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Bear Claws was designed to celebrate the 10th birthday of the stacked stitch technique and the Fox Paws pattern. This engaging striped colorwork project features a large scale flame stitch motif. The pattern is relatively simple, using only a few rows of shaping in combination with color to create a distinct claw motif.
The wavy colorwork in Bear Claws is created using stacked increases and decreases. There are no loops on the wrong side and the wrap is very stretchy and drapey. The fabric is light and airy, not dense like stranded colorwork and mosaic knitting. If you're new to stacked stitches, check out my playlist on youtube. You'll have an easier time with these stitches if you've tried increases, decreases and slipped stitches.
This pattern can be recolored in many ways, the coloring page available to anyone who wants to download it. You can use any number of colors you like, as long as they have good contrast. I recommend picking a Main Color that is not too bright or flashy in comparison to the others.
Written instructions are included in the pattern alongside a visual guide called a “stitch map.” It's not the same as a traditional chart and is meant to be used with the written pattern. The rapidly fluctuating stitch count of the stacked stitches doesn’t fit nicely into a square grid. Instead, the map uses symbols and lines that bend and flow as the rows do, as they would in a crochet chart. The primary use of the stitch map is to show how each row relates to the last and to help you find mistakes and get back on track.
Pattern Stats
Finished Size: 14 (23.75)˝ x 82 (82)˝ / [36 (60) x 208 (208) cm] rectangular scarf including fringe.
Yarn: Rowan Felted Tweed DK; 191 yards (175 meters) per 50 gram skein, 50% Merino Wool, 25% Alpaca, 25% Viscose.
Pink Scarf - 5 colors and 3 repeats wide
Main Color: Peony, 3 balls
Outer Color: Zinnia, 2 balls
Inner Color 1: Pink Bliss, 1 ball
Inner Color 2: French Mustard, 1 ball
Stripe Color: Barbara, 1 ball
Brown Wrap - 7 colors and 5 repeats wide
Main Color: Ginger, 4 balls
Outer Color 1: French Mustard, 2 balls
Inner Color 1: Stone, 2 balls
Stripe Color 1: Zinnia, 1 ball
Outer Color 2: Duck Egg, 1 ball
Inner Color 2: Watery, 1 ball
Stripe Color 2: Canary, 1 ball
Needles: Size 6 (4mm) 32˝circular needles, or size needed to obtain gauge.
Gauge: 16 sts x 36 rows = 4 x 4” (10 x 10 cm) square in garter stitch.
Other Materials: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, pins, blocking wires, blocking surface.
Video Resources:
Bear Claws Playlist
Weave in tails as you knit
General Stacked Stitch Resource Videos
Yarn for this project was provided by Rowan
