Rapunzel Scarf Pattern Finished!

Lately, I’ve been really intrigued by the idea of braiding. I was trying to think of some new ways to finish a cross stitch project with braided cord, or how to use braids in a needlework pattern (as in Moss Creek’s “Julbock Christmas Pocket” from the 2004 Just Cross Stitch Christmas ornament issue).

Then it struck me–knit a braided scarf! And I’ll name it after Rapunzel, she of the fabled long blonde braid! Silly me, I thought I was the first to think of this name, but it turns out that Anthropologie beat me to it by a couple years–here is a blogger with her own take on the Anthropologie version. Doesn’t this look like a great way to use up some of your stash?

However, from the beginning, I was thinking of braided I-cords rather than strands of yarn, and you can see the (unfortunately shaded) close-up of my version to the right. I thought a nice, neutral ivory would look nice and classic, and maybe even a little blonde. I also chose to up the difficulty factor a bit with four strands instead of the usual three.

To top it off, I added big tassels at the ends (see image at left). At 96″ long, you’ll certainly be able to wrap it around your neck a few times, so even though it’s quite skinny, you’ll still stay warm. Of course, you can make it as long or as short as you want.