Ulukayn by Yigitcan / Pufido

Craft: Knitting

Ulukayn (original Turkish name: Ulukayın) is the tree of life in Turkish mythology. It is at the very center of the earth, the underworld and the sky. Its branches hold up the sky. Its roots penetrate all layers of the earth and extend to the underground ocean. It pierces the sky and rises to unknown heights. This mythologic tree is reimagined in a skinny scarf, constructed with travelling slip stitches and Nupps.

Materials:

2 skeins Spiral Grain Light Worsted (C1) & 1 skein Harvest Fingering (C2), shown in Weeping Willow as C1 & Grape Leaf as C2

Dimensions:

78.75”/200 cm length, 4.75”/12 cm width

Needle:

US 4 / 3.50 mm circular or straight needles (any length to accommodate stitches); or size needed to obtain gauge

Notions:

Tapestry needle, cable needle (optional)

Gauge:

33 st x 44 row Branches chart measures 4.25”/11 cm x 5.25”/12.5 cm, wet blocked

Skill level:

Intermediate

Techniques:

Travelling slip stitches, crossed stitches, Garter stitch, Estonian Nupps, I-cord edges

Construction Notes:

Ulukayn is a skinny scarf starting from the tip with a small number of stitches and expanding with increases. The work continues straight with a consistent stitch count. Stitches are decreased for the final tip to mirror the starting shape.

The tree motif (Ulukayın motif) is created with travelling slip stitches while Estonian Nupps embellish the branches.

The pattern has 3 sections: Roots, Branches and Crown. Colors alternate every other row and C1 stitches are slipped to form the tree motif.