Secret compartment scarf

Secret Compartment Scarf by Kelly Spenhoff

What Is Being Made

The Secret Compartment Scarf is a knitted accessory featuring a hidden zippered compartment, combining functional fashion with clever design. This finished scarf measures 4 inches (10 cm) wide and 67 inches (168 cm) long, making it a versatile neck accessory with practical storage capability. The design integrates a concealed pocket secured with a zipper, allowing the wearer to safely store small items while wearing the scarf.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level project employs several essential knitting techniques to create its structure and decorative elements. The pattern utilizes make 1 stitch (M1) increases to shape the fabric, as well as kfb (knit into the front and back) and pfb (purl into the front and back) increases for additional shaping and texture variation. Cable techniques are incorporated through CR2F (cross 2 front) and CR2B (cross 2 back) stitches, which create dimensional crossing patterns throughout the scarf. The project also requires mattress stitch, a seaming technique used to join sections of knitting with an invisible seam, which is essential for constructing the compartment structure.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The scarf is worked in a pattern stitch that achieves a gauge of 16 stitches per 2 inches (5 cm). The stitch pattern incorporates cable crosses and increases to build the textured design. Basic stitches including knit, purl, and slip stitches form the foundation, with the cable crosses and increases creating visual interest and the three-dimensional structure necessary for the hidden compartment feature.

Materials and Yarn

The pattern calls for Stitch Nation Full o' Sheep in Honeycomb, a yarn composed of 100% Peruvian wool. This aran-weight yarn provides excellent stitch definition for cable work and pattern visibility. The project requires 325 yards (297 meters) of yarn, with the original pattern specifying approximately 155 yards per 100 grams. US 8 straight or circular needles are recommended, along with one extra US 8 needle for techniques such as mattress stitch seaming. Additional notions include fabric and a zipper to match the yarn color, thread, a sewing needle or sewing machine for attaching the zipper and fabric lining, waste yarn for stitch holders, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming.

Construction and Finishing

Beyond knitting, this project requires basic sewing skills to complete the secret compartment feature. The construction involves attaching fabric lining and securing a zipper into the knitted structure using either hand sewing or a sewing machine. The mattress stitch technique joins knitted sections seamlessly, while the zipper and fabric create the functional storage compartment integrated into the scarf design.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Secret Compartment Scarf requires knitters to be comfortable with increases, cable stitches, seaming techniques, and the coordination of both knitting and sewing elements. This pattern is ideal for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle more complex stitch patterns and multi-step construction methods.