Potato Chip Scarf

This is a really fun scarf that curls. It might get its name because the curls are shaped like Pringles potato chips, or because you can't make just one. That has been true for me. They're fun to make, and people really like getting them as presents, and I have made a bunch of 'em. (I first learned how to make scarves like these from watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7o76pA0nK0)

Even though it looks like it must be complex to make, this is actually a beginner pattern. It takes only
the most basic knitting skills. To make one of these scarves, you just need to know how to:
- Cast on
- Cast off
- Do a Knit stitch.

It's also inexpensive. I make mine with 1 skein of yarn that I get for $3.99 from my local craft store.

So that adds up to a perfect present: cheap, easy, takes a little time and love to make, and people like them. Perfect!

Use worsted weight (medium weight) yarn. I like yarn with a little sparkle to it, such as this I Love This Yarn-brand metallic yarn. One 5 oz skein of it makes a scarf of a nice length (51"), although you can use any type of yarn you like, and you can make your scarf whatever length you like.

Cast on 18 stitches with Size 7 needles. (Most patterns on the internet for this scarf have you cast on 20 stitches, which works fine too. I prefer my scarf to be a little narrower and a little longer, so I work with 18. Up to you.)

Knit 8 stitches. (So, not all the way across the row.)

Even though you didn't knit to the end of the row, stop after knitting 8 stitches, turn your work over, and knit 8 back, right back to the beginning of the row.

Knit 6 stitches. (You're still ignoring one end of your knitting, and working on the other end.)

Turn your work, and knit 6 stitches (back to the start of the row.)

Knit 4 stitches. (Still on one end of your work and ignoring the other end. Don't worry - you won't ignore it forever.)

Turn your work, and knit 4 stitches, back to the beginning.

Knit 18 stitches (all the way to the other end, finally.)

Now that you're at the other edge of the scarf, repeat the previous steps:
Knit 8
Flip, and knit 8 back
Knit 6
Flip, and knit 6 back
Knit 4
Flip, and knit 4 back
Knit 18

Now you have something that looks like a mini bow tie.

Keep repeating that list of steps.

Each time you repeat the steps, you are knitting a little wedge shape on one side of the scarf. After a few inches, the scarf will start to curl.

Keep going, repeating Step 10, until your scarf is the length you want. I made mine 51" long with 1 skein.

When you're nearly out of yarn, cast off (after a knit 18 row.)

Then, you don't have to, but I like to sew the two points at each end into a single point, using the existing tail of yarn and a craft needle.

Finally, use the craft needle to hide the loose ends.

And done! You've just made someone very happy. :)