Stitches

Which combination of stitches in knitting uses the least amount of yarn?

I've got some wool I want to knit into a scarf - so how do you suggest I knit it? Remember 'shortage' of wool.

Public Comments

1. Lace stitches generally use the least amount of yarn, and cables use the most. In addition, garter stitch uses slightly more than stockinette. If I were you, I'd use a largish needle (for a nice drape on your fabric), and work a pattern that includes lots of yarn-overs.
2. It depends on wool/needle thickness you get less stitches out of thick wool but they knit up quicker. Lace stitches use the least wool generally but the are quite fiddly if your a new knitter I'd go with either a general stocking stitch or a rib/moss if you want a diff rent look otherwise if you are more advanced do a lace but it will take long to knit.
3. Do a simple drop stitch pattern. Cast on an even number of stitches (for width you want). Knit 4 rows garter stitch. Knit first 4 stitches and last 4 stitches on each row. The basic pattern will be knit 4, *yarn over, knit 2 together*. Repeat until you get to the last 4 stitches then knit. Knit the next row. Knit 5, *yarn over, knit 2 together* Repeat and knit last 4 stitches. This will give you a lovely simple lacy pattern. Knit the last 4 rows. by knitting the first and last 4 rows, and the first 4 and last 4 stitches, your scarf will lie flat and not curl. When you are done, wash in cold water and then block. It should be very pretty.
4. How much yarn do you have? A narrower scarf is an option, as is a lace scarf, but there are many scarves that can be made with less than 400 yards of yarn.
5. Lace does use less yarn. You can also make your yarn go further by using larger needles than suggested, but only go up one or two sizes, otherwise, your fabric won't look good. And if you do increase needle size, decrease the number of stitches in a row, because bigger needles will make bigger stiches and bigger stitches make a wider scarf. To do a scarf, I would NOT do stockingnet stitch. Used alone, stockingnet stitch curls up on itself (width wise it will curl together), which will leave you with a long cloth tube to hang around your neck. I would go with either 2x2 rib (K2P2), garter stitch (K every stitch, every row) or the drop stitch method mentioned in a previous answer, which I think makes beautiful fabric, and looks impressive but isn't hard to do. Making a thinner scarf is also a good idea, or making a cowl instead of a scarf. Good luck, and happy knitting!