Rínce Fada is pronounced rink-ah fah-dah and means “long dance” in Irish. It is the name of a popular céilí dance involving a long column of dancers. You’ll notice the word “dance” is prominently displayed the long way ;) Mini hearts, music notes and treble clefs decorate each end and the center features a knotwork panel. Along the sides are cables, worked reversibly at the same time as the rest of the scarf (hint: 2 cable needles at the same time make this so much easier than you’d think).

I have employed the technique of 2 pattern double-knitting for this scarf. This is what makes it completely reversible, even elements like the treble clefs at each end.

Rínce Fada requires chart reading. It’s the easiest way to show exactly what is going on in the pattern. Up front warning: there are nine (yes, 9) charts, each on their own page. The charts are grouped at the end of the pattern.

Rínce Fada makes an excellent accessory for your favorite dancer. Knit it in their favorite colors or even their dance school’s colors. Instructions are included to shorten or lengthen your scarf if you’d like to customize it.

Materials

• 770 yds/704m of fingering weight wool for Main Color (MC)(sample shown in Knit Picks Palette (100% Peruvian highland wool, 50g = 231yds/ 211m) color “macaw”)
• 770 yds/704m of fingering weight wool for Contrast Color (CC)(sample shown in Knit Picks Palette (100% Peruvian highland wool, 50g = 231yds/211m) color “majestic”)
• 3.0mm/US 2 1/2 needles, or size to obtain gauge listed above, for knitting flat
• 2 cable needles
• tapestry needle

Skills/Techniques Used

• 2 pattern double-knitting
• chart reading for double-knitting
• cables in double-knitting (explained in the pattern)

Notes on color selection
Color choices are so important, and the more contrast between the two, the better the design shows up. Tried and true color combinations include: black & white, red & black, blue & gold, forest & cream.

If you’re not sure about your choices, a quick way to check is to photograph your choices next to each other using a grayscale or black & white filter. If the two appear too similar there’s likely not enough contrast to show off the design. If in doubt, a quick swatch should tell you if your choices work well.

Photos by Krista Dani Photography