Easy Knit Scarf with Double Pockets, Sensory Texture and Cabling Detail

Why settle for a plain scarf when you can knit one with built-in pockets and an interesting texture? 

I wanted a scarf that could keep my hands warm, carry my bits and bobs, and be fun to make as well as to wear.  There is a little cabling on the patch pockets, which can be omitted if you really don’t fancy it – but it’s an easy one to do. (Just substitute plain knits for the cable stitches if you prefer).

No need to worry too much about gauge or sizing, but I wanted mine to have nice deep pockets and to fall roughly where my hands are. Once you have knitted enough to make the first fold-over pocket, plus a little more to work with comfortably, I suggest you fold over and sew the first pocket. Then you can keep knitting and check the length as you go.

Needles: 1 pair 5mm (US Size 8)

Cable needle
Plus a tapestry or darning needle
Yarn: Any Aran/Worsted of choice – approx 260g / 390y / 357m

Notions: 2 large buttons

Abbreviations:

k = knit

p = purl

st(s) = stitch(es)

() pattern repeat or comment

[] instruction repeat

c9 = place next 3 sts on cable needle and hold at back of work, k1, then k3 from the cable needle, k1, place next 1 st on cable needle and hold at front of work, k3 then k1 from cable needle.

Method:

Cast on 34 stitches

Row 1: (k2, p2) to last 2 sts, K2
Row 2: (p2, k2) to last 2 sts, p2
Row 3: (p2, k2) to last 2 sts, p2
Row 4: (k2,p2) to last 2 sts, k2

[Repeat rows 1 to 4] twice more (12 rows)

Row 13: k1, p1, k1, p1, k26, p1, k1, p1, k1
Row 14: p1, k1, p1, k1, k26, k1, p1, k1, p1
Row 15: p1, k1, p1, k1, k26, k1, p1, k1, p1
Row 16: k1, p1, k1, p1, k26, p1, k1, p1, k1

[Repeat rows 13 to 16] 9 times (56 rows)

[Repeat rows 1 to 4] 3 times (68 rows)

Row 69: knit (fold line) 

[Repeat rows 1 to 4] 3 times (81 rows)

Continue working rows 13 to 16 until the carf is approx 2.5” (6.5cm) shorter than required with first end folded and sewn (see notes in introduction on folding and sewing while working).

Reset row counter.

[Repeat rows 1 to 4] 3 times (12 rows)

Row 13: knit (fold line)

[Repeat rows 1 to 4] 3 times (25 rows)

[Repeat rows 13 to 16] 10 times (65 rows)

[Repeat rows 1 to 4) 3 times (77 rows)

Cast off.

Fold over and sew second pocket.

Patch pockets (make 2)

Cast on 29 sts

Row 1: k3, p1, k3, p3, k9, p3, k3, p1, k3
Row 2: p3, k1, p1, k1, p1, k3, p9, k3, p1, k1, p1, k1, p3
Row 3: k3, p1, k3, p3, c9, p3, k3, p1, k3
Row 4; p3, k1, p1, k1, p1, k3, p9, k3, p1, k1, p1, k1, p3

[Repeat rows 1 to 4] 6 times (28 rows)

Row 29: k3, p1, k3, p3, k2, cast of 5 sts, k2, p3, k3, p1, k3

Row 30: p3, k1, p1, k1, p1, k3, p2, turn work and cast on 5 sts, turn work again, p2, k3, p1, k1, p1, k1, p3
Row 31: Repeat row 1
Row 32: Repeat row 2

Cast off.

(Note if you prefer to use smaller buttons you can cast off, and back on 3 sts instead of 5.)

Sew the patch pockets onto the centre of the folded pockets.
Sew on the buttons to match the button holes.

© Heather Haigh