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Scarf Style
This collection of 31 elegant and ingenious scarf designs tap the expertise of more than 25 knitwear designers who offer new ways to think about this most basic of garments. Designs by Kathryn Alexander, Debbie Bliss, Nancy Bush, Lily Chin, Nicky Epstein, Sasha Kagan, Sally Melville, and Kristin Nicholas are included, representing a varied exploration of techniques that provide innovative ways to think about knitting and crochet. Sections on knitting and crochet basics, making a scarf without a pattern, and a designer's notebook with templates for basic scarves and suggestions for design variations are provided.
152 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 24, 2016
Honestly, I've been picking at this book off and on for about two years, so saying I finished this today is a little misleading. I'm now making my third Lady Eleanor entrelac stole. That pattern alone is worth the price of the book. It's gorgeous, and if you use a ombre yarn, it looks really complicated and kind of impressive even though it's a pretty simple pattern, which I think is the sign of really well-planned piece of knitting. Another excellent aspect of this one is the appendix, which gives very clear directions on practically every kind of stitch used in the book as well as tips for designing your own scarf. That whole section is A+, highly useful, and uses drawings well. The scarves themselves are generally very attractive as well, though a few look a bit dated. There are a couple down sides, though. Others have mentioned the weirdly blurry photography in several cases, and I have to agree. I want to see what the scarf looks like, not an artsy interpretation of it through Vaseline. The other issue is a couple of times two different scarves that happened to be the same color (one pair in green, the other in light blue) were explained and photographed right next to each other, to the point where I wasn't quite sure which photo was for which scarf at times. At least keep very similarly colored scarves a little apart so that's clearer. Aside from that, this is a very good resource, especially for not-so-great knitters like me.
December 19, 2020
Had read this one from the library before, and then lucked into a copy at the secondhand shop recently. While I might not have paid full price for it ($20+), it's definitely worth the discount shop price!
I like the assortment of techniques included most of all - best part of the book. Entrelac, lace, intarsia, assorted trims and finishing techniques, beading, jogless striping, and the list goes on. Some great notes on designing your own scarves too. And like most IK books, there's a complete index with a lot of description for these techniques. Might have benefited from some more diagrams in that section, but it's still a helpful reference.
However, if you're a crocheter, it's less helpful. Most of the focus is on knit patterns. I think there's only 3-4 crocheted patterns out of the 31, for all that it's described as a book for knit and crochet. I'm a knitter, so it's not an issue for me, but figure it's worth a mention for the hookers out there.
What I didn't like most about this book was the photography, which is really a quite common problem in patten books nowadays. Too "artsy" - things out of focus or too zoomed in. I honestly don't care what the model's face looks like or how big their smile, but can you give me a clear, in focus shot of the stitches? Seriously, how do you have a cabled scarf without a clear picture of the cable pattern itself?? And it could definitely have used more diagrams and clear shots of the projects from different angles. Shippo, for example, has one photo (repeated twice) of the scarf, and it's all wrapped up around the model's neck. There's no diagram either, so there's no visible sense of how long or wide it is in reality - very unhelpful. Wear-as-a-Collar Scarf is much the same. Vintage Velvet and Backyard Leaves have more photos, but still only wrapped up around the models' necks.
I also got a little frustrated with some of the formatting (?) of the patterns. You had similarly colored patterns back to back, with the full page photo of the prior one right next to the start of the next pattern. It made it very difficult to tell what pattern went with which picture. Happened a couple times, and could have been easily avoided with some rearrangement of pages or patterns.
I haven't made any of the patterns yet, so can't speak to the accuracy or clarity, but the charts and written instructions seem clear enough, though (as mentioned) could have benefited from some more diagrams and/or clearer pictures. And IK is always good about posting errata as needed.
There are some very out-there scarves that I'd never make in a million years (Color on Color just strikes me as a lot of work for a rather chaotic result) but there are a handful I'd make too.
* Lady Eleanor entrelac stole - best in the book. Very lovely, and like entrelac in general, can look a lot more complicated by using a self-striping yarn (complicated effect with less effort? always a plus!)
* Beads of Earth beaded scarf - so many lovely color combinations this could be made in! I don't think it needs to be quite as long (so much boring stockinette between the fun beaded parts)
* Nasty Dog Dragon- I'd be willing to do colorwork to make a dragon scarf
* Some pretty classic-type patterns too - Bright Stripes and Zigzag Stripes are both good.
