Najdi Scarf Knitting Pattern

Najdi Scarf in Rowan Moordale

What is Being Made

The Najdi Scarf is a long, colorful knitted scarf designed by Martin Storey. This finished piece measures approximately 202 cm (79½ inches) in length and 24.5 cm (9¾ inches) in width, making it a substantial accessory suitable for generous wrapping and layering. The scarf is worked in the round using circular needles or double-pointed needles, creating a seamless tubular construction.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques that elevate it beyond basic scarf construction. The primary technique is fairisle knitting, a stranded colorwork method where multiple yarn colors are carried across the back of the work and picked up as needed to create the pattern. The scarf begins and ends with two-color ribbed sections, which provide structure and elasticity at the edges. The main body is worked entirely in stockinette stitch in the round, which creates a smooth, flat fabric ideal for displaying the fairisle pattern. The pattern requires working 529 chart rounds in total, with the 64-round pattern repeat executed 8 complete times before working a final partial repeat of rounds 1 through 17.

Stitches Used

The Najdi Scarf utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in a structured pattern:

• Knit stitch (K) – forms the stockinette stitch base of the main patterned section
• Purl stitch (P) – used in the two-color ribbed cast-on and cast-off edges to create vertical texture
• Two-color rib – alternates between knit and purl stitches using two different yarn colors, creating a reversible, elastic edge
• Fairisle pattern – creates the central design through strategic color changes worked from a 16-stitch repeat pattern chart

Materials and Construction Details

The Najdi Scarf is knitted using Rowan Moordale yarn, a worