Row 8: Kfb, k5, kfb. 9 sts.

Row 9: Kfb, k to end. 10 sts.

Row 10: Kfb, k8, kfb. 12 sts.

Row 11: Kfb, k to end. 13 sts.

Row 12: K all sts.

Row 13: Ssk, BO 4 sts (including ssk just worked),
k to end. 8 sts. Thumb is complete.

Row 14: K all sts.

Index Finger:
Next Row: K2, place remaining 6 sts on st holder.
K 11 rows.
Next Row: K2tog. Break yarn and draw through remaining st.

Middle Finger:
Place 2 held sts next to index finger on needle and rejoin yarn.
K 12 rows.
Next Row: K2tog. Break yarn and draw through remaining st.

Ring Finger:
Place 2 held sts next to middle finger on needle and rejoin yarn.
Work as for index finger.

Little Finger:
Place remaining 2 held sts on needle and rejoin yarn.
K 9 rows.

Next Row: K2tog. Break yarn and draw through remaining st.

SECOND HALF
Remove waste yarn from CO edge and place resulting live sts on needle. Rejoin yarn and work as for first half, ensuring that thumbs are facing same direction.

FINISHING

Weave in ends and give someone a hug!

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Sarah lives in Philadelphia with her husband, daughter and cat. She learned to knit from her friend, Leah, and honed her skills while she was sitting home, heavily pregnant with her daughter. Her Ravelry name is sarahnak.