Overall, I like it (like the whole Style series, honestly), glad I found it at the secondhand bookstore, and will make at least a few patterns from it. But it's not my favorite and I'd recommend checking it out of a library first, if you can.
I like the assortment of techniques included most of all - best part of the book. Entrelac, lace, intarsia, assorted trims and finishing techniques, beading, jogless striping, and the list goes on. Some great notes on designing your own scarves too. And like most IK books, there's a complete index with a lot of description for these techniques. Might have benefited from some more diagrams in that section, but it's still a helpful reference.
However, if you're a crocheter, it's less helpful. Most of the focus is on knit patterns. I think there's only 3-4 crocheted patterns out of the 31, for all that it's described as a book for knit and crochet. I'm a knitter, so it's not an issue for me, but figure it's worth a mention for the hookers out there.
What I didn't like most about this book was the photography, which is really a quite common problem in patten books nowadays. Too "artsy" - things out of focus or too zoomed in. I honestly don't care what the model's face looks like or how big their smile, but can you give me a clear, in focus shot of the stitches? Seriously, how do you have a cabled scarf without a clear picture of the cable pattern itself?? And it could definitely have used more diagrams and clear shots of the projects from different angles. Shippo, for example, has one photo (repeated twice) of the scarf, and it's all wrapped up around the model's neck. There's no diagram either, so there's no visible sense of how long or wide it is in reality - very unhelpful. Wear-as-a-Collar Scarf is much the same. Vintage Velvet and Backyard Leaves have more photos, but still only wrapped up around the models' necks.
I also got a little frustrated with some of the formatting (?) of the patterns. You had similarly colored patterns back to back, with the full page photo of the prior one right next to the start of the next pattern. It made it very difficult to tell what pattern went with which picture. Happened a couple times, and could have been easily avoided with some rearrangement of pages or patterns.
I haven't made any of the patterns yet, so can't speak to the accuracy or clarity, but the charts and written instructions seem clear enough, though (as mentioned) could have benefited from some more diagrams and/or clearer pictures. And IK is always good about posting errata as needed.
There are some very out-there scarves that I'd never make in a million years (Color on Color just strikes me as a lot of work for a rather chaotic result) but there are a handful I'd make too.
* Lady Eleanor entrelac stole - best in the book. Very lovely, and like entrelac in general, can look a lot more complicated by using a self-striping yarn (complicated effect with less effort? always a plus!)
* Beads of Earth beaded scarf - so many lovely color combinations this could be made in! I don't think it needs to be quite as long (so much boring stockinette between the fun beaded parts)
* Nasty Dog Dragon- I'd be willing to do colorwork to make a dragon scarf
* Some pretty classic-type patterns too - Bright Stripes and Zigzag Stripes are both good.
Overall, I like it (like the whole Style series, honestly), glad I found it at the secondhand bookstore, and will make at least a few patterns from it. But it's not my favorite and I'd recommend checking it out of a library first, if you can.
January 7, 2016
Mostly knit; I count only 4 crochet. Almost too innovative for its own good. The artsy photos often blur the knitting. Insufficient photos of what the scarf actually looks like. Several could use a drawing of the shape of the thing. Many too complex for me to figure out, especially Color on Color and Not-So-Plain Geometric Scarf, both of which could have used more photos.
There's no mention of skill level needed for these projects. Some look doable by me, many do not. Some look like goals for the future. Many don't appeal at all.
I wonder about the yarns used in "Shippo" Tail Scarves: Shosensi Paper (100% linen paper with viscose sizing) and Silk Stainless (69% silk/31% stainless steel)! How are they to work with?
There were a few interesting ones I'd like to make someday. I'm still learning so it'll be a while. I hope the instructions are better than the photos.
I do like the Design Notebook at the end with tips on designing your own, covering color, yarn, choice, needle size, stitch pattern, shapes and knitting in different directions. There’s a glossary of terms and techniques with good, though few, drawings.
There's no mention of skill level needed for these projects. Some look doable by me, many do not. Some look like goals for the future. Many don't appeal at all.
I wonder about the yarns used in "Shippo" Tail Scarves: Shosensi Paper (100% linen paper with viscose sizing) and Silk Stainless (69% silk/31% stainless steel)! How are they to work with?
There were a few interesting ones I'd like to make someday. I'm still learning so it'll be a while. I hope the instructions are better than the photos.
