Neckwarmers are great for a few reasons. They’ll stay neatly in place even in a strong wind. They knit up quickly, and they’re a good way to test out a new stitch before committing it to a large project. Since they don’t require a lot of yarn, they’re good for using up stash, or make a good excuse to splurge on something fancy.
Bulky yarn helps this neckwarmer knit up particularly fast. The Lace Rib stitch gives it a little bit of flair, and it’s still quite warm. It can be worn a number of different ways depending on how it’s buttoned, and it’s quick and lovely enough to make a nice gift.
Finished Measurements: approximately 16 inches by 5 1/2 inches
Yarn: bulky weight, 60-65 yards; samples were knit with Bernat Alpaca, Aqua
Gauge: 16 st. per 4 inches in Lace Rib
Needle Size: 10 US / 6mm
Notes
The neckwarmer is knit from the top down—a loose bind off causes that side to flatten and flare a little.
Four buttons, 7/8 inch size, are needed.
Abbreviations
st = stitch
K = knit
P = purl
YO – yarn over (increase)
k2tog = knit 2 stitches together (decrease)
k2tog tbl = knit 2 stitches together through the back loops (decrease)
Pattern
Cast on 62 st.
Row 1: P2, (K1, P2) to end of row
Row 2: *K2, P1, YO, k2tog tbl, P1; repeat from * to last 2 st, K2
Row 3: P2, (K1, P2) to end of row
Row 4: *K2, P1, k2tog, YO, P1; repeat from * to last st, K2
Work 7 repeats of the pattern, then work Row 1 again.
Bind off very loosely, leaving last st on the needle.
Buttonhole Section
You will have 1 st left from binding off. Pick up 20 st along short end; 21 st total.
Tip: you’ll be picking up about 2 st for every 3 rows on the short end.
K2, (YO, k2tog tbl, K3) 3 times, YO, k2tog tbl, K2
Bind off to last 2 st, k2tog, bind off last st.
Sew buttons opposite the buttonholes on the other short end.
