Gemstones, minerals and fossils are the results of Earth’s geologic processes. For example, onyx is a kind of quartz with beautiful parallel banding and is found in a variety of colors.
The Xyno scarf is an ode to colorful banding and derives its name from the word onyx spelled backwards. Xyno plays with colorways and lace patterns that alternate with small sections of stockinette in varying colors. Next to color banding, a gently fluffy mohair yarn gives some texture to the scarf, for added fun. The small bands make Xyno very suitable to customizations, so go for a short or super long scarf as you please.
It’s your turn to dig deep in your stash to unearth its hidden treasures, or to mix and match colorful left-over yarns!

For best effect, use a yarn with reasonable stitch definition and not too much fluff for the lace, in combination with a more fluffy yarn (like mohair) for the texture contrast. Yarn weights ranging from fingering to DK would be suitable. As for colorways, I would recommend solid, semi-solid, speckled, or gradient (single skein or gradient set) yarns.

Xyno is worked on the bias with two lace patterns and stripes with contrasting colors and texture. For the pattern sample, I used Fingering-weight yarns in several colorways and a Lace mohair for texture contrast and a touch of fluffiness. You can totally experiment with yarns and colors. You could use only two colors for the Fingering or more than three as you please, and combine those with a yarn with contrasting texture (like mohair). You can also use scraps although I’d recommend yarns with reasonably similar yarn weights (rather than random mix and match).

Yarns
ONION Knit Nettle Sock Yarn (Fingering, 70% Wool, 30% Nettle; 185 meters / 202 yards per 50 grams); MC: 1 ball, CC1: 1 ball, CC2: 1 ball.
Garnstudio DROPS Kid-Silk (Lace; 75% Mohair, 25% Silk; 200 meters / 218 yards per 25 grams); CC3: 1 ball
Sample uses 34 grams in color 1024 Støvet Blå (MC), 34 grams in color 1023 Blomme (CC1), 34 grams in color 1022 Marsala (CC2), 5 grams in color 1 Off White (CC3).

Needles
3 mm (US size 2.5) needles or size to obtain gauge.

Gauge
26 stitches and 36 rows = 10 cm / 4 inches in Stockinette stitch, unblocked with MC.
18 stitches and 34 rows = 10 cm / 4 inches in Stockinette stitch, blocked with MC.
17.5 stitches and 32 rows = 10 cm / 4 inches in Stitch Pattern A – Sardonyx or Stitch Pattern B – Black Onyx, blocked with MC.
Note: obtaining the gauge given is not crucial but will affect the finished size and the yardage needed.

Notions
Removable stitch markers (optional): 5 (repeat markers). Tapestry needle. Blocking pins. Blocking wires (optional).

Size
One; easily customizable.

Final measurements
Width (w): 19.5 cm / 7.75 inches, length (l): 252.5 cm / 99.5 inches.

Skill level
Basic stitches, increases, single and double decreases (knits and purls). Relatively easy to memorize stitch pattern. Patterning on odd rows only. Knitting on the bias. Elastic BO.
Video tutorials are provided for the stitches and techniques used.

Pattern notes
This pattern is worked flat and on the bias starting from the short side. Suggestions are given to customize the pattern.
Charts and written instructions are provided as well as clear video tutorials for the used stitches and techniques.

Pattern support
For questions about this pattern, please PM me on Ravelry or send me an email. Contact details are provided.

Thank you note
I’d like to send a big thank you to my truly awesome test knitters on Ravelry: AlohaGirlBC, carolfitz2, Sustaple, Southpawgrandma. Thanks a lot for your time and dedication, for helping me make this pattern even better and for showing how the pattern would look like with different yarns!

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