I do like the Design Notebook at the end with tips on designing your own, covering color, yarn, choice, needle size, stitch pattern, shapes and knitting in different directions. There’s a glossary of terms and techniques with good, though few, drawings.
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October 9, 2009"Some lovely ideas and patterns. A variety of techniques are included: cables, intarsia, lace, color blocking, even crochet (though it seems somewhat out of place). There is something for almost every wearer and knitter, whether your tastes run to large blocks of jewel tones, unusual capelets, or Estonian shawls."
September 22, 2009
This book has beautiful patterns in it - very inspiring, but probably not the best place to start for a new knitter. I love the scarf that uses the feather and fan pattern, and the sleeves+turtleneck pullover amazing. Someday...
September 22, 2011
The photography in this book is horrible. It's "artfully" blurry and you can't see any stitch definition or pattern details.
November 30, 2016
Some really neat scarves and a rather large section for information on creating your own scarf patterns with lots of instructions for grafting, various cast ons, etc. A good range of projects too - some look monstrously complicated (and far outside my ability), some are very complicated but might be something to aspire to, and many are beginner level or close to it. Also, there are crochet and knitting projects, and information on using crochet to border and attach, etc.
What follows is not so much a review as notes to myself about what I might want to make and for whom and why, etc.
I personally like:
Here and There Cables (lots of small interlocking cables. I think they missed an opportunity to call it snakes and ladders)
Forbes Forest (delicate cables with bobbles. looks elegant, but also casual enough for everyday wear)
Interlocking Balloons (neat looking, simpler pattern)
Stripes and Bobbles (quirky and intended to be unisex - but people should wear what they want! clothes don't have gender!)
Color on Color (dream project...)
Shippo "Tail" Scarves (this a strange scarf that uses a very unique type of yarn. I've seen this yarn in stores and never known what to do with it, so finding this was pretty cool)
Garter Stitch Wrap (ok, honestly, I don't like this at all, but I know it will make a great present for my mom who will like it a lot. It's her style)
Midwest Moonlight (simple but oh so cool looking. Probably my favorite "easy" pattern)
Ruffles (mostly here because it teaches you to use short rows to create shape, ie: ruffles)
Blizzard - this looks awesome, but I can't crochet :( It's a nice warm crochet project in bulky though, and would be a great gift... if I could do it.
What follows is not so much a review as notes to myself about what I might want to make and for whom and why, etc.
I personally like:
Here and There Cables (lots of small interlocking cables. I think they missed an opportunity to call it snakes and ladders)
Forbes Forest (delicate cables with bobbles. looks elegant, but also casual enough for everyday wear)
Interlocking Balloons (neat looking, simpler pattern)
Stripes and Bobbles (quirky and intended to be unisex - but people should wear what they want! clothes don't have gender!)
Color on Color (dream project...)
Shippo "Tail" Scarves (this a strange scarf that uses a very unique type of yarn. I've seen this yarn in stores and never known what to do with it, so finding this was pretty cool)
Garter Stitch Wrap (ok, honestly, I don't like this at all, but I know it will make a great present for my mom who will like it a lot. It's her style)
Midwest Moonlight (simple but oh so cool looking. Probably my favorite "easy" pattern)
Ruffles (mostly here because it teaches you to use short rows to create shape, ie: ruffles)
Blizzard - this looks awesome, but I can't crochet :( It's a nice warm crochet project in bulky though, and would be a great gift... if I could do it.
July 4, 2020
There was a phase in my life where friends were giving up knitting & gifted me with their yarn stashes. Mostly leftovers so I had to find smaller projects; made a lot of children’s sweaters but when my home knit projects were no longer desirable, scarves were also an option. This book offers a wide variety in the 31 patterns: a fun exploration of styles & techniques.
May 21, 2019
Designs felt very dated. The only pattern I found appealing was the entrelac stole and given that I can find several patterns for something similar on Ravelry, it wasn't worth buying.
December 13, 2025
I really enjoyed looking at the various patterns and models, but I found the text too small to read.
September 20, 2014
The pictures were horrible, if you are a picture person like me don't bother. Either they did a really bad job taking the pictures, or the did a good job and then tried to be artsy and blurred sections of them. Sometimes blurring the projects themselves which defeats the purpose. I want to see it to see if my work is looking even close. Also the way they laid out pictures in the book is they often had a small picture at the beginning of the instructions with a larger picture at the end, which usually put it next to a new instructions starting. You have the book laying open in front of you, one giant picture laid out on the left hand side and instructions on the right hand side. Though not always, so just as you think you have your brain looking at it right, then nope that large picture goes with the new instructions. Really not user friendly.
