





PATTERNS



The original scarf was probably somewhat light DK wool and wool blends, but sport, DK and light worsted will work fine. There is no reason to alter the pattern unless you knit rather loosely or quite tightly.



Choose the worsted or the aran pattern for heavier yarn. These are calculated to the most common gauges suggested on the labels of manufacturers. Fuller worsted hardly looks any different at around 84 percent the row count, but I don't recommend aran weight. The scarf will lack drape and look more like one of your gran's afghans than a professional garment, but it will do if you need a scarf in a hurry.

The original scarf measured approximately 12 feet (blocked, not including tassels) for its screen debut. Despite the loss of a grey stripe, it continued to stretch to something around 14 feet for its tenure in Season 12. It must have been around 6 stitches per inch wide and 8 rows per inch long. DK on a US #5 produces this gauge exactly for me, but I won't recommend a specific needle size. You will find knitting and blocking a swatch in your choice of yarn the best way to determine the right needle size as both your tension on the yarn and the needle size determine the gauge. Take a little time to experiment.

For convenience, the second page of the patterns includes garter ridge counts. A garter ridge is simply two rows, but they are much easier to count as you're knitting.

THE STUNT DUPLICATE



A stunt/duplicate version of the scarf was also created that was later used as the primary scarf and ultimately became half of the super-long scarf starting in Season 16. It is ostensibly smaller than the original and has some subtle differences in the pattern. It's narrower at only 60 stitches. For the most authentic replica of this particular scarf, I recommend switching to smaller needles to make a smaller finished size. The colors are very slightly different, though this could be due to differing amounts of wear and fading compared to the original. As it is today, the purple and gold are a tad brighter and more saturated, the brown is a tad lighter, the tan is less saturated, and the red is a wee bit darker. A color guide might be added later.

BLOCKING

More about this will be added to the knitting tips section, but for now a little advice. You might be finished knitting only to find that your scarf is much shorter than you imagined. Don't panic! Pure wool will stretch 40 to 50 percent with the wet blocking technique. When knitting the original scarf (Season 12.5), I end up with a strip measuring 11-12 inches wide and about 8 feet long. After blocking, it measures 10-11 inches wide and about 12 feet long, which is right on target for that version, which will stretch even more with wear. See this photo for an example of what you might get.

Blocking will make your replica much more authentic looking. The original and duplicate/stunt version of the scarf might not have been intentionally blocked, but they were definitely wetted and stretched (more like mishandled and stretched to their limits if the pronounced ribbing is anything to go by).

TASSELS (11/21/2013)

The number of tassels changed as the scarf was damaged and repaired, but it started out with 12 (proven by a photo at last!). By Season 13, the now gold end of the scarf still had 12 tassels, but I haven't quite nailed down the number for Season 14. The stunt duplicate has 11 tassels. Tassel instructions are planned to be added to the knitting tips section.

TO SLIP OR NOT TO SLIP?

The original scarf definitely has a slipped stitch edge. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. The duplicate/stunt version of the Season 13 scarf does not. It's a little difficult to discern the edge of the original in the small publicity photo at right, but the lack of slipped stitches on the back of the duplicate scarf is easy to spot as diagonal loops over the edge where the rows change color.

I prefer to slip the last stitch of each row knit-wise as it neatens the edge and can help hide color joins.

COLORS (10/28/2018)

Pantone colors and yarn swatches were evaluated directly against the Shada scarf to make these color selections. The colors presented do not to significantly vary from the Shada scarf in its present state and do not make the subtle distinctions between the original and stunt portions (possibly something to do later). I do not believe that it has enough wear or fading to really be concerned about. The intensity of new yarn is generally enough of a fix. This choice is reinforced by a comparison to the Today Promotions scarves, the reference for which is believed to have been the actual stunt duplicate. Those scarves are wool blend and still match the real thing very closely, which suggests that the Shada scarf is fairly stable despite its history of wear.

Keep in mind that print and fiber are quite different. Matching to coated Pantone chips is probably better due to the reflectivity and depth of color that yarn exhibits. Color matching will never be exact even with guidance, and it's virtually impossible to match how the scarf appeared in the 1970s. You might find these colors dark - especially the tan. Studio lighting and video recording often made the scarf seem lighter than it is. The hues in photographs also tend to wander. Perhaps the trickiest color is the grey. If often appears bluish in photographs, but it is a very warm grey bordering on a deep taupe with a hint of purple. See the example of the Shada scarf today as it appears with some sunlight and in typical artificial light. Quite a difference isn't it?

These free Behr paint chips found in hardware stores also make a pretty good guide. Compared to Pantone, they will all be a little light (except the grey).

red

green

gold

tan

brown

purple

grey PPU2-16 Fire Cracker

N300-7 Mayan Ruins

M260-7 Back to School

S240-5 Poncho

S210-7 October Leaves

S120-7 Fine Wine

N530-7 Private Black

You can always compare yarn to commonly found red bell pepper (to be replaced with a better example soon), Bosc pear, turmeric, roasted peanuts, tarnished copper coins, red onion and steel wool. Vegetables and coins will vary, but these will put you in the right direction. Click to enlarge.

