Lithos, a free knitting pattern from Knitty.com.
INTRODUCTION
Lithos
by Cissy Yao
This is a classic scarf pattern that uses slip stitches to create a structured, almost corrugated surface. It features cable-like lace textures that don't look too lacy, and the pattern changes every couple of inches add visual interest and keep your attention while knitting. The alternating nubbly and structured textures remind me of rock faces, which is why I've named the pattern Lithos.
The scarf features some refined details, including matching tubular cast on and bind off, a smooth transition from ribbing into the body pattern, and i-cord edges along the sides.
The resulting scarf is a timeless piece that would be the perfect accessory for a brisk autumn afternoon.
model: Trung Tran, Michael Enright
photos: Michael Enright, Cissy Yao
SIZE
Scarf[Shawl]
Note: Shawl version is not shown here. It is identical to the scarf in length, wider by 9 inches than the scarf.
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Width: 10[19] inches/ 25.5[48] cm – adjustable, see Pattern Notes
Length: 85 inches/216 cm
MATERIALS
Yarn
Yarn (millspun grey version shown above):
Leo & Roxy Yarn Co. Merino Worsted [100% superwash Merino wool; 185 yd/169 m per 3.5 oz/100 g skein]; color: Meredith; 4[8] skeins
Fiber (handspun blue version):
R.H. Lindsay #47, Falkland 56s Top [100% wool; combed top]; color: white, dyed with blue and red acid dyes; 9[17.5] ounces/ 255[496] grams
Finished Yarn:
Wraps per inch: 9 wpi
Ply: 2-ply
Yardage used: 712[1353] yds/ 651[1237] meters
Drafting method: Point-of-twist long draw directly from combed top
Yarn Characteristics
The grey scarf sample is knitted in Leo & Roxy Yarn Co.'s Merino Worsted yarn, which is a gorgeous kettle-dyed superwash merino yarn with 4 plies. The kettle-dyed colorway and crisp stitch definition let the patterning shine. The merino wool is soft enough to wear around the neck and blocks out beautifully while maintaining some bounce.
The blue handspun scarf sample uses a slightly textured and uneven worsted-weight 2-ply wool yarn. I find that the yarns' inconsistencies in width and colour are highlighted in a good way by the pattern.
Recommended needle size
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter's gauge is unique]
US #8/5 mm needles for working flat
Notions
yarn needle
GAUGE
18 sts/25 rows = 4 inches/10 cm in stockinette stitch
22.5 sts/25 rows = 4 inches/10 cm in Lithos Body Stitch
PATTERN NOTES
[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here.]
Construction method: This scarf is knit back-and-forth, beginning with a tubular cast on at one end and ending with a tubular bind off at the other.
To change the width of the scarf, cast on a multiple of 8 stitches plus 13. When changing the size, note that the pattern may draw in slightly. You can adjust the length by changing the pattern repeats, but for a symmetrical look, end with the 38 rows of Body pattern before working the ribbing.
Techniques:
- The pattern uses a tubular cast on and tubular bind off to obtain matching edges, however, if you prefer, use any cast off and bind off of your choice.
- The pattern uses a slip stitch i-cord edge on the sides for neatness. Note that the width of this edge changes to prevent the edge from being wavy when transitioning between stitch pattern. Be careful when working the Body Stitch and Lace Stitch, as they use 2-stitch wide i-cord edges.
- All stitches are slipped purlwise unless otherwise noted.
CHARTS
Body Pattern
Row 1 [RS]: Sl2 wyib, k1, (yo, ssk, p1, k1, p1, k2tog, yo, k1) to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 2 [WS]: Sl2 wyif, (p1, k1) to last 3 sts, p3.
Row 3: Sl2 wyib, k1, (p1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, p1, k1) to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 4: Sl2 wyif, (p1, k2, p3, k2) to last 3 sts, p3.
Row 5: Sl2 wyib, k1, (p2, sl3 purlwise wyif, p2, k1) to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 6: Sl2 wyif, (p1, k2, p3, k2) to last 3 sts, p3.
Row 7: Sl2 wyib, k1, (p1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, p1, k1) to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 8: Sl2 wyif, (p1, k1) to last 3 sts, p3.
Row 9: Sl2 wyib, k1, (k2tog, yo, p1, k1, p1, yo, ssk, k1) to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 10: Sl2 wyif, (p2, k2, p1, k2, p1) to last 3 sts, p3.
Row 11: Sl2 wyib, sl1 wyif, (sl1 wyif, p2, k1, p2, sl2 wyif) to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 12: Sl2 wyif, (p2, k2, p1, k2, p1) to last 3 sts, p3.
Wave Pattern
Row 1 [RS]: Sl3 wyib, sl1 wyif, (p1, sl1 wyif) to last 3 sts, k3.
Rows 2 and 4 [WS]: Sl3 wyif, p to end.
Row 3: Sl3 wyib, p1, (sl1 wyif, p1) to last 3 sts, k3.
Lace Pattern
Rows 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 [WS]: Sl2 wyif, p to end.
Rows 7, 9, and 11 [RS]: Sl2 wyib, k1, (yo, k2, sk2p, k2, yo, k1) to last 10 sts, yo, k2, sk2po, k2, yo, k3.
DIRECTIONS
Using a tubular method, cast on 61[117] stitches.
Ribbing Row 1 [RS]: Sl3 wyib, (p1, k1) to last 4 sts, k4.
Ribbing Row 2 [WS]: Sl3 wyif, (k1, p1) to last 4 sts, p4.
Repeat these two rows until work measures 3.5 inches/9 cm from CO (or desired length for ribbing), ending on Row 2.
Work Body Pattern Rows 9-12 once.
****
Work Body Pattern Rows 1-12 twice.
Work Body Pattern Rows 1-10 once.
Work Wave Pattern Rows 1-4 twice.
Work Wave Pattern Rows 1-2 once.
Work Lace Pattern Rows 1-12 once.
Work Wave Pattern Rows 1-4 twice.
Work Wave Pattern Rows 1-2 once.
Repeat from **** 6 more times, or until 9 inches/23 cm from desired length.
Work Body Pattern Rows 1-12 three times, then work Body Pattern Rows 1-2 once more.
Work Ribbing as for the start until work measures 3.5 inches/9 cm from last row of Body Pattern (or desired length for ribbing), ending on Row 2.
BO using a tubular method.
FINISHING
Weave in ends. Block gently by soaking scarf in warm water for 15 minutes, squeezing out the excess water, then laying the damp scarf out to dry. Do not pin or stretch.
ABOUT THE DESIGNER
Cissy has been knitting nonstop since she learned in seventh grade and is obsessed with all things fiber.
She can be contacted as Everspace on Ravelry and EverspaceSpins on Instagram.
Pattern & images © 2024 Cissy Yao