Hands Entwined is a scarf pattern designed for Handspun Hope, an organization which employs marginalized women and widows in Rwanda. These women hand card, spin and dye organic merino, transforming it from raw wool into knittable yarn. The stacked stitch colorwork in this scarf reminds me of interlocked fingers. It tells the story of handmade materials turned into handknit goods.

All proceeds from the first year of sales will be donated to Handspun Hope
You can learn more about the organization on their website. I’ve decided to donate to this organization because of their commitment to help women by providing well paying jobs and covering healthcare and school fees for the families of women in their employ.

“The ultimate goal of the Handspun Hope initiative is to achieve economic independence for the women who work for us and sustainability for the program itself.”

They also focus on environmental sustainability, using natural dye processes and organic farming practices.

Pattern Info

The asymmetrical pattern is formed using stacked stitches, a colorwork technique which is best suited for intermediate level knitters with an understanding of increases and decreases. Video Tutorials are available for some sections of the instructions. There are also instructions to make a cowl version and a longer scarf in this motif included in the pattern.

Finished Size: 11.5” (22cm) wide and 54” (162cm) long.
Yarn: Handspun Hope Organic Merino Wool Yarn, approx. 185 yards/100g (170m/100g) per skein.
Main Color: Rich Topiary (Approx. 60g used)
Color A: Eucalyptus Bark (Approx. 100g used)
Color B: Natural (Approx. 100g used)
Color C: Onion Skin (Approx. 100g used)
Needles: Size 9 (5.5mm) 40”circular needles, or size needed to obtain gauge.
Gauge: 16 sts x 28 rows = 4 x 4” (10 x 10 cm) square in garter stitch.
Other Materials: Stitch markers, locking stitch markers in 2 colors, tapestry needle, blocking surface, pins.

Video Lessons

Weave in ends as you knit -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssZg6MrGRQA
Extra Tall Stacked Increase -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orOmONg1P2c
Wide Stacked Decrease - https://youtu.be/nRtD002XliM