So how were these colors identified? Mostly with great assistance from Chris Brimelow, owner of the original Shada scarf and creator of doctorwhoscarf.com. On his site, Chris has published yarn recommendations but never Pantone colors. Chris very kindly evaluated swatches that were sent to him against the scarf and sought new yarn choices on his own to update his recommendations as well as knit new scarf replicas. The weakest part of his prior recommendations had been the lack of a wool choice for green, which I serendipitously supplied amongst the swatch candidates. Though the Shada scarf has faded, we decided not to significantly vary from the colors of the scarf in its present state as Chris and I do not believe that it has changed enough to really be concerned about. Also, the Today Promotions scarf manufacturer is believed to have borrowed the actual stunt duplicate as a reference. Those replicas are wool blend and match the real thing very closely, which implies that the Shada scarf is actually quite stable despite its history of wear. The Pantone colors presented on this site are one degree removed from actually placing Pantone chips next to the Shada scarf under technical lighting. This is subject to change if Chris decides to do this himself. Matching colors to the best current yarn selections will have to suffice for now. Color matching will never be exact even with guidance, and it's virtually impossible to match how the scarf appeared in the 1970s. You might find these colors dark - especially the tan. Studio lighting and video recording often made the scarf seem lighter than it is. The hues in photographs also tend to wander. Less about color research...

100% WOOL RECOMMENDATIONS (07/21/2016)

Both single brand profiles and compatible combinations are presented here. They have been tested for reliable gauge and blocking. Best colors are highlighted, and problem areas are noted. Recently manufactured lots from each brand are occasionally checked to ensure that colors and quality are the same. Notice that some choices will change rank or disappear.

Manufacturers often seem to arbitrarily label the gauge of their yarn. They are not to be trusted. The reality is that there are many incremental gauges to say the least of the differing textures and number of plies. This creates further headaches for those of us who like to mix brands, but the updated suggestions are refined to new categories for easier compatibility.

You will find some yarn choices appearing in more than one category. There is a little wiggle room in the gauge of these, but you should not experience any radical differences.

DK Combo (07/21/2016)

The resulting fabric with DK weight has excellent drape. Jamieson's is relatively expensive, and color subs are required. Stick to the original or duplicate pattern for these. Though technically sport weight, Knit Picks gauges the same as the others in this combo.

red 1

red 2

red 3

green 1

green 2

gold 1

gold 2

tan 1

tan 2

brown

purple 1

purple 2

grey 1

Jamieson's Shetland DK

Jamieson's Shetland DK

Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Sport

Jamieson's Shetland DK

Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Sport

Jamieson's Shetland DK

Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Sport

Jamieson's Shetland DK

Dale of Norway Falk

Jamieson's Shetland DK

Rauma 3-ply Strikkegarn

Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Sport

Dale of Norway Falk 462 Ginger (brighter)

578 Rust (darker for Stunt Dupe)

25284 Saffron

429 Old Gold (vivid but fine)

25280 Thyme (too green but good)

425 Mustard

25654 Turmeric

337 Oatmeal

2642 Sandlewood (a bit taupe)

1190 Burnt Umber (too orange)

141 Red Violet

25662 Currant (earthy hue)

2671 Dark Taupe (slightly light, hue off a bit)

Light Worsted Combo (09/16/2013)

These choices are very much light worsted - nearly DK weight. Note that Cascade 220 Superwash pills and felts a bit, but this failure makes it compatible with the plain wool in this combo. Stick to the original pattern for this combination.

red

green

gold

tan 1

tan 2

brown 1

brown 2

purple

grey Cascade 220 Superwash

Universal Deluxe Worsted

Universal Deluxe Worsted

Universal Deluxe Worsted

Cascade 220 Superwash

Knit Picks Wool of the Andes

Plymouth Galway Worsted

Cascade 220 Superwash

Universal Deluxe Worsted 823 Burnt Orange (brighter choice)

12181 Bronze Brown

12182 Gold Spice

41138 Brown Sugar (very slightly brownish)

1961 Camel (a tiny bit dark)

23893 Amber Heather

753 Burnished Gold Heather (too ginger)

880 Marionberry

12172 Dark Crystal (cooler hue than required)

Cascade 220 Superwash (07/21/2016)

This single brand has improved its representation of the overall color scheme in a washable yarn with the addition of a workable green. Stick to the original pattern for this brand. If you're not concerned about it being washable, you can substitute choices from the Light Worsted Combo.

red

green

gold

tan

brown

purple

grey 823 Burnt Orange

818 Mocha

853 Ginger Peach

1961 Camel

1920 Pumpkin Spice

880 Marionberry

816 Gray

terrific

too brown but still pretty good

low contrast with tan

a tiny bit dark

too red

perfect, but recent lots are reportedly bluer

more neutral than warm, not bad

Worsted Wool (11/16/2015)

These mix with no significant difference in gauge between brands - certainly nothing than can't be evened out when blocking. There's a hit for every single color, but red and grey could be better. This will work for the original pattern, but the result will be thick. Better drape will result from using the worsted pattern.

