The Fourth Doctor, portrayed by Tom Baker, is instantly recognizable not just for his sonic screwdriver and jelly babies, but perhaps most famously for his incredibly long and colorful scarf. This iconic accessory has become synonymous with the character and Doctor Who itself, capturing the imagination of fans for generations. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or crocheter, a dedicated cosplayer, or simply a fan wanting to connect with a piece of television history, recreating the Fourth Doctor’s scarf is a rewarding and engaging project.
Decoding the Colors: The Original Fourth Doctor Scarf Palette
The original BBC scarf, the one that started it all, featured a distinctive and somewhat debated color palette. While there isn’t a single definitive list, the generally accepted colors are: Purple, Camel, Mustard, Rust, Grey, Greenish brown, and Bronze. These weren’t just random hues; they were carefully chosen to create a visually striking and memorable accessory that perfectly complemented the Fourth Doctor’s eccentric and bohemian style.
It’s important to note that the scarf wasn’t static throughout Tom Baker’s tenure. Several variations appeared across different seasons, each with subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) differences in length, width, and stripe patterns. For the purist, understanding these variations is key to achieving an accurate recreation.
A Scarf for Every Season: Length and Stripe Variations
The length of the Fourth Doctor’s scarf became almost as legendary as the colors. It famously grew to an astonishing length over time, becoming a character in its own right. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate lengths and stripe counts for different seasons, offering a guide for those aiming for screen accuracy:
- Season 18: The longest of them all, estimated around 20 feet, with some claiming up to 26 feet! Interviews suggest about 282 stripes in this behemoth scarf.
- Season 15: Still impressively long, ranging from 15 to 20 feet and featuring approximately 66 stripes.
- SHADA: Just under 20 feet long including tassels, with around 87 stripes. This scarf is unique due to its composite nature, incorporating elements from earlier scarves.
- Seasons 16-17: A slightly shorter version at around 18 feet, boasting a substantial 88 stripes.
- Season 12: Starting at about 12 feet and stretching to approximately 14 feet over time, with around 53 stripes.
- Season 12.5: A slightly shrunk version of Season 12, a little shorter than 12 feet and featuring 52 stripes (due to a grey section being removed).
- Season 13: Around 11 feet long, with approximately 47 stripes. This length is considered more manageable for everyday wear.
- Season 14: The shortest of the main scarves at approximately 9 feet, featuring 44 stripes.
These measurements are approximations, based on observations and interviews. Factors like stretching and shrinkage over time, as well as variations between different scarves used for filming, contribute to the slight inconsistencies.
Width Considerations: Finding Your Perfect Scarf Size
While length is a defining characteristic, the width of the Fourth Doctor’s scarf is also important. Official knitted scarves are generally estimated to be around 10-12 inches wide. However, personal preference and practicality can come into play.
For those living in warmer climates or desiring a less bulky scarf, a narrower width of 6-10 inches, as chosen by many crafters, can be more comfortable and wearable. Osgood’s scarf, a more recent tribute, appears to be noticeably narrower than the original S13 scarf, perhaps half the width, suggesting a more modern and streamlined take on the classic design.
Yarn Selection: Bringing the Colors to Life
Choosing the right yarn is crucial for recreating the look and feel of the Fourth Doctor’s scarf. Acrylic yarns are a popular and practical choice, being readily available, affordable, and easy to care for. However, wool or wool blends offer a more authentic texture and warmth, closer to the original materials.
When selecting yarn, consider the weight. Worsted weight and DK weight yarns are commonly used for scarf projects, offering a good balance between thickness and drape. Referencing yarn weight categories from organizations like the Craft Yarn Council can be helpful in understanding yarn thickness and choosing appropriate substitutes if specific yarns are discontinued.
Color Palette Deep Dive: Yarn Suggestions by Color
Finding exact color matches can be a fun challenge. Here are some popular yarn suggestions, categorized by color, for recreating the iconic stripes, keeping in mind that yarn availability changes over time:
- Purple: For a rich purple, consider Knit Picks Brava Worsted Currant or Vanna’s Choice Burgundy (Aran). For a bluer purple, especially for the SHADA scarf, Vanna’s Choice Purple is a good option.
- Camel (Tan): I Love This Yarn Light Taupe is a frequently recommended choice. Knit Picks Brava Sport Almond or Stylecraft Special DK Camel offer DK weight alternatives.
- Mustard (Gold): Bernat Gypsy Gold, I Love This Yarn Sungold, or Loops and Threads Impeccable Gold capture the mustardy yellow hue. Stylecraft Special DK Gold is a good DK weight option.
- Rust (Red/Terra Cotta): Knit Picks Brava Worsted Paprika, Vanna’s Choice Brick (Aran), and I Love This Yarn Terra Cotta (Aran) provide a range of rust tones. For DK weight, Knit Picks Brava Sport Paprika or Stylecraft Special DK Copper are suitable.
