Spin-Stitch Scarf & Poncho Pattern

The Design

“Not lace, but so lace-like!”

We first used this traditional Estonian stitch in a scarf pattern for the 2016 LYS Tour. Not lace, but so lace-like! Not cabled, but twisted by ‘spinning’ a cluster of stitches 180°! Delighted with the simple but dramatic results, we couldn’t wait to use this stitch in a bigger way. It’s the perfect twist on our favorite poncho.

See how we’ve used this pattern!

The Details

FINISHED SIZES, BLOCKED
Scarf: Small, approx. 10½ x 55″/27 x 140cm. Large, approx. 16½ x 73″/ 42 x 185cm.
Poncho: S/M, approx. 22½ x 51″/57 x 130cm. L/XL, approx. 25½ x 57″/65 x 145cm.
Details given for small scarf; large scarf and ponchos in parentheses ( ).

YARN
Approx. 460 (920, 875, 1080) yds/420 (840, 800, 988)m lace-weight or fingering-weight yarn (lace-weight will be more sheer).

Small scarf: Shown in burgundy Rowan Kidsilk Haze (230 yds/ 210m each), Color 595.
Large scarf: Shown in ivory Rowan Kidsilk Haze (230 yds/210m each), Color 634.
Poncho, S/M: Shown in grey Isager Alpaca 2 (270 yds/247m each), Color 4S.
Poncho, L/XL: Not shown.

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
US 8 (5.0mm) needle, or size to obtain gauge.
One double-point needle (DPN) 2-3 sizes smaller than gauge needle.
Stitch markers, including a locking marker.
Darning needle to finish.
Approx. 54 (72, 50, 56) fork blocking pins (or twice as many T-pins) for pinning scallops; blocking wires or extra pins for ends.
Poncho: 7 (8) small buttons; sewing needle and matching thread.

GAUGE
Approx. 24 sts/24 rows = 4″/10cm in pattern after blocking.
Note: It’s a good idea to knit—and block—a swatch, not for exact gauge, but to be sure you like the fabric.