The Hill House Scarf

The Hill House Scarf by Susan Hanlon

Project Overview

The Hill House Scarf is a knitted design inspired by the high-back chairs designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh for The Hill House, the residence he designed and furnished for publisher Walter Blackie. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a completely reversible scarf through double-knit construction, making it both visually interesting and exceptionally cosy.

Craft and Technique

This scarf is created using the double-knit technique, a sophisticated knitting method that produces a fabric with two distinct sides. Double knitting allows knitters to work with two colors simultaneously, creating reversible colorwork where both sides of the scarf display the pattern. The technique requires careful attention to yarn management and stitch tension to ensure that neither color shows through to the opposite side while maintaining adequate drape in the finished fabric.

The double-knit construction makes this scarf completely reversible, meaning both sides are finished and visually appealing. This technique also contributes to the scarf's extra warmth and body, as the fabric naturally becomes thicker and more substantial than single-layer knitting.

Stitches and Gauge

The pattern requires precise gauge work to achieve the intended finished dimensions. The unblocked gauge is 30 stitches × 38 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in double knitting. After blocking, the gauge adjusts to 28 stitches × 36 rows over 4 inches (10 cm). For the pattern squares to be exactly square, the blocked gauge must maintain a 4:6 ratio between width and height.

Achieving proper gauge is particularly important in this design because the geometric squares that form the pattern depend on precise proportions. While matching the exact gauge is not vital, variations will affect the final yardage required and the drape of the finished scarf.

Materials and Yarn

The Hill House Scarf requires 220 yards (201 meters) of fingering weight or 4-ply yarn in two contrasting colors. The scarf shown in the pattern uses:

• Malabrigo Sock yarn (100% merino wool; 440 yards/402 meters per 100g skein): 1 skein in Chocolate Amargo (main color)
• Malabrigo Sock yarn: 1 skein in Natural (contrasting color)

Fingering weight and 4-ply yarns are ideal for double knitting because they allow for fine detail and create a fabric with good definition. The merino wool content provides warmth, breathability, and elasticity. Knitters may require more or less yardage than stated depending on their individual gauge.

Tools and Equipment

The pattern calls for 2.75mm (US 2) circular needles. Circular needles are essential for double-knit construction, as they accommodate the increased number of stitches required by the technique and allow for smooth, continuous knitting around the scarf.

Finished Dimensions

After blocking, The Hill House Scarf measures 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) wide by 45 inches (114 cm) long. These dimensions create a scarf suitable for casual wear that provides substantial coverage without excessive bulk.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty. Double knitting requires solid foundational knitting skills, including the ability to manage two yarns simultaneously, maintain consistent tension, and understand how the technique creates reversible fabric. Knitters should be comfortable reading patterns and making gauge adjustments before beginning this project.