- Grey: Vanna’s Choice Taupe (a deep brown-grey) is a popular choice. Vanna’s Choice Charcoal or Stylecraft Special DK Graphite offer truer grey shades. Knit Picks Brave Sport Cobblestone Heather is a good DK alternative if graphite is unavailable.
- Greenish Brown (Green): Bernat Waverly Bark (discontinued but ideal) or Bernat Super Value Gingerbread (Aran) offer greenish-brown tones. Sirdar Hayfield Bonus DK Moss Green or Stylecraft Special DK Khaki are DK options. Bernat Satin Dark Gold can also work for a thinner, shinier yarn.
- Bronze (Brown): Vanna’s Choice Toffee (Aran) and Knit Picks Brava Worsted Brindle capture the bronze-brown shade. Knit Picks Brava Sport Brindle or King Cole Big Value DK Taupe are DK alternatives.
For a thinner, shinier acrylic option, Red Heart Soft and Bernat Satin yarns in coordinating colors can be used. Remember to check resources like doctorwhoscarf.com and the Stitches in Time Facebook group for the most up-to-date and screen-accurate yarn suggestions.
scarf yarn kit
Crochet or Knit? Stitch Choices and Adaptations
While the original Fourth Doctor scarves were knitted, crocheting offers a fantastic alternative for those who prefer the hook over needles. When adapting knit patterns for crochet, it’s important to understand the difference in row/ridge counts. A knitted row (in garter stitch) involves two passes, whereas a crochet row is a single pass. Therefore, a crochet row is roughly equivalent to a knit ridge.
Popular crochet stitches for recreating the scarf include single crochet and double crochet. Single crochet creates a denser fabric, while double crochet offers more drape. For a knit-like texture in crochet, explore the Tunisian knit stitch or split single crochet (split extended single crochet). Kim Guzman’s video demonstration of the Tunisian knit stitch is a valuable resource for those seeking this knitted look in crochet.
When using knit patterns, pay attention to whether they specify rows or ridges. For beginners, Gene at doctorwhoscarf.com offers patterns with measurements in inches, simplifying the adaptation process. Remember that your personal gauge (rows per inch) will depend on your hook/needle size, yarn, and tension.
Beyond Tom Baker: Scarves of the Doctor Who Universe
While the Fourth Doctor’s scarf is the most iconic, other characters within the Doctor Who universe have also sported variations or similar styles:
- Romana II: In “Destiny of the Daleks,” Romana II briefly wears a Fourth Doctor-esque scarf while experimenting with different looks. Her scarf has subtle color variations. A pattern for the Romana scarf is available on doctorwhoscarf.com. She also wore a long cream-colored silk scarf in the same episode.
- Osgood: The UNIT scientist Osgood famously wears a scarf reminiscent of the Fourth Doctor’s in the 50th Anniversary special, “The Day of the Doctor.” Her scarf is narrower and considered a modern interpretation.
osgood
Even Harry Sullivan, a companion of the Fourth Doctor, was seen wearing the scarf in “Terror of the Zygons,” highlighting its widespread appeal within the Doctor Who world.
Scarf Kits and Where to Find Them
For those seeking convenience, several vendors offer Fourth Doctor scarf kits, providing pre-selected yarns in the correct colors. When purchasing a kit, especially for crochet, it’s advisable to confirm that there’s sufficient yarn, as kits are often designed for knitting, which typically uses less yarn.
Here are some sources for scarf kits and supplies:
- Unraveled Ewe: Offers Doctor Who scarf yarn kits on their website and Etsy store.
- Sconch Textiles (UK): Provides a Stylecraft Special DK yarn kit, although color accuracy should be checked, particularly the yellow shade, which may benefit from substituting Stylecraft Special DK Gold.
- Yarn Charm: Offers yarn bundles in Fourth Doctor scarf colors.
- Unique Sheep: Provides yarn suggestions but no longer offers complete kits.
- The Knit Tree: Offers yarn kits for various projects, potentially including Doctor Who scarves.
- Little Red Mitten (Canada): Previously offered a comprehensive kit with Brown Sheep Nature Spun Sport yarn, though current availability should be checked.
When considering kits, research vendor reviews and, if possible, inquire about color accuracy and yarn quantities, especially if you plan to crochet your scarf.
Conclusion: Crafting Your Own Piece of Doctor Who History
The Fourth Doctor’s scarf is more than just a knitted or crocheted accessory; it’s a symbol of creativity, adventure, and the enduring charm of Doctor Who. Whether you meticulously recreate a screen-accurate version or put your own spin on this iconic design, crafting your own Fourth Doctor scarf is a rewarding journey for any fan. Embrace the colors, choose your yarn, pick up your needles or hook, and embark on the adventure of creating your very own piece of Doctor Who history. Join online communities like the Stitches in Time Facebook group to share your progress, ask questions, and connect with fellow scarf enthusiasts!
