You Can’t Knit, No Problem

Handmade gifts seem to be all the rage in the past few years which works for me because I love getting my craft on to make stuff that my friends and loved ones will have for years to come. I especially love handmade scarves.  They are quick, easy, the perfect cool weather accessory, and pretty much one size fits all.

I originally saw the idea for a “no knit” scarf here.  Don’t let the Martha Stewart name send you into hysterics.  And if you are anything like me, you will need lots of photos to help you out, clearly Martha can picture everything perfect in her mind, especially when it comes to making a bunch of knots.

Step 1: Gather the supplies you need and try to do this when the 14 week old kitten isn’t awake. Not pictured piece of cardboard, and two straight pins.

Step 2: Cut twelve strands of yarn about double the size that you want your scarf.  I got one of my favorite scarves and used it to measure and then doubled the pieces to cut. Ignore the kitten, when I tried to take the scarf away from her she got a bit angry.

Step 3: Once you have your twelve pieces of yarn cut, divide them into four bunches with three pieces of yarn each.  Realize that kittens make lousy assistants and come out of nowhere to steal yarn when your face is behind a camera.

Step 4: Tie one bunch of yarn to the next bunch of yarn leaving a six inch tail. Repeat.  You should now have this.

Step 5: Pin the two bunches of yarn about 2-3 inches apart or however wide you want your scarf.

Step 6: Take inner bunches and tie in a knot about an inch or so down making sure that you keep a close eye out for kittens that pop out of nowhere to ‘help’ you with the knotting of the yarn.

Step 7: Now take the inner bunches and tie them to the outer bunches about an inch or so lower.

Step 8: Keep repeating the sequence of knots while keeping a watchful eye for the ever persistent kitten who insists on coming back no matter how many times you shoo her away.

Step 9: When you have about six inches left stop and tie off.  I added a bit of fringe in the middle on both ends as it gives it a bit more fullness.

Step 10: Wrap up the scarf, get ready for the oohs and ahhs and pray that the recipient of the gift isn’t allergic to cats.