Weekend Weaving: American Snowflake Scarf

I don’t think I can think of a better project for a cold December weekend that weaving up a nice, cozy scarf, and I don’t know of a more wintery scarf than the gorgeous American Snowflake Scarf by Jan Josifek. The sweet little snowflakes woven in 6-shaft snowflake twill seem to dance along the scarf. Best of all, snowflake twill is one of those patterns that people will just assume is far more complicated than it really is. Nobody needs to know how easy (and fun) it is to weave twill unless you want them to.

Jan Josifek’s wonderful wintery American Snowflake Scarf is the perfect project to get started on a cold, December weekend.

Now this scarf might look delicate and—dare I say it—not that warm, but believe me when I tell you that the combination of wool and silk is not one to be trifled with. Years ago I wove a snowflake twill scarf for my mother using 18/2 wool/silk in both warp and weft. While the scarf was to be a birthday present, I figured I should wear it out once on a particularly chilly Colorado winter day to test it out because I am a good daughter. The scarf not only kept me plenty toasty in the wind and cold, I found I had to unwrap and loosen it when inside in the heat because it was just so warm. When it comes to keeping your neck warm, wool and silk make a formidable team.

Another reason I love this scarf is because of how easy it makes experimenting. You can play with color by weaving it as is or choosing your own palette. Weave light on dark or, for a much more subtle effect, use the same color in the warp as the weft. No matter your choice you’ll end up with a gorgeous scarf. This is also a stash-friendly project. I almost always have a few colors of 18/2 wool/silk lying around because it is so hard to say no to this soft and shimmering yarn. Some of you might have a similar stash of the 14/2 alpaca or a fine collection of both. In this particular project you can use the two types of yarn interchangeably and it will work out just fine.

My only problem with this pattern? It only makes one scarf. So my advice is that if you’re weaving this as a gift like I did, go ahead and put on enough warp for 2 scarves and make one to give and one to love. Your newly warmed neck will thank you.

Happy Weaving! Christina

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