Actually Applicable Application Problems and Brainteasers/Scarf with Texture Stripes

Overview

For people who are interested in fashion design or just like needlecraft, being able to make their own patterns to knit or crochet is definitely a real application problem. A scarf is a good project for beginners because it is rectangular so

Note that this method also works for other rectangular projects like rugs or placemats -- just replace the word "scarf" as needed.

General Method

1. Pick the two (or more) textures which you would like to use as stripes.
   • This page has some options of knitting textures: https://www.studioknitsf.com/stitch-patterns-beginner/
   • This page has some options of crochet textures: https://www.mybluprint.com/article/8-bold-beautiful-textured-crochet-stitches-to-try
   • Do you want to mix knit and crochet? I won't stop you. Make sure you think through how to deal with switching from one to the other.
2. Find out how many stitches wide each repetition of the pattern for each texture is.
3. Skip-count to make a list of the multiples of each of these numbers.
4. Find the numbers that are multiples of both (or all) of the textures you would like to use.
5. Choose the number that will give the width you want in your scarf.
   • If you aren't sure, you can choose the lowest common multiple, make a sample, measure it, and divide the width you want by the width of the sample.
6. Add any stitches you need for "edge stuff" (selvages).
7. Cast on or make a foundation chain of that many stitches. (If a foundation chain, also add stitches for the height of the first stitch, as usual.)

Problems

Example 1

The 2x1 Pique Rib knit texture is a three-stitch repeat, and the Chevron Seed Stitch knit texture is an eight-stitch repeat. If you want your scarf to be at least ten inches wide (and not wider than it needs to be, because that will make it take longer to make), and you're using yarn and needles that turn out projects at four stitches per inch, how many stitches should you cast on?

Make Your Own Problem

Make your own decisions about what to make and follow the general method outline to create something amazing!