The Simple Yet Versatile Scarf Recipe
by Barbara Hillery Van Elsen aka Altobarb
(this is repaired in second printing)
For some reason this part disappeared out of the book...I know it was in the first version, and am dismayed that it somehow got eaten out of the pattern. In the words of the author/designer these ARE VERY IMPORTANT WORDS....
Many humble apologies...and begging of forgiveness....
1 A mesh. In a finer yarn, sc in the corner, *ch 5, sc. Repeat from * to the end of the row, ending with sc in the other corner. Turn. *Ch 5. Sc in the ch-5 of the row below. Repeat from * to end of row. Turn. make 4 sl st into the side of the last ch-5 you made, until you are at the middle of the ch-5. Sc. *Ch 5. Sc in the ch-5 of the row below. Repeat from *. Continue this way until you have 3 ch-5 loops and end off. You can add beads, too, wherever you want.
2. Fringe. Make it the standard way—you can find directions through Google or youtube if you need a refresher. If you knot them the 60's macramé way, that will make some variety.
3. Just work in your ends and leave the rows plain. If you do this, you can work over your ends as you go and you'll really be finished when you finish your second edge row.
Other thoughts
Feel free to make your own variations on this recipe. You can change stitch, add bobbles, etc.
This also works well with double crochet stitches, but they're slightly more open than half double crochet and I like the better coverage of the hdc stitch. And with hdc, you don't have to worry about turning chains and whether to work into the first stitch or not.
Mostly, enjoy making and wearing this scarf. Again and again!