How to Calculate the Amount of Cashmere for a Knitting Project – Part II: Scarves and Stoles

Before reading today's post, I recommend you read this (it's the first part of the topic I'm about to discuss).

You've surely already noticed that the yarn's yardage is much more important than its weight. When someone asks me: "how much yarn do I need to buy to make a scarf?", I don't know how to answer. It all depends on the type of yarn, especially the yarn's weight. A 50-gram ball could be approximately 30 to 300 meters long. The 30-meter one will be very thick, the 300-meter one very thin.

In this post, I want to help you by simplifying the calculations.

The table below approximately indicates how many stitches are in a 10 cm stockinette stitch swatch and how many meters of yarn you will need to make a scarf or a stole.

I remind you that these numbers represent an average: those with a "tight hand" will have more stitches, those with a "loose hand" might have fewer.

Needle size	Approximate number of stitches / 10 cm swatch (stockinette stitch)
2.25 – 3.25	31 – 26
3.25 – 3.75	25 – 28
3.75 – 4.5	28 – 20
4.5 – 5.5	20 – 16
5.5 – 8	15 – 12

Obviously, this calculation will need to be modified as it is based on a stockinette stitch swatch. Scarves and stoles are usually made with more elaborate stitches that require more yarn.

So if you choose more complex patterns (for example, cables or brioche stitch), you will need to add 10-15% more yarn.

By visiting the Hircus Filati website, you will find information about the yarn's yardage that is for sale. I hope it will now be easier to make your purchasing decision.

I know what you're probably asking me: "what if I wanted to make a hat instead of a scarf, or gloves, or a sweater, how much cashmere would I need?" I'll tell you about that in future posts.

And in the meantime, I want to go back to the scarf. The holiday season and gift-giving are approaching.

How many people don't know what to get a man? Ah, yes, it's not easy. It's definitely easier to choose a gift for a woman :-).

I propose a classic item, which will be very precious: a scarf made of cashmere (pure or blended) made by you. Whoever wears it will surely appreciate it.

It's not easy to find an original pattern for a men's scarf. Usually, various ribs, garter stitch, sometimes seed stitch are used...

I propose two patterns, one easy for beginners and the other a bit more complex to execute.

If you want to add a touch of elegance, knit the tubular edges (see samples below).

Sample 1

is composed of alternating strips of knit garter stitch and purl garter stitch.

The number of stitches to cast on must be divisible by 20 + 10 (for the last strip) + 6 (for 2 tubular edges).

1 strip of 10 garter stitches is approximately 5 cm (needles number 4 – 4.5).

Row 1: 3 knit, *10 knit, 10 purl*, repeat from * to *, 13 knit

Row 2: 3 purl, *10 knit, 10 purl*, repeat from * to *, 10 knit, slip the last 3 stitches onto the right needle without working, leaving the yarn in front

Row 3: 3 knit, *10 knit, 10 purl*, repeat from * to *, 10 knit, slip the last 3 stitches onto the right needle without working, leaving the yarn in back

Row 4: 3 purl, *10 knit, 10 purl*, repeat from * to *, 10 knit, slip the last 3 stitches onto the right needle without working, leaving the yarn in front

Repeat Rows 3 and 4.

Sample 2

is composed of alternating strips of knit garter stitch and brioche stitch.

Cast on 40 stitches (needles number 4 – 4.5)

Row 1: 3 knit, * strip of 8 garter stitches (= 8 knit), 1 knit, 1 purl, 1 knit, 1 purl, 1 knit,* repeat from * to *, strip of 8 garter stitches (= 8 knit), 3 knit.

Row 2: 3 purl, * strip of 8 garter stitches (= 8 knit), 1 purl, 1 knit, 1 purl, 1 knit, 1 purl,* repeat from * to *, strip of 8 garter stitches (= 8 knit), tubular edge (slip the last 3 stitches onto the left needle without working, leaving the yarn in front)

Row 3: tubular edge (3 knit), * strip of 8 garter stitches (= 8 knit), strip of 5 brioche stitches (= knit all knit stitches (3) by inserting the needle into the knit stitch below the one on the needle, purl stitches are purled)*, repeat from * to *, strip of 8 garter stitches (= 8 knit), tubular edge (slip the last 3 stitches onto the left needle without working, leaving the yarn in back)

Row 4: tubular edge (3 purl), *strip of 8 garter stitches (= 8 knit), strip of 5 brioche stitches (= knit all knit stitches (2) by inserting the needle into the knit stitch below the one on the needle, purl stitches are purled)*, repeat from * to *, strip of 8 garter stitches (= 8 knit), tubular edge (slip the last 3 stitches onto the left needle without working, leaving the yarn in front)

Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until the desired length is reached.

I hope this post will help you calculate the amount of cashmere needed to make a beautiful scarf.

Happy knitting and... see you next time!

Alicja Kwartnik for Hircus Filati