Want more color? How about working Part 1's pattern stitches in stripes using two or more colors, or those in Part 2 using three or more? Some time spent swatching will identify for you what works and what doesn't.

Color can also be introduced into a reversible scarf by using the double knitting technique, as described by Jane F. Neighbors in her section called "Reversible Geometrics." This technique results in two interlocked pieces of colorwork fabric, with wrong-sides together and the two right-sides facing out. Because a double thick fabric is created, it is advisable to use a fingering or a light sport weight yarn when knitting a double-knit scarf; otherwise, the finished scarf may be uncomfortably thick. (It is also possible to create a double-knit in which the two pieces are only joined along their edges or open to form a tube, but I don't find these versions as well suited for scarves.) The Spring '97 issue of Knitter's featured this technique in its "Swatch Watch" column. Additional how-to information can be found in Neighbors' Reversible Two-Color Knitting, Hiatt's The Principles of Knitting, Beverly Royce's Notes on Double Knitting and the Winter 1997 issue of Interweave Knits.

Yet another possibility is to couple weaving with knitting; any number of colors can be used, but remember to work with a reversible pattern for the knit portion. One version of this is the knit-weaving technique, where dropped stitches form the warp, allowing other yarns to be woven through the fabric -- see Linda McGurn's article on this technique in Threads' Great Knits.

Alternately, yarns can be woven through a knitted fabric with slip stitches as the knitting is being done. I've used this technique in the scarf pattern below. Enjoy!

SELF-FRINGING REVERSIBLE SCARF

Materials:

• DK weight yarn, 250 yds. of the main color (MC) and 110 yds. of a contrasting color (CC).
  Note: You may use several colors in place of a single CC; 5.5 yds. of CC is needed in each Row 2 & 5.

• US size 9 (5.5 mm) needles, or size to achieve specified gauge.

Woven Dots (from Jane F. Neighbors' Reversible Two-Color Knitting):
Multiple of odd sts. Cast on with MC, turn.

Row 1: With MC -- Knit. Slide.
Row 2: With doubled CC -- Sl 1 wyib, * sl 1 wyif, sl 1 wyib; rep from *.
       Turn.
Row 3: With MC -- Knit. Turn.
Row 4: With MC -- Knit. Turn.
Row 5: With doubled CC -- Rep Row 2. Slide.
Row 6: With MC -- Knit. Turn.
Rep Rows 1-6.

Instructions: Cut CC yarn into 40 99" lengths; set aside for weaving.

With MC, cast on 251 sts and beg Woven Dots pattern stitch. Use two strands of CC for weaving in Rows 2 & 5. Do not join CC or tie to MC; instead, leave 7-8" hanging on each end of row for fringe. Cont in patt until scarf is 6" wide (10 pattern repeats), ending with Row 6. BO. Hide MC ends.

Fringe: Adjust CC strands so that fabric lies flat and there are equal lengths on yarn on each side of scarf. Tie four strand of CC together with overhand knot. Trim ends evenly to desired length.