“The scarf is one of the most important fashion accessories—one that can make or break an outfit,” says Nicky Epstein, author of the just-released Signature Scarves. This one, in rings of cozy wool, is definitely one for the “make” column.

When the editors asked me to do a cool scarf for this issue, I immediately went to my Knitting Over the Edge book [published by Sixth&Spring Books] and chose the Hot Wheels Scallop as my design element, because it lends itself well to festive edgework. I picked a retro blue-and-brown color combo to create the striping for the body and then alternated the colors to make the wheels. [For complete instructions, turn to page 116 of Vogue Knitting Fall 2008.] Feel free to customize your scarf with two or more of your favorite colors; I’m planning to make one as a Christmas gift for my niece in either green and red or white and red.

When you have a free moment, check out my updated website, nickyepstein.com, where I’ll be blogging about anything and everything. I’ve posted a free flower pattern on it for you.

1) After you knit the half-wheel, the knitted fabric will pucker, as shown in the photo. 2) Fold the wheel in half at the center turning ridge so that the wrong sides are facing. Sew the cast-on and bound-off edges together as shown, leaving the side edges unsewn. 3) Shown at right are finished half wheels in alternate colorways. (Note that we used a flat yarn for clarity.)

4) Once the main stockinette striped piece of the scarf is completed, fold it in half lengthwise and seam the edges together using invisible mattress stitch.	5) Sew the short, unsewn edges of the half-wheels around the scarf, working through all thicknesses, as shown.

Get this pattern and more in Vogue Knitting FALL 2008. Click here to buy.