In the beloved 50th Anniversary special, “The Day of the Doctor,” a sharp-eyed detail caught the attention of Whovians worldwide: Petronella Osgood’s scarf. This wasn’t just any accessory; it was a clear nod to the iconic, lengthy scarf famously worn by the Fourth Doctor, Tom Baker. But where did Osgood, the Doctor-obsessed UNIT scientist, acquire such a distinctive piece? Let’s delve into the mystery of the Osgood scarf and unravel its connection to Doctor Who lore and crafting communities.
Petronella Osgood wearing a long, striped scarf reminiscent of the Fourth Doctor's scarf in the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary special, 'The Day of the Doctor'
Is it the Fourth Doctor’s Scarf? Unraveling the Knitting Clues
While the visual resemblance is undeniable, the Osgood scarf isn’t a direct replica of the original Fourth Doctor’s scarf. Knitters and keen observers quickly noticed a key difference in the knitting technique. The original Tom Baker scarf is known for its garter stitch, a simple and classic knit. However, Osgood’s scarf showcases a ribbed texture, specifically K1P1 ribbing (knit one, purl one). This difference, though subtle to the untrained eye, is significant to knitting enthusiasts. While some speculated about loom knitting, the ribbed pattern points more definitively towards hand-knitting with a K1P1 rib.
This immediately dismisses the idea of it being the original Fourth Doctor scarf, passed down through time and space. Instead, it suggests Osgood, or perhaps a clever costume designer, intentionally recreated a scarf inspired by the Fourth Doctor’s iconic look. Interestingly, despite being a prominent prop, no official information about the Osgood scarf’s origins or precise pattern has been released by the BBC. This lack of official confirmation further fuels fan speculation and DIY spirit within the Doctor Who community.
Tracing the Pattern: A Duplicate Scarf Connection
So, if it’s not the original, where does the Osgood scarf’s pattern originate? The color sequence provides a crucial clue. It closely mirrors a pattern previously hosted on the now-defunct website “Witty Little Knitter.” This pattern was known as the “Duplicate Scarf,” designed to replicate half of the Season 16/17 Fourth Doctor scarf. Further pattern analysis reveals similarities to the Season 13 scarf pattern detailed on doctorwhoscarf.com and another “Duplicate Scarf” pattern also available on doctorwhoscarf.com.
The Osgood scarf aligns most closely with the Witty Little Knitter “Duplicate Scarf” pattern, even down to a specific color variation. A purple stripe (#6 in the Season 13 original) is replaced with yellow in the Osgood scarf and the WLK pattern, suggesting a likely source of inspiration. However, it’s important to note that while the color sequence is similar, the number of rows for each color stripe on the Osgood scarf differs from both the Season 13 and Duplicate Scarf patterns.
Color stripe chart for the Osgood scarf, created by Chris Starfire, showing the sequence and number of rows for each color, based on screen captures from 'The Day of the Doctor'
The Osgood scarf maintains the same number of stripes as the Season 13 scarf – 47 in total. However, the varying widths and lengths of these color stripes contribute to its unique appearance. Dedicated fans have meticulously examined countless screenshots to count rows and decipher the pattern, acknowledging that some stripe counts remain estimations due to visual limitations in screen captures.
Recreating the Osgood Scarf: Patterns and Yarn Inspiration
For those inspired to knit their own Osgood scarf, resourceful fans have already created and shared patterns. Two notable patterns are by Chris Starfire (Ravelry link) and Sonya Shelton (Ravelry link). While both aim to replicate the Osgood scarf, there are minor discrepancies between them, such as a green section appearing grey in Sonya’s pattern and a skipped red stripe. Without access to the actual scarf, determining definitive accuracy remains challenging.
Close-up screenshot from 'The Day of the Doctor' showing the Osgood scarf in detail, highlighting the colors and knit texture
The colors of the Osgood scarf are reminiscent of the original Fourth Doctor scarf but appear slightly brighter, potentially due to modern yarn dyes and filming techniques. The author suggests generic color names: cream, tan, red, purple, yellow, and grey. Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran yarn was suggested as a good option, although some colors are now discontinued.
For personal recreation, the author used Knit Picks Brava Worsted yarn (except for purple), listing specific color names for each stripe, and also provides alternative yarn suggestions from brands like Loops & Thread, Bernat, and Vanna’s Choice for each color category.
Ultimately, the Osgood scarf stands as a delightful Easter egg for Doctor Who fans, a tangible connection to the series’ rich history, and a testament to the enduring appeal of the Fourth Doctor’s iconic style. Whether you’re a knitter seeking a new project or simply a fan intrigued by the details, the mystery of Osgood’s scarf continues to fascinate and inspire. You can even explore the stunt duplicate pattern PDF at DoctorWhoScarf.com as a further resource in your quest to recreate this beloved Doctor Who accessory.
