Saltwater

Saltwater Knitted Scarf by Heidi Kirrmaier

What is Being Made

Saltwater is a completely reversible knitted scarf designed by Heidi Kirrmaier in cooperation with Sundara Yarns. This elegant accessory measures approximately 155 cm (60 inches) in length and 35 cm (14 inches) at its widest point, making it a versatile piece suitable for multiple wearing styles. The reversible construction means both sides of the finished scarf are equally attractive, allowing wearers to choose their preferred appearance based on mood or outfit.

Construction Technique

Saltwater employs a sophisticated modular construction method that involves creating separate sections before joining them together. The scarf is built by first working the left and right pieces independently (designated as Sections A, B, and C), then joining them by filling in the center sections (Sections D, E, F, and G). This technique creates visual interest and structural integrity. The left piece is strategically turned over so the wrong side faces outward before being joined with the center and right pieces, which is essential to achieving the reversible quality of the finished garment.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout Saltwater is a 12-row welt pattern, which alternates between 12 rows of stockinette stitch and 12 rows of reverse stockinette stitch. This creates distinctive horizontal ridges and textural variation. The welt pattern used in each triangular section is reversed relative to adjacent sections, creating visual contrast and contributing to the reversible nature of the design. Stocking stitch forms the foundation of the gauge at 26 stitches and 37 rows per 10 cm (4 inches).

Materials and Tools

• Yarn: 1 skein of Sundara Fingering Silky Merino in the colorway 'The Great Pacific' (457 meters / 500 yards). This fingering-weight yarn provides excellent drape and a luxurious feel suitable for a sophisticated scarf.
• Needles: 3.25 mm needles, or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge of 26 stitches and 37 rows per 10 cm (4 inches) in stockinette stitch.
• Notions: 3 stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and section changes during construction.

Difficulty Level

Saltwater is rated as an intermediate knitting project. While the basic stitches involved (stockinette and reverse stockinette) are fundamental, the modular construction method and the coordination required to join multiple sections with proper alignment demand solid knitting skills and pattern-reading ability. Knitters should be comfortable working from written instructions and managing multiple active sections simultaneously.