Counterpoint
by Jennifer Crawford http://www.jenipurr.com/knitpurr This pattern was originally published in the December, 2006 issue of Magknits (htp://www.magknits.com)
Gauge
My father is a talented pianist and organist, with a great sense of humor and a tendency to be just a little eccentric. When I decided to design him a scarf I knew it had to be something that would incorporate his passion for music, yet still be a bit out of the ordinary. Thus was born Counterpoint, a fun update to the classic keyboard scarf with a classic look from straight on, and a quirky twist that can only be seen from just the right angle.
Difficulty level
Simple to Intermediate Size About 6" x 72" [15 x 183cm]
Materials
(MC) 1 skein Cascade Yarns 220 ( $100\%$ Wool;220yd $[200\,\mathrm{m}]$ per $100\mathrm{g})$ ,color:black (CC) 1 skein Cascade 220, color:white Size US 6 [4mm] needles Tapestry needle $20\;\mathrm{sts}=4"\;[10\mathrm{cm}]$ in stockinette. Row gauge is not critical for this pattern.
Substitutions
Any solid color yarn can be used for this project, assuming that the yarns are smooth (bumpy or furry yarns will obscure the pattern) and the colors are distinct enough to form clear stripes. Just make sure that your gauge is a little bit firmer than what might be suggested by the yarn label, as the pattern can get lost if knit too loosely. Note that you may need to adjust needle size accordingly, if you use a non-worsted weight yarn.
Techniques
llusion knitting only looks complicated; in reality it's extremely simple. Just remember that each row of the chart equals four rows of actual kniting - 2 of each color - and the pattern is created based solely on what you are doing on the wrong side rows. The placement of the purl bumps' within those pairs of rows is what creates the pattern that pops into view when the scarf is viewed from an angle.
Each row on the chart (above) is equivalent to four rows of knitting, worked as described below: Row A: Switch to CC. K across row Row B: Knit the blank squares and the S's; purl the X's Row C: Switch to MC. K across row Row D: Purl the blank squares; Knit the S's and the X's
Pattern
Setup
Using MC, cast on 31 stitches. Knit the next 5 rows. Row 6: Knit 3, purl 25, knit 3. Switch to CC and begin chart, starting on row 2. After completing the chart once, repeat the chart (starting from row 1) as many times as needed to reach the desired length for the scarf.
End
After completing either row 11 or row 26 of the chart, finish scarf as follows: Using CC, knit two rows. Switch to MC for remainder of scarf. Row 1: Knit across Row 2: Knit 3, purl 25, knit 3 Row 3: Knit across Bind off loosely
Finishing
Using tapestry needle, weave in all ends.
About the designer
Jennifer learned to knit just a few years ago and has been obsessed with yarn and pointy sticks ever since. She lives in California with her husband and six yarn-stealing cats, and blogs about her knitting at Knit One, Purr Too (located at http://www.jenipurr.com/knitpurr).
Copyright
This pattern is provided, gratis, for individual use only and is not available for sale or distribution by any sources except the designer without express, written permission from the designer. Items made from this pattern are not to be sold in any form except through express, written permission from the designer.
