Sometimes a quick simple knit is just the thing. Whether it be a palette cleanser between more complex projects, a quick gift or simple a small, elegant, totally wearable accessory that you’re looking for, I think the Piccina Scarf will fit the bill, and so it seems do quite a few of you.

The pattern was released at the end of last week just before we came away for Christmas and New Year with family and friends back in the UK and I’ve been thrilled with the reception. This is the first chance I’ve had to come here and share it with you, but already knitters have the pattern on their needles and projects flying along.

So the details?

The Piccina Scarf is a small bandana style neckerchief designed for mini-skeins or leftovers of about 25g of 4 ply / fingering yarn. If like me you have some leftovers of really precious yarn that you’ve been saving for a special project, this might just be it.

Knit lengthways from tie to tie you can knit increasing in the main section until half your yarn is used up and then start the decreases. Also while designed for 4 ply yarn, there’s no reason you can’t use heavier weight yarns. The schematic and measurements give you all the information you need to cover to any weight of yarn as long as you like how it knits up.

Also, if you like the fabric achieved when combining 4 ply yarn with a mohair silk, the pattern has a versions that does so in the main garter section only while the I-cord ties and edges are worked in the main yarn only.

For my first version I used a single yarn – 1 x 25g mini skein of Susan Crawford Bluem sock yarn, which is a lovely soft 75% Blue Faced Leicester / 25% Nylon, yarn of 400 m / 437 yds per 100g in the colour way Dockseed.

For my second version I used the same Bluem sock this time in the colour way Lime Mortar held together with Susan Crawford Mist a 64% kid mohair / 36% silk blend, 400 m / 437 yds per 100g in Mallow which gives a lovely halo.

This kerchief is knitted sideways so if you’re using leftovers you can work the kerchief until you have used half your yarn and then start the decreases, rather than working to the stitch counts given.

If you are working with both the sock yarn and the mohair silk, please note that the mohair is not used for the ties or for the 3 edge stitches of the main section of the kerchief, only for the garter stitch central section, so you will use less of this yarn. More details can be found on the pattern page.

The pattern has a special launch discount of €1 so until midnight (Rome time) on 31st December 2025 it will cost just €4 if bought from either my Payhip or Ravelry stores using the coupon code ‘LastMinuteGift’. If this sounds like the type of project you want to be working on just now, or that you want to save when things quieten down after the festivities, I do hope you enjoy it. Please do share your project(s) on Ravelry, if you use it, or on social media and do tag me so I can see and share your projects too.

All the very best for Christmas and the New Year, and Happy Knitting,

Tess xxx