Cheviot Scarf Knitting Pattern

Cheviot Scarf by Georgia Farrell

What is Being Made

The Cheviot Scarf is a long wrap-style scarf knitted from Rowan Moordale yarn. The finished piece measures 51.5 cm (20¼ inches) wide and approximately 172 cm (67¾ inches) long, making it a generous accessory suitable for wrapping and layering.

Techniques Used

This design employs several intermediate knitting techniques that elevate it to advanced beginner level. The scarf features i-cord edgings worked continuously along both long edges of the piece, created by slipping stitches purlwise with yarn held at the back or front of work while pulling the yarn quite tightly across the wrong side. This technique creates a neat, finished border that frames the main pattern.

The body of the scarf is worked from a chart pattern that repeats over 72 rows, with a 16-stitch pattern repeat worked 7 times across each row. The knitter must read and follow the chart while simultaneously maintaining the i-cord edgings at each end of rows, requiring attention to multiple pattern elements simultaneously.

Stitches Used

The primary stitches in this scarf include:

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches forming the foundation of the pattern
• Rib stitch (alternating K2, P2) used for both the cast-on edge and final 7 cm of the scarf, providing elasticity and structure
• Slipped stitches (slip purlwise) worked with yarn held at back or front to create the i-cord trim edges
• Chart-based patterning combining knit and purl stitches in a 16-stitch, 72-row repeat for textural interest in the main body

Materials and Tools

This project uses Rowan Moordale yarn (100 grams), photographed in the colorway Turmeric 003. Knitters will need one pair of 4mm (US 6) needles for the main fabric, plus 4mm (US 6) double-pointed needles for the cast-on edge.

The pattern is designed to achieve a tension of 23 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over the pattern using 4mm needles. Achieving proper tension is important for obtaining the finished dimensions and ensuring the i-cord edgings sit correctly along the edges.

Pattern Structure

The scarf is constructed in three main sections. The first section begins with a cast-on of 122 stitches and establishes the rib pattern with i-cord edging for 7 cm. The main body then transitions to the 72-row chart pattern, repeated throughout until the scarf reaches approximately 165 cm in length. Finally, the scarf returns to rib stitch with i-cord edging for the final 7 cm before casting off in pattern, creating a balanced and symmetrical finished piece.