Knitting a scarf lengthwise

[Think of Winter]

Is there any particular reason that scarves are always knit width-wise, other than fitting them on a needle? It always seems really inefficient to me to knit one in the usual fashion of many, many short rows instead of relatively few long rows.

I have some pretty Malabrigo silk/merino dk, and I was thinking about improvising a light, airy spring time scarf. Maybe simple garter on big needles, or a yo lace? Is it going to stretch too much length wise? Any suggestions for a pattern?

[fallriverfox]

I don't think there is any real reason except, as you say, the number of stitches on the needle. I've always liked this pattern, but I've never tried it, it may be what you're looking for.

http://strandinthehandpatterns.blogs...iad-scarf.html

Good luck, your yarn sounds yummy.

[Indigo73]

I have a made a couple lengthwise scarves including:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...ngthwise-scarf
http://www.nationalww2museum.org/ass...ttern-knit.pdf
http://allbuttonedup.files.wordpress...horizontal.pdf

[flapjack]

If you used seafoam stitch knitted lengthwise, that would kind of look like leaves....

[Think of Winter]

Thanks everyone!

Originally Posted by Indigo73

I have a made a couple lengthwise scarves including:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...ngthwise-scarf

I love this one. I'd already printed it out when I read your reply. I have tons of bits and pieces of things.

Originally Posted by flapjack

If you used seafoam stitch knitted lengthwise, that would kind of look like leaves....

That is so pretty! And it looks light and airy, just right for what I had in mind.

Originally Posted by fallriverfox

Good luck, your yarn sounds yummy.

It is so pretty and so soft. As soon as I opened my package, I wanted more.

[TortelliniMama]

Personally, I think my main reason for knitting a scarf widthwise is that I feel a sense of accomplishment every time I finish a row, and that would happen a lot less often with rows that go the entire length. Plus, since I always want to finish "one more row" before putting my knitting down, knitting a scarf lengthwise would mean that I'd go to bed later, my kids would wait longer for lunch, etc.