Gardner In Rowan Alpaca Sparkle Scarf Knitting Pattern

Gardner Scarf in Rowan Alpaca Sparkle

Project Overview

The Gardner is a sophisticated knitted scarf designed by Lisa Richardson, crafted from Rowan Alpaca Sparkle yarn. This advanced beginner project creates an elegant triangular scarf with a decorative i-cord cast-off edge. The finished scarf measures 46 centimeters (18 inches) deep at its widest point and extends 102.5 centimeters (40¼ inches) along the upper edge, making it a versatile accessory suitable for various styling options.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern uses Rowan Alpaca Sparkle, a luxurious yarn available in three colorways: Arctic (10023), Camel (10021), and Onyx (10025). Each 50-gram ball is worked on 6mm (US 10) needles, including one pair of standard needles and two double-pointed needles for the i-cord cast-off technique. The yarn's sparkle content adds subtle shimmer to the finished garment.

Tension and Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this project. The pattern requires 13 stitches and 20 rows to measure 10 centimeters (approximately 4 inches) over stockinette stitch using 6mm needles. Maintaining proper tension ensures the scarf achieves the intended finished dimensions and drape.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Gardner scarf employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques:

• Make One (M1) increases: Used extensively throughout the pattern to create the triangular shape. Increases are worked on both right-side and wrong-side rows to expand the stitch count from the initial 3 stitches to 133 stitches.
• Stockinette stitch (st st): The primary stitch pattern, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, forms the smooth, flat fabric of the scarf body.
• Garter stitch edging: The first and last stitch of every row are worked as knit stitches, creating a neat garter stitch border that frames the stockinette center and prevents curling.
• Make One Purl (M1P) increases: Purl-side increases used during the middle section of the pattern to maintain consistency with the stockinette background.
• Knit two together through back loop (K2tog tbl): A left-leaning decrease used during the i-cord cast-off to bind off stitches while creating the decorative edging.
• I-cord cast-off: An advanced finishing technique that creates a three-stitch cord along the upper edge of the scarf. This method involves casting on 3 stitches on double-pointed needles, then working them as an i-cord while simultaneously binding off the main scarf stitches, creating a professional, decorative finish.

Pattern Structure and Construction

The Gardner scarf is constructed in a single piece, beginning with a small number of stitches that gradually expand to create the triangular silhouette. The pattern is divided into distinct sections:

• Rows 1–8 (Setup): Establish the stitch pattern with increases on rows 3, 5, and 7, reaching 7 stitches by row 7. These rows set the foundation for the garter stitch edges and stockinette center.
• Rows 9–46 (First expansion): Rows 7 and 8 are repeated 19 times, with paired increases on alternate rows expanding the stitch count to 47 stitches. This section creates the initial triangular expansion.
• Rows 49–88 (Main expansion): Rows 47 and 48 are repeated 20 times, with increases worked on both knit and purl rows (including M1P increases), expanding the stitch count significantly to 131 stitches. This extended section forms the bulk of the scarf's width.
• Rows 89–90 (Transition): Return to the pattern of rows 7 and 8, reaching a final stitch count of 133 stitches before beginning the i-cord cast-off.
• I-cord cast-off: The final finishing edge is created by casting on 3 stitches on double-pointed needles and working an i-cord while binding off the main scarf stitches using K2tog tbl decreases.