After relaxing into the casual comfort of In the Mood Tunic by Jacqueline Grice last week, I’m turning to a project that invites us to follow the clues, examine the details, and discover something interesting on both sides.
The Sleuth Scarf by Nancy Lekx was such a natural choice for the model who wore it in ANPTmag Issue 72. He happens to be an avid true crime buff and something of an armchair detective himself, always intrigued by mysteries, clues, and figuring out what really happened. Who better to model a scarf inspired by the thoughtful sleuth?
There’s a lovely ending to this little story too. When Nancy discovered just how much our model enjoys true crime mysteries, she very generously told him he could keep the scarf. I’d say this knitting mystery was solved very happily!
And what a scarf to keep. The mock cable pattern immediately catches the eye, but one of its very best features is that it’s reversible. There’s no need to fuss about which side is showing when you wrap it around your neck. Both sides have an attractive textured design, making this a particularly practical scarf to wear.
skill level Intermediate
time An engaging scarf project with enough stitch interest to keep curious knitters happily investigating from beginning to end
ideal for Cable lovers, mystery fans, gift knitting, stylish everyday wear, and knitters who appreciate reversible accessories
you will practice reversible knitting, mock cable stitch, ribbing, yarn overs, working yarn overs through the front leg, working yarn overs through the back leg, maintaining pattern repeats, reading stitch instructions, creating textured knitted fabric
finished size Scarf approximately 12½” x 70” [32 x 178cm]
The Sleuth Scarf by Nancy Lekx for ANPTmag Issue 72; photo by Carla A. Canonico for ANPTmag
Nancy designed The Sleuth Scarf with classic mystery stories and the quiet confidence of a thoughtful sleuth in mind. Its reversible mock cable stitch is worked against a ribbed background, creating plenty of texture and visual interest on both sides of the fabric.
There’s also a clever little knitting investigation built right into the stitch pattern. By working yarn overs through either the front or back legs, knitters can see how such a small change alters the texture and appearance of the knitted fabric.
And Nancy didn’t stop with a scarf. The pattern also includes instructions for a lap or baby blanket and a throw, so once you’ve solved the mystery of this reversible stitch, you can put it to work on an even larger project.
The Sleuth Scarf appeared in ANPTmag Issue 72, Storybook Stitches, an issue where storytelling, imagination, and needlework came together beautifully. Projects throughout the issue draw inspiration from literature, mysteries, atmospheric settings, whimsical stories, and memorable characters, translating those ideas into quilting, sewing, knitting, crochet, and embroidery. The Sleuth Scarf fits right in with its subtle clues hidden within a deceptively clever stitch pattern.
Get the Sleuth Scarf pattern here
https://www.aneedlepullingthread.com/product/the-sleuth-scarf/
Get ANPTmag Issue 72 print version here
https://www.aneedlepullingthread.com/product/issue-72-print-version/
Get ANPTmag Issue 72 digital version here
https://www.aneedlepullingthread.com/product/issue-72-digital-version/
The reversible The Sleuth Scarf by Nancy Lekx for ANPTmag Issue 72; photo by Carla A. Canonico for ANPTmag
The mock cables, ribbed texture, unusual treatment of the yarn overs, and especially the reversible fabric make this scarf an intriguing knit and an exceptionally wearable finished accessory.
Are you a mystery lover too, and would you enjoy uncovering the clues behind this clever reversible stitch pattern?
Join me next week to find out which inspiring ANPTmag knitting project I’ll share with you!
