Sand Stitch Necktie

This trendy textured tie is a satisfying beginner knit and will elevate the style
of whomever wears it. In order to keep the straight tie look uninterrupted, the
decreases are worked in two short sections which are hidden in the knot and the
collar. The rest is worked in alternating knits and purls and a simple four row
repeat.

Materials:
225-245 yards fingering weight wool/silk blend yarn
(pictured is in Valley Yarns Charlemont -Fawn)
US #2 2.75 mm dpns or size needed to get gauge
Notions:
stitch marker, darning needle
Gauge:
33 stitches 42 rows per 4 inches for Sand Knit Stitch

Pattern:
Using Judy’s Magic Cast on, cast on 40 stitches, 20 on each needle, as you work
the first round arrange onto three needles. I prefer to divide the first 20 stitches
on two needles, and keep the last 20 stitches together on one needle. These
stitches will make up the front of the tie and will look much more even and
finished if they are not divided. Place a stitch marker to mark the end of the
round if desired.

Work the first 4 rounds in stockinette stitch

Sand Stitch (see last page for chart)

Row 1: *k1, p1* to end of round
Row 2: knit round
Row 3: *p1, k1* to end of round
Row 4: knit round

Repeat Patt. for 190 rounds or until tie is approximately 18.5 inches or 47 cm
long. On the final repeat do not work Row 4.
First Decrease Section

*ssk, k18 k2tog* repeat once

*p1, k1* to end of round
knit round
*k1, p1* to end of round
*ssk, k16, k2tog* repeat once
*k1, p1* to end of round
knit round
*p1, k1* to end of round
*ssk, k14, k2tog* repeat once
*p1, k1* to end of round
knit round
*k1, p1* to end of round
*ssk, k12, k2tog* repeat once
knit round

Resume Sand Stitch starting with Row 1

Repeat for 44 rows or until tie is approximately 23.5 inches (60 cm) long
On final repeat do not work Row 4

Second Decrease Section

*ssk, k10 k2tog* repeat once
*p1, k1* to end of round
knit round
*k1, p1* to end of round
*ssk, k8, k2tog* repeat once
*k1, p1* to end of round
knit round
*p1, k1* to end of round
knit round

Resume Sand Stitch starting with Row 1

Repeat for 296 rounds or until tie is approximately 50.5 inches or 128.5 cm long
(Pattern Note: The tie will stretch around the back of the collar when it is tied so
it may seem like the tail is too short until it is worn. If you have used a yarn with
little stretch to it you may want to compensate by adding 2-3 inches to the last
section.)

Work 4 rounds in stockinette stitch

Arrange the stitches onto two needles so all the stitches for the front of the tie are
on one and all of the stitches for the back of the tie are on the other. Finish with
kitchener stitch.

Sand Stitch Chart