Expert: Bea Harrell - 7/4/2010

Question
QUESTION: I'm 21 and have always loved crocheting and I have two sisters ages 2 and the other 4 months. I decided that I want to make matching scarves for the 3 of us. I just don't know how big I should make each one of them at all. By the time it is close to Christmas time which I would like to finish them by, my sisters will be almost 3 years and the other one being about 10 months. I'm also not sure if it's a good idea to make a scarf for my youngest one or not. Please tell me how big I need them to be and what would be the best size hook and yarn would be to use.

ANSWER: Hey, Lisa! I hope you can read patterns! Even if you can't, I'm sending you a link to free patterns for kid's scarves, and adult scarfs. Even if you can't read the pattern you'll be able to see the number of stitches for width and length, needle size and yarn to use. Here's the link!

http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/patternFinder.fcgi?language=&store=%2Fstores%2F

Best Wishes, Bea   

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QUESTION: they're all really nice patterns and I know how to read patterns but none of them seem to say EXACTLY how wide and long for each age, only really the normal 4 in. square gauge and a lot of them seems to have large holes which does seem dangerous.  I was starting on one and I had to put it down as I went into the bathroom, I came back and her finger was already turning purple from getting it caught in the holes.  I'll just stick to a pattern I had in mind but I still need to know how wide and long to make it for their ages.

Answer
Dear Lisa:
For both sizes, the width should be 4 inchs. For ages 2 to 3, length should be 38", the smaller size should be 32". My favorite kids yarn is "Sugar & Cream" it's 100% cotton,made by the LILY co. and is soft and thick. Whatever you use, it should be "worsted weight", for winter wear.
If you need further assistance, just let me know!

Best Wishes,
Bea