I have something so special to share with you all today. If you're in the Marly's Minion's Facebook group then you might have already seen a sneak peek of this. It's a super scarf knitted in binary code to read #MARLYMADEMEDOIT. I can't tell you how excited I am about this. Today, I've got the pattern for you. Additionally, I have a way for you to get free access to the binary code for ALL letters, numbers, and some symbols, so that you can actually create the binary knit super scarf with any message you'd like. But first, let me tell you the story behind this pattern.
The Story of the #MARLYMADEMEDOIT Binary Code Knit Super Scarf
Earlier this year, I was having a really, really rough time. I tried to keep it all together and on track but things were rough, and I shared some of that in Marly's Minions at the time. Well, an amazing woman I know named Stephanie Menefee, who is also a tester and contractor, went out of her way to design a stunning blanket for me in binary code. Which, as you have guessed, reads #MARLYMADEMEDOIT.
Community Coming Together to Make a Blanket
The blanket is huge and cozy and beautiful. And, of course, each letter requires its own section. So a group of BiCrafty people came together to work on different parts of the blanket using Stephanie's pattern. They completed the design as a really amazing gift for me. I can't even describe how much this means to me. Even those of us who know how to knit or crochet can be awed and have our hearts warmed when people knit something just for us.
Turning It Into a Binary Knit Super Scarf
I absolutely love the blanket. As time went on, I got to thinking that a binary knit scarf would be a really cool idea as well. So, I contacted Stephanie to find out if it would be possible to create a binary code #MARLYMADEMEDOIT knit super scarf. And when I say SUPER, I mean SUPER. It's about 12 feet long and when you wrap it around yourself it is the coziest thing ever. It's like my very own Dr. Who scarf but made uniquely for me and my interests. Plus, it's made in the cozy O'Go Blanket Yarn. Received as a gift, this would truly be a hug in yarn.
Wait, What Is Binary Code?
Are you a little lost at all about what it means to knit in binary code? Stephanie explains:
Binary code is a system used in computer programming that utilizes only 0 and 1, effectively turning signals off and on. Each letter has a specific code for its binary designation. For example, “A” is the first letter, so the binary code is 01000001, B is 01000010, C is 01000011. In February of 2021, the Perseverance Rover landed on Mars and part of its landing gear was a parachute which read “Dare Mighty Things” in binary code. This parachute was part of the inspiration for this pattern. I hope you enjoy making this scarf with a “secret code”!
In other words, this is a really cool way to spell out messages without being overt. Only you and the recipient and perhaps some really observant nerdy types will know what that scarf really says.
Knitting and Crochet in Mathematics
This scarf actually continues an amazing tradition of how often knitting and crochet are used in mathematics and science. There are many mathematical principles that are so abstract that it's hard to understand them even with computer modeling. Therefore, knitters and crocheters have created 3d models that help people better understand them.
The most well-known example of this is the hyperbolic crochet figured out by Daina Taimina. This was then used by the Wertheim sister to create the huge crochet coral reef project that's gone around the globe. But you'll find that knitting and crochet have also been used to explain / demonstrate the Lorenz Manifold, the Torus, H-fractals, and hexaflexagons.
So, if you or someone you know are into nerdy things, then you can continue this tradition of knitting math with the binary code super scarf pattern. But you don't have to know anything about math or binary code to make the pattern because Stephanie has done all of that work for you.
Make The Binary Knit Super Scarf In Any Color You Want
When Stephanie made this amazing super scarf for me, I asked her to do it in colors that were close to Michigan. You all might know that my husband is a Michigan fan, and I'm an Ohio State fan, so I thought it would be a treat to wear the Michigan colors at the game … and yet it has this secret message #MARLYMADEMEDOIT. My son Caden modeled this scarf brilliantly.
That said, you can make the scarf in any colors that you want. This scarf pattern calls for the Caron O’Go Big Donut. There are five different colors in each O'Go Big Donut. It's super easy to separate out those colors thanks to the O'Go design. Therefore, you just assign a color to each letter. And with so many colorways to choose from, you really can make this in any color design that you want.
#MARLYMADEMEDOIT Binary Code Knit Super Scarf Pattern
Thanks again to Stephanie Menefee for this terrific pattern:
SKILL LEVEL
Easy
MEASUREMENTS
Scarf measures 9” (23 cm) across and 129” (328 cm) in length.
Note: For a shorter scarf, work 4 rows instead of 6 for each “bit” of each letter.
