INTRO:

This pattern is my go-to when I want to use up a single skein of interesting or variegated yarn for a gift, but be able to knit completely mindlessly. If you're looking for a first-time guide, I recommend doing 6-8 inches of garter, 6-8 rows of pattern, 8-12 rows of garter, 6-8 rows of pattern, and repeat til you run out of yarn (ending with 2-6 garter rows).

CAST ON:

Cast on 3, knit 7 rows, don't turn work, pick up 3 stitches from the top of the work, knit 3, pick up 3 stitches drom the cast on edge, knit 3, turn work.

Set up row (WS): I recommend placing markers as follows to visually break up the border and center stitches from the normal pattern:
k3 || k1 || k1 || k1 || k3

GARTER SECTIONS:

I recommend doing garter for the first 50+ rows to build up a solid amount of fabric before you experiment with adding the pattern. More garter = more solid, more pattern rows = more lacy looking. I also usually do between 8-12 rows of garter in between any given pattern section to create a striping effect.

RS: k3 || yo, k to m, yo || k1 || yo, k to m, yo || k3
WS: knit all

PATTERN SECTIONS:

(4 row repeating pattern, I typically do 6-8 rows. The most important thing is to start with RS1's beginning of row, but use the instructions for what to do before each marker from whatever RS row makes sense for where you end up.)
Instructions are RS only; All WS rows are knit all.

First half of row

RS1:
k3 || yo, k1, *(yo, k2tog) to 1 before m, yo ||
RS2:
k3 || k1, *(yo, k2tog) to 2 before m, k1, yo, k1, yo ||

Center (all rows)

slip the center marker || knit center stitch || slip second center marker

Second half of row

RS1:
|| yo, *(ssk, yo) to 1 before m, k1, yo || k3
RS2:
|| k1, yo, k1, *(yo, ssk) to m || k3

BIND OF:F

I recommend binding off on a RS row at least 2-3 garter rows after the end of your last pattern repeat. Bind off using a stretchy bind-off to maximize the flexibility of this scarf (or shawl)!