My other big gripe is that it has listed as a knitting and crochet book, however there are only a few actual crochet patterns/instructions. The rest of the book is mostly knitting. The few crochet patterns in there are also not for a beginner, they are harder and for experienced crocheters! So if you are a newbie like me steer clear until you have some more easy to read patterns under your belt!
My other big gripe is that it has listed as a knitting and crochet book, however there are only a few actual crochet patterns/instructions. The rest of the book is mostly knitting. The few crochet patterns in there are also not for a beginner, they are harder and for experienced crocheters! So if you are a newbie like me steer clear until you have some more easy to read patterns under your belt!
October 9, 2025
I am so glad that I found Scarf Style. It was hiding in a bag of unfinished projects. I knew I had it somewhere in the house. This is the first Scarf Style book. It has many good projects to knit. Some patterns have charts and many patterns are written out. There are at least 5 or 6 patterns waiting for me to try. Most of the patterns are good for an experienced, new knitter, not a novice. There are lots of pictures to help you see how the project should look. There is a design notebook and glossary of terms and techniques to help you knit.
What was lost has now been found!! Yippee!!
10/9/2025 - I saw that someone else online was making a pattern from this book, so I looked again for this book and started knitting the Campus Scarf. Of course, I went back to read through some of the other patterns that I had highlighted. More possibilities.
What was lost has now been found!! Yippee!!
10/9/2025 - I saw that someone else online was making a pattern from this book, so I looked again for this book and started knitting the Campus Scarf. Of course, I went back to read through some of the other patterns that I had highlighted. More possibilities.
May 18, 2023
I'm thinning out my craft books and this one is still on the fence. Keep? Or give? There were several interesting scarves in here that I might knit—Lady Eleanor at a smaller size (and requiring less than 15 skeins). And I'd try the Turtleneck Shrug because I'm getting into things that work in weird ways... I was surprised by the many all-star designer names that I actually recognized in these pages. But there were some annoying flaws in here, too. The photography leans heavily on soft-focus which sucks when you want to see DETAIL! There should be more detail shots of the knits themselves, and perhaps more schematics or drawings. I do like Interweave Knits' Style series of books, even almost 20 years later, but there has to be more designs that I'd like to do that would make me keep a book on my shelves...
October 16, 2007
Scarves are many a knitter's crack. I can't seem to stop making them. They are generally fairly mindless, let you try out a whole bunch of new techniques and don't require that you worry about fit and gauge and all sorts of other worrysome things bigger projects require.
Great book that has a lot of really cute designs I would actually wear or give to my friends to wear.
So, friends, if you get a scarf for Christmas, this book is the reason why.
Great book that has a lot of really cute designs I would actually wear or give to my friends to wear.
So, friends, if you get a scarf for Christmas, this book is the reason why.
December 28, 2008
I found this book rather inspirational. I really liked how they took such an ordinary thing as a scarf and spruced it up into something imaginative and remarkable. I saw several patterns that I flagged in my mind to knit later. I would recommend this book, even if only to browse through and get all sort of knitterly inspirations.
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2008...
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2008...
August 15, 2008
I made the Lady Eleanor Stole from this book with Noro Silk Garden. I’m a slow knitter but fell so much in love with the ease and visible progress of this pattern that I finished it in less than three weeks (which is unheard of for me). I love it! And get so many compliments every time I wear it—I love the positive reinforcement!
There were a few other lovely patterns in the book but none that completely caught my fancy. I sold my copy on eBay after finishing Lady E.
There were a few other lovely patterns in the book but none that completely caught my fancy. I sold my copy on eBay after finishing Lady E.
February 11, 2009
Lovely scarf patterns. However I have the same quibble with this book that I have with so many others -- the yarns used, in many cases, are no longer available. I am not yet a skillful-enough knitter to feel confident experimenting with other yarns than the ones used in the patterns here. There is an especially beautiful entralac stole in the book that I am eager to make. So if you decide to knit or crochet something from this lovely book, be prepared to have to make some substitutions.
June 19, 2013
Need holiday gifts for men, women and children?
Well this book if filled with tons of great ideas for scarf knitted gifts.
