I knit.

A lot.

Kiteman has been telling me for a long time that I should start creating my own patterns, and I have finally given in; this scarf is my first wholly-original project.

Step 1: What You Need

Obviously you'll need wool. I used King Cole Haze double knit* wool, and 4mm needles. Because this is a scarf, if you use different wool or needles, you'll just end up with a different-sized scarf, rather than a piece of clothing that doesn't fit.

You'll also need a cable needle, scissors and wool sewing needle.

Abbreviations
K = Knit
P=Purl
C4B= Cable 4 back, slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and place at back of work, K next 2 sts from left needle, then K sts from cable needle.
C4F= Cable 4 back, slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and place at front of work, K next 2 sts from left needle, then K sts from cable needle.

*What British knitters call "double knit" ("DK"), American knitters call "worsted".

Step 2: Starting Off

Cast on 46 stitches using the thumb method.

Step 3: Carrying On...

Now to start knitting.

Purl 2 rows.
Beginning with a knit row stocking stitch 3 rows.

Next row: (wrong side) p2, k2 repeat until end.
Next row : K2, p2 repeat until end.

Rib 3 more rows.

Step 4: Cable Pattern

These 4 rows are the cable plait pattern.

Row 1 :K2, P2 (C4F, K2, P2) repeat 5 times, K2
Row 2: P2, (K2, P6) repeat 5 times, K2, P2
Row 3: K2, P2, (K2, C4B, P2) repeat 5 times, K2
Row 4: P2, (K2, P6) repeat 5 times, K2, P2

Repeat the 4 rows to the required length. I made my scarf 150cm long.

Step 5: Finishing the Scarf

Next row: (wrong side) p2, k2 repeat until end.
Next row : K2, p2 repeat until end.

Rib 3 more rows.

Beginning with a knit row stocking stitch 3 rows.

Purl 2 rows.

Cast off.

Thread all ends in.

Step 6: Wear It!

And, there you go.

Of course, this is for me, really. Kiteman is just posing the scarf.

If you make you make your own version, I'd love to see a picture of it in the comments.