Help modifying this pattern to make it more masculine

[deathglare]

I asked my boyfriend what kind of scarf he wanted and he picked this one http://media.sewingdaisies.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/99_2Image.jpg [1]

It's fairly easy to make- 5 strands of dc braided together.

I started making it, but I ran into a couple of problems. For one, I think it's a little girly looking and I don't think he got a good look at it. I won't be seeing him for awhile, and he won't go online and look for himself, he just keeps telling me he trusts me. He did mention he doesn't want it as an infinity scarf though.

 

Second, I've made 3 rows using a size 9 hook, but I feel like 5 strands will be too skinny. Would it look ok if I made 4 strands of 2 dc instead of 1 and braided it together or still look girly? What if I made 6 strands, is 6 inches still too skinny?

 

What's the best way to modify this?

[Granny Square]

I dunno, I think if he liked the look of that pic but not the 'infinity' part, he'd have to realize that it wouldn't look that bulky with a straight scarf unless he wrapped it around his neck a couple of times.  And if he did that, the 5 strands of single rows of DC wouldn't be too skinny as far as coverage.  IMO the 5 strands is a more complex look, and would look nicer (less girly even) than 3 fat strands.

 

I don't think it would look as girly if you made it in more masculine colors - black, dark grey, navy, dark brown, dark loden etc.

 

Another thought for a vaguely sort of similar look would be to make a normal flat scarf with a several-stranded open crochet cable running up the middle.

 

Here are some free patterns, not all are scarves but might give you an idea.  You could pick a cable pattern from an afghan, for example.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/search#craft=crochet&query=celtic%20cable&availability=free&view=captioned_thumbs&sort=best

 

A few others, from a different search criteria

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/search#view=captioned_thumbs&page=1&craft=crochet&sort=best&query=cable%20%2B%20scarf&availability=free

[deathglare]

Thank you so much for your response. I agree, I really like the "complex" look of the 5 strands. Would 6 strands be too many you think? That would make it a little wider but still have the intricate look.

[Granny Square]

I think that should work fine!  I've never tried to braid more than 3, so the braiding part is making my head spin, but go for it!

[rainbowridergrma]

I totally love that pattern.  I agree that the ends not being joined would look more masculine, plus a more neutral color but if you get it too bulky, it will be uncomfortable.  How were you planning on finishing the ends?

[deathglare]

That's what I'm trying to figure out today.. I have no idea. Maybe just stitch them together into a long row?

 

Anyone else have better ideas?

[Granny Square]

That's what I was imagining, that it would start & end with the 5 (or 6) strands connected side-by-side.

 

I hadn't thought of another way, maybe tie a knot at each end?  Hmm..