Some good-to-know info incase you can't seem to find the weight of yarn you need: The following are approximate equivalents; however, as with all substitutions, you should check to make sure you're obtaining gauge.
2 strands fingering = one strand sportweight 2 strands sport = one strand worsted weight 2 strands worsted = one strand chunky to super bulky weight*
*2 strands of a lighter worsted yarn held together may approximate the thickness of a chunky yarn, while 2 strands of a heavier worsted weight yarn held together may approximate the thickness of a super bulky yarn. Because of this range, again, it is recommended you should make a gauge swatch to test.
Amazing Curly Scarf - free pattern below. Want less ruffles? Check out my Potato Chip Flutter Scarf!
I've knit a few spiral scarves over the years, and they remain one of my favorite knits. How cool is it that your fabric begins to spiral right before your eyes as you bind off? And the best part - it is so easy to do!
Also called a corkscrew or potato chip scarf, you can use just about any yarn and needle size you like. The secret, or trick, to making your scarf spiral is in the increase rows. That's it!
I do recommend using at least a 32 inch circular needle - you will start out with relatively few stitches and in the end will have hundreds, or even 1,000 stitches that need to fit comfortably on your needles.
All you have to do is cast on a certain number of stitches, let's say 100. Knit two or three rows; then you will do an increase row to double the number of stitches you started with. Simply knit into the front and back of each stitch (you could even make YOs if you don't like knitting into the front and back of your stitches) - so if you started with 100 stitches, after the increase row you will have 200. No need to count to make sure you have exactly double the number. A few more or less isn't going to make much of a difference.
Now, knit some more plain rows - however many you knit before, whether it be two or three. The most I have used between increase rows is three, so while I am sure you could do more, I can't vouch for the looks of the scarf in doing so or the effect this would have on the spiral.
Do another increase row, again doubling the number of stitches on your needles.
Continue in this manner until you have roughly 800-1,000 stitches. I say roughly, because the needle size and weight of yarn you use will affect how long your scarf ends up being. A word of warning though - do remember that as you increase the number of stitches, the length of your scarf will also increase. One of the first spiral scarves I knit ended up with close to 2,000 stitches, and was about 12 feet long. That is much too long for most folks!! Obviously, if you are using a lace weight yarn and small needles, you will need more stitches to get an appropriate length on your scarf; if you are using a larger needle and bulkier yarn, you won't need quite as many stitches.
When you are ready, bind off. I usually knit one row less than I knit between the increase rows, so for example if you were knitting two rows between increases, knit one row and then bind off. You can use any bind off you like. Ta-Da! You now have a spiral scarf. (Is this scarf too curly/ruffly for you? Maybe you will like the Flutter Scarf instead)
Below is a video in which I knit the above scarf. If you would like to knit the same, go here.