Gauge
20 sts = 4” (10 cm) in Stockinette st.
MATERIALS
Yarn
Caron O’Go Big Donut (100% acrylic, 502 yds / 459 m, 9.9 oz/280 g CYCA #4 worsted)
1 donut: Frostberry (A)
2 donuts: Blue Moon (B and C).
Note: Use the medium blue hue of this yarn for the color C Garter st dividers, and the remaining hues for color B.
Needles
Size US 8 (5mm), or size required for gauge
Notions
Stitch markers, tapestry needle
ABBREVIATIONS
K – Knit
P – Purl
PM – Place marker
RS – Right side
SLM – Slip marker
WS – Wrong side
NOTES
Each one-letter section of the Scarf is made up of 48 rows of Stockinette st with a Garter st edge. All binary-letter sections are worked the same, except that the color order of A and B will differ from section to section as indicated in the pattern. The sections are separated by 10-row Garter st dividers worked in a third color. When colors are switched, the first color is cut and the second color is joined. Tip: It might help you to see the visuals for each letter. We have created a PDF of mini-graphics for that. Find out how to get that at the end of this post.
BINARY LETTER SECTION PATTERN
Row 1 (RS): K9, PM, k27, PM, k9
Row 2 (WS): K9, SLM, p to marker, SLM, k9
Row 3 (RS): K9, SLM, k to marker, SLM, k9
Row 4 (WS): K9, SLM, p to marker, SLM, k9
Repeat Rows 3 and 4 (21) more times, changing colors as indicated in 6 row increments – 48 total rows per binary-letter color section.
SCARF
Beginning Garter Stitch Border
With C, cast on 45 sts, and knit 10 rows.
Section 1 (# symbol) Color Sequence:
A: 12 rows
B: 6 rows
A: 18 rows
B: 12 rows
Garter Stitch Divider
With C, knit 10 rows.
Section 2 (letter M) Color Sequence:
A: 6 rows
B: 6 rows
A: 12 rows
B: 12 rows
A: 6 rows
B: 6 rows
Garter Stitch Divider
With C, knit 10 rows.
Section 3 (letter A) Color Sequence:
A: 6 rows
B: 6 rows
A: 30 rows
B: 6 rows
Garter Stitch Divider
With C, knit 10 rows.
Section 4 (letter R) Color Sequence:
A: 6 rows
B: 6 rows
A: 6 rows
B: 6 rows
A: 12 rows
B: 6 rows
A: 6 rows
Garter Stitch Divider
With C, knit 10 rows.
Section 5 (letter L) Color Sequence:
A: 6 rows
B: 6 rows
A: 12 rows
B: 12 rows
A: 12 rows
Garter Stitch Divider
With C, knit 10 rows.
Section 6 (letter Y) Color Sequence:
A: 6 rows
B: 6 rows
A: 6 rows
B: 12 rows
A: 12 rows
B: 6 rows
Garter Stitch Divider
With C, knit 10 rows.
Section 7 (letter M) Color Sequence:
Repeat Section 2.
Garter Stitch Divider
With C, knit 10 rows.
Section 8 (letter A) Color Sequence: A
Repeat Section 3.
Garter Stitch Divider
With C, knit 10 rows.
Section 9 (letter D) Color Sequence: D
A: 6 rows
B: 6 rows
A: 18 rows
B: 6 rows
A: 12 rows
Garter Stitch Divider
With C, knit 10 rows.
Section 10 (letter E) Color Sequence: E
A: 6 rows
B: 6 rows
A: 18 rows
B: 6 rows
A: 6 rows
B: 6 rows
Garter Stitch Divider
With C, knit 10 rows.
Section 11 (letter M) Color Sequence:
Repeat Section 2.
Garter Stitch Divider
With C, knit 10 rows.
Section 12 (letter E) Color Sequence:
Repeat Section 10.
Garter Stitch Divider
With C, knit 10 rows.
Section 13 (letter D) Color Sequence:
Repeat Section 9.
Garter Stitch Divider
With C, knit 10 rows.
Section 14 (letter O) Color Sequence:
A: 6 rows
B: 6 rows
A: 12 rows
B: 24 rows
Garter Stitch Divider
With C, knit 10 rows.
Section 15 (letter I) Color Sequence:
A: 6 rows
B: 6 rows
A: 12 rows
B: 6 rows
A: 12 rows
B: 6 rows
Garter Stitch Divider
With C, knit 10 rows.