Most need 200-400 grams of yarn, and there are some left over yarn ideas to use in some Fair-Isle style decoration on the scarfs.
I'm still a big fan of Color Style in this series which is still my favorite.
152 pages and bought new
3 stars
Well this book if filled with tons of great ideas for scarf knitted gifts.
Most need 200-400 grams of yarn, and there are some left over yarn ideas to use in some Fair-Isle style decoration on the scarfs.
I'm still a big fan of Color Style in this series which is still my favorite.
152 pages and bought new
3 stars
March 12, 2008
There are some really nice-looking, drool-worthy scarves in this book. At the time I read it I wasn't as well-versed in crochet as I an now, and knew virtually nothing about knitting. I liked the look of the knitted scarves more than the crocheted ones, and I think there were far more knitted patterns.
October 19, 2008
I bought really pretty lace yarn (Rowan Kidsilk Haze) for my mother and I with the aim of making us scarves of some sort. I was browsing patterns only to have my mother say that she doesn't like lacy open scarves, she like solid ones. Sigh. So now I'm looking for a pattern where I can hold the lace yarn with another yarn to make her a solid scarf. Argh.
October 13, 2008
The scarves and shawls in this book are simply gorgeous. I am actually working on one right now and it is deceptively simple. I want to learn to crochet just to make some of the other scarves in the book.
There are some great beginner patterns as well as the advanced patterns. I want to make just about all of them!
There are some great beginner patterns as well as the advanced patterns. I want to make just about all of them!
November 14, 2008
I used to think of scarves as something too simple to bother with - boring garter stitch and using up oddments of wool, or something for beginners to practise on. I saw scarves made from this book popping up all over the blog-o-sphere and rapidly changed my way of thinking.
My favourite is Midwest Moonlight but I need to re-make it as my choice of yarn did not give the right effect.
My favourite is Midwest Moonlight but I need to re-make it as my choice of yarn did not give the right effect.
September 24, 2009
This book contains an abundance of unique scarves that are really fun to make. What I really enjoyed about this book, in comparison to other books on scarves, is that the patterns focus less on novelty yarn (e.g., fun fur), and more on the pattern itself and different stitches, creating pieces that stand out in a good way! I had a lot of fun making the rose scarf.
July 5, 2011
Pro: A nice variety of patterns, from traditional to experimental. I plan to eventually make five of these scarves.
Con: Part of almost every large photo of completed scarves is "artistically" fuzzy on the lower half. One photo is even partially obscured by reflections from the window through which it was shot! I prefer clean, crisp, and fully visible photographs in knitting books.
Con: Part of almost every large photo of completed scarves is "artistically" fuzzy on the lower half. One photo is even partially obscured by reflections from the window through which it was shot! I prefer clean, crisp, and fully visible photographs in knitting books.
September 30, 2011
Very lovely and intricate patterns. It actually made me think that knitting a scarf might be interesting. However, many of the patterns also look time consuming, so I don't know when I'll get the chance to try them! The instructions and charts are clear, and there is a very helpful "technique" section in the back. A worthwhile addition to a knitter's library.
December 3, 2013
This is a great book, not only does it give you patterns you can follow, it empowers you to make up your own scarf patterns.
I also love the idea of the sideways scarf pattern by Kristin Nicholas - which for me has reinvented scarf knitting!!!!!
It has a lovely range of styles and also ease of knitting.
I also love the idea of the sideways scarf pattern by Kristin Nicholas - which for me has reinvented scarf knitting!!!!!
It has a lovely range of styles and also ease of knitting.
March 8, 2007
I told myself I wasn't going to knit any more scarves, and then I found this book. I absolutely love this book. Its a great way to learn new techniques without having to worry about the dimensions too much.
July 6, 2008
I tend not to knit scarves unless I *have* to because it is so cliched, and I did my fill of them when I was learning to knit. But some of the patterns in this book really inspired me, and I actually find that i want to dive into some scarves now.
July 15, 2008
Very nice selection of scarves et al. Of course knitting dominates, but there are 3 or 4 crochet projects that are very nice too. I like that some incorporate beads and they are pretty diverse in their skills and yarns.
March 1, 2013
Lots of interesting ideas for all kinds of scarves. Some of them look like they'd take years and a degree in construction to make. Others are straightforward with complicated patterns or interesting yarn or a new way of shaping. Good reference.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews