Curly scarf (Curly baktus)

It took me only 90 grams of the Dva yarn from Barka in the Athn color to knit this playful scarf. I used size 3,5 mm needles (US 4) and a size 3,5 mm hook to crochet the edge. I needed stitch markers to not get lost in the increases and decreases. Dropped stiches create the ruffles or curls along one side of the scarf, making it fun and stylish at the same time. I worked along the scarf in garter stich and did the increases and decreases baktus style. The scarf is 120 cm (47,2 in) long and 22 cm (8,7 in) wide. Yarn: Barka Dva Athn (50 % wool, 50 % alpaca) Knitting needle: 3,5 mm (US 4) Crochet hook: 3,5 mm Weight: 90 g Now we can start the actual knitting. :) Cast on 15 stitches. Row 1: Knit all 15 stitches (do not slip the last stitch). Turn your work and run the yarn to the back under the needle.

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Row 2: *K1, 3 yo* Repeat *-* 4 more times, **K1, 2 yo** Repeat **-** 4 more times, K4 and slip the last stitch with yarn in front. Turn your work.

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Row 3: Knit 5 and in the next 10 stitches drop all the yarnovers and knit all the knit stitches. Knit the last knit stitch too.

With this method the last 10 stitches will stretch as the yarnovers spread evenly between these stitches. Turn your work and run the yarn to the back under the needle.

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Row 4: same as row 2 Row 5: same as row 3 Row 6: same as row 2 Row 7: K1, kfb, knit until the first yo, and in the next 10 stitches drop all the yarnovers and knit all the knit stitches. Knit the last knit stitch too. Repeat rows 2-7. You make yarnovers in the even rows and drop these yarnovers in the odd rows. In every 6th row you increase by 1 stitch. (You can use your preferred method of increasing, I used knitting in the front and the back of the stitch.) Mark these rows to easily follow your increases.

Stop the increases when you have 50 stitches on your needle. Now begin decreasing by one stitch in every 6th row along the straight edge of the scarf. When you have only 15 stitches on your needle, knit 5 rows again (same as row 2, 3, 2, 3 and 2 consequently) and in the next row bind off the stitches. Be careful and dont bind off the yarnovers, they arent stitches. Just drop them the same way as you did before.

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Dont cut the yarn, crochet the straight edge of the scarf (from point to point) with a 3,5 mm crochet hook. Use the next pattern: 1 slip stitch + 1 chain.

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This crocheted edge gives a more consistent appearance to the scarf and is very useful to hide the possible yarn ends. This is why it is important to start any new balls on the straight edge.

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When you get to the other end of the scarf, cut and fasten the yarn and hide in the crocheted edge. I did not block the scarf as I wanted to keep its curly look. If you prefer to block your scarf, do it lightly. I would love to see the curly scarf made with a variegated yarn with long repeats, that would make it stripey. Let's knit and have fun!

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