red

green

gold 1

gold 2

tan 1

tan 2

brown 1

brown 2

purple 1

purple 2

grey Knit Picks Wool of the Andes

Knit Picks Wool of the Andes

Knit Picks Wool of the Andes

Cascade 220

Rowan Pure Wool Worsted

Plymouth Galway Worsted

Knit Picks Wool of the Andes

Plymouth Galway Worsted

Cascade 220

Plymouth Galway Worsted

Knit Picks Wool of the Andes 23896 Firecracker Heather (heathered, too cool)

24066 Thyme

25651 Turmeric

2415 Sunflower (a bit dull, low contrast with tan)

104 Toffee

155 Beige

23893 Amber Heather

753 Burnished Gold Heather (too ginger)

9572 Cabernet

092 Eggplant

25073 Bramble Heather (heathered)

Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted (11/16/2015)

This yarn is great for wool on a budget and is the best I can recommend for beginners (much easier than acrylic). This will work for the original pattern, but the result will be thick. Better drape will result from using the worsted pattern. The color concessions are very minor - great palette when sticking to a single brand of wool. You can substitute any choices from the Worsted Wool Mixed Combo or Cascade 220.

red

green

gold

tan

brown

purple

grey 23896 Firecracker Heather

24066 Thyme

25651 Turmeric

25072 Almond

23893 Amber Heather

24647 Currant

25073 Bramble Heather

heathered, too cool

perfect

perfect

a bit light but perfect hue

perfect if very slightly too red

too red, a bit earthy

heathered and very slightly too light

ACRYLIC RECOMMENDATIONS (07/16/2015)

Low cost and easy care can be had with acrylic, but not in a single brand. Stay tuned for sport options.

DK (07/15/2015)

This is as good as it gets in acrylic using the original pattern. Many of these options have UK-friendly shipping options. Note that the sport weight and DK yarns in this combo gauge the same in spite of their labels. It's all very compatible.



red 1

red 2

green

gold 1

gold 2

tan 1

tan 2

brown 1

brown 2

purple 1

purple 2

grey

Knit Picks Brava Sport

Stylecraft Special DK

Sirdar Hayfield Bonus DK

Stylecraft Special DK

Sirdar Hayfield Bonus DK

Knit Picks Brava Sport

Stylecraft Special DK

Knit Picks Brava Sport

King Cole Big Value DK

Knit Picks Brava Sport

Stylecraft Special DK

Stylecraft Special DK 133 Paprika

1029 Copper (too rust)

792 Moss Green (too green but very good)

1790 Gold (excellent)

01613 Pumpkin (excellent)

26371 Almond (a bit light but perfect hue)

1420 Camel (a bit golden and saturated)

26376 Brindle (excellent)

037 Taupe (a bit mocha and mousy)

26378 Currant (too red, a bit earthy)

1035 Burgundy (marginally redder than purple 1)

1063 Graphite (neutral but light)

Worsted (10/28/2018)

If you knit tightly and are skilled at steam-blocking, these will work with the original pattern, but the result will be thick and could lack drape. A few of these are also in the aran options below, but there is some wiggle room in the yarn weight.



red 1

gold

green

tan 1

tan 2

brown 1

brown 2

purple 1

purple 2

grey 1

grey 2 Knit Picks Brava Worsted

Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn

Bernat Satin

Bernat Satin

Red Heart Soft Yarn

Red Heart Soft Yarn

Knit Picks Brava Worsted

Red Heart Soft Yarn

Knit Picks Brava Worsted

Lion Brand Vanna's Choice

Red Heart Soft Yarn 25719 Paprika

156 Sungold (a little thick)

4606 Dark Gold (a little intense)

04011 Sable

9388 Wheat (a bit light)

1882 Toast

25721 Brindle (excellent)

3729 Grape

25720 Currant

125 Taupe (it's warm grey, a little thick)

9010 Charcoal (not warm enough)

Aran (10/28/2018)

These are easy to find. Depending on your gauge, the full worsted or aran pattern will be best for this combo.



red 1

red 2

green

gold

tan

brown

purple

grey

Lion Brand Vanna's Choice

Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn

Bernat Super Value

Loops & Threads Impeccable

Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn

Lion Brand Vanna's Choice

Lion Brand Vanna's Choice

Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn

133 Brick

152 Terra Cotta

53606 Gingerbread (a little intense)

01613 Gold

797 Light Taupe

124 Toffee

148 Burgundy (a little red)

365 Graphite



WOOL BLEND RECOMMENDATIONS (07/15/2015)

This combination has returned due to new colors. This could be a great option for wash and wear without the shine of acrylic.

Worsted (07/21/2016)

The two brands are actually the same yarn. These will work for the worsted pattern or the aran pattern.

red

green

gold

tan

brown

purple

grey Patons Decor

Plymouth Encore Worsted

Plymouth Encore Worsted

Patons Decor

Plymouth Encore Worsted

Plymouth Encore Worsted

Plymouth Encore Worsted 87532 Rustic

6002 Rimouski (a bit light, lightly heathered)

460 Golden Glow (a little bright)

87631 Taupe

1445 Burnished Heather

468 Phlox

6001 Raccoon (lightly heathered)

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