UPDATED November 2024: Scarf name and instructions are updated

The name of the scarf will be updated once I come with a name for the stitch I created because as fate would have it (sheerly by a left-hand knitter like myself mistake) the intended stitch, Fisherman stitch was not done right. It was suppose to The Half Fishermen stitch and gosh-darn-it if I did not get that wrong too. So it is a new and yet to be named stitch. Ha ha

This is a custom design infinity scarf for a friend. It can also be worn as a cowl or hood. The fabric has a nice stretch as well. I plan on writing a pattern for it. A matching beanie was also knit but not shown in the photos.

I will write a pattern for this scarf and update this project with it. However, it is not that hard at all. DONE!

I cast enough even number of stitches (for example 30) stitches to work like the stitch is almost resembles; Half Fishermen stitch using a German Long tail cast on. I find a stretchy cast on work best for any ribbing type stitch like this because if a non-stretchy cast on is used, the end of the scarf tend to drawn in an tighter than the rest of the scarf making it hard to graft the end. Also a provisional cast can be used to make grafting easier for those who can do Kitchener stitch bind off. However, I would recommend using a larger size knitting needle (1 or 2 sizes) because using the same size needle for the provisional cast on leave tight stitches to work with later when grafting the cast on edge and bind off edges together. If you prefer to just make a regular scarf and not an infinity one where the two ends are connected, just like the cast on, a stretchy bind-off should be use here too.

**** PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS FOR ANITA’S Backloop Fisherman Stitch Scarf ****
Cast on even number of stitches (preferably 30 stitches or more even number) is what I cast on to have a nice wide scarf you could also cover your head (see photo)
Prep row: Purl all stitches.
Row 1 P1, Knit into the stitch below, repeat from to last 2 stitches, P2. Turn
Row 2: Slip the first stitch as if to knit with the yarn held in front, Knit into the back of the knit loop (NOT the front as typically done when doing a knitting stitch). Knit across all stitches. Turn
Row 3: Slip the first stitch as if to K with yarn held in front, P1, knit into the stitch below, repeat from to last stitch, k1. Turn
Repeat rows 2 and 3 until desired length, ending with a row side row (knit row should be the last row). For infinity scarf shown here. I used two skeins of yarn to determine the length so the amount of yarn may vary how long your finished infinity scarf will be when done. If you prefer a certain length; measure it before grafting the seam. You should still have live stitches (unwork/knit) on the needle.
Finish: With the knitting needles still on, block using a steam setting on a iron held just above the yarn but not touching it. Let air dry completely. Only stretch the scarf for blocking wide enough show the purl row but NOT completely, the finish scarf should still have some stretch to it like any other rib stitch. Once the scarf is dry, use your prefer method to seam the cast on edge and last row together. If a provisional cast on was use to start, use a Kitchener stitch to graft provisional edge to last row. There are other various way to graft the two ends. There is even an easy crochet that is far less complicated than the Kitchener stitch. It is basically how you want the finish seam to look (seamless or not).
Note: If a multicolored yarn is used like this camouflage color, as long as the stitches are kept loose, any seam finish will be fine and will not show much. However, if a self striping or a solid color, you may want to consider a finish that is more clean (less visible) and creates a seamless look to merge the rib stitches. The white scarf is knit with a German longtail cast on and the last row was work into the cast on edge similar to Kitchener stitch with live stitches off the needle. The seam does show as seen but It did not really matter that it was not seamless.****

You can see the seams (or try, it maybe hard to see the seam in camouflage scarf) in the last four images showing the wrong side and right side of both infinity scarves.