Carbon nanotubes are tiny structures of carbon atoms bound together in a honeycomb lattice which is rounded into a cylinder. This scarf mimics molecular models of carbon nanotubes, using tension from appropriately placed sets of slipped stitches to create a hexagonal tiling.

The main elements of this pattern were adapted from similar designs by Anne Campbell (Circle Socks) and Melinda Peiserich (Matanuska Eternity scarf), both available for free on Ravelry.

This pattern is suitable for beginners. However, the final step, joining the scarf’s ends with reverse Kitchener stitch in-the-round, is quite challenging. I encourage any knitter, especially beginners, to practice the reverse Kitchener stitch on a practice project (I recommend knitting a few headbands) before joining the scarf.

This project is the first of a series Carbon Fiber Knits. Each of these knitting projects will resemble a famous carbon material studied in modern science and engineering research. For those interested in learning more about the science, I will include a brief, non-technical introduction to the science of the carbon material in the pattern as well as a story about its discovery. (Coming soon in the next draft of the pattern!)

I dedicate Carbon Fiber Knits to the memory of my grandmother Millie Dresselhaus, the “Queen of Carbon” science and my grandfather Gene Dresselhaus.