Leaves of Grass

Leaves of Grass Scarf by Susan Pandorf

What Is Being Made

The Leaves of Grass Scarf is a fingering weight knit scarf designed as a quick knit project, measuring 14 inches wide by 72 inches long. This design draws inspiration from Walt Whitman's poetry, specifically the quote "I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey work of the stars," creating a literary connection within the finished textile.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project classified as advanced difficulty, making it suitable for experienced knitters seeking a more challenging pattern. The scarf features a self-mirroring pattern that reflects itself across a center stitch, requiring careful attention to symmetry and precision. The designer recommends using a stitch marker placed before the center stitch to easily track pattern accuracy and catch mistakes while still on the working row, when corrections are simplest to execute.

The pattern is designed as an "aperitif" or quick knit, suggesting efficient construction despite its advanced techniques. The self-striping yarn used in the prototype creates automatic color variation without the knitter needing to manage multiple yarn colors, simplifying the construction process while maintaining visual interest.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The scarf is worked primarily in stockinette stitch as the base fabric, which is blocked to achieve the specified gauge. The pattern incorporates a mirrored design structure that creates a balanced, symmetrical appearance. The exact stitch pattern details are contained within the full PDF instructions.

Materials and Specifications

• Yarn: 660 yards of fingering weight self-striping woolen yarn. The prototype was knit with Elegant Yarns Charming in color 02
• Needles: Size 3 (US) needles for fingering weight yarn. The designer notes that heavier yarns such as Noro's Kureyon and Silk Garden may be substituted using size 7 needles, which will produce a larger stole rather than a scarf
• Gauge: 6 stitches equals 1 inch in stockinette stitch when blocked

Design Flexibility

The Leaves of Grass Scarf offers flexibility in yarn selection and finished size. While the prototype uses fingering weight yarn with size 3 needles, knitters can adapt the pattern by substituting heavier yarn weights and corresponding needle sizes to create a larger stole. This versatility allows crafters to customize the project based on available materials and desired finished dimensions.