Section 16 (letter T) Color Sequence:
A: 6 rows
B: 6 rows
A: 6 rows
B: 6 rows
A: 6 rows
B: 6 rows
A: 12 rows
Ending Garter Stitch Border
With C, knit 10 rows.
Bind off all sts.
FINISHING
Block Scarf flat.
Weave in all loose ends.
Add Your Project to Ravelry!
If you are making this pattern or plan on making one, why not favorite this pattern and queue it up on Ravelry 🙂
Create Any Message That You Want on a Binary Knit Super Scarf!
While I'll be thrilled if all of you are walking around out there this winter with a #MARLYMADEMEDOIT binary code knit super scarf, you can actually make the scarf say anything that you want. And, as aforementioned, the array of colors available with the Caron O’Go Big Donut allows you to personalize your piece through color as well.
Super Special Secret Messages For Others
This makes for a super cool gift. Maybe it's for someone you know who is into coding. But also maybe it's just to send a secret message to someone. For example, if you have a child that could really use a scarf that says “Mom Loves You” but would be embarrassed to wear that at school, then you could create it in binary code and explain that only you and they know what the message is.
You could also give a secret message to your sweetheart. Or a meaningful message to someone who is having a hard time – think of it as a version of a prayer scarf, for example. Or it could be simpler than that – one scarf for each of your kids with their own names on it. There are so many ways to use binary code to create a OOAK knit super scarf for people you care about.
Affirmations and Messages for Yourself
And don't forget about yourself! Do you start the year off with an intention or “word of the year?” Knit that right into a super scarf for yourself in binary code. Any affirmation or even any cheeky thought that would make you smile during the day and yet no one else would know why is a great choice for a binary knit super scarf.
How to Create Your Own Phrase for a Binary Knit Super Scarf
All you need to know in order to create your own message is what the code is for each letter of the alphabet. And guess what? We've created that for you! We have a PDF that shows you the binary code for all of the letters of the alphabet in both uppercase and lowercase versions. It also includes numbers, more than half a dozen symbols, and how to create a space between words.
Gift for you – Get the PDF Download FREE!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Binary Code Knit Super Scarf?
This is one of Marly Bird's most creative and community-driven projects! The Binary Code Super Scarf is a very long knitted scarf that encodes a message in binary (the 1s and 0s of computer language) using different stitch patterns to represent 1s and 0s. The project was a community challenge (#marlymademedoit) where participants knitted their own version of the message. It's a beautiful collision of technology, language, and craft… a knitted scarf that carries a hidden text message only visible to people who can read binary code.
How does binary code work in a knitting pattern?
Binary code uses sequences of 1s and 0s to represent letters and numbers… each letter of the alphabet has an 8-bit binary representation. In the knit super scarf, two different stitch patterns represent 1 and 0… switching between them according to the binary sequence spells out a message that's invisible to most viewers but readable to anyone who knows binary. It's a beautiful concept for making something with a “secret language” embedded in the fabric. Very clever and very nerdy in the best possible way!
Is this pattern accessible to non-technical knitters?
Yes! You don't need to understand binary code to knit the pattern… you just follow the sequence as written, alternating between two stitch patterns as instructed. The binary encoding is done for you in the pattern. That said, the project is a lot more fun if you know what message you're encoding. You could even use an online binary translator to encode your own custom message and create a personalized version! The knitting itself uses basic stitches… the technical cleverness is in the concept, not the execution.
Why is it called a “super” scarf?
Because it's very long! Encoding a meaningful message in binary requires a lot of bits… which means a lot of rows of knitting. A binary code scarf that encodes a full sentence is genuinely quite long. “Super scarf” is an apt description for a scarf that wraps multiple times, creates dramatic visual stripes from the stitch pattern changes, and carries a secret message in every row. It's a commitment project… but the conversation it starts when you tell people “there's a hidden message in this scarf” is absolutely priceless.
Can I adapt this concept to crochet?
Absolutely! The binary encoding concept works in any craft where you can create two distinct visual “states” that alternate according to a sequence. In crochet, alternating between two stitch textures (like single crochet for 0 and half double crochet for 1), two colors, or front loop vs. back loop would all work. The visual appearance would be different from the knitted version, but the hidden message concept translates perfectly. This is actually a fantastic BiCrafty project… make a matching binary code knit and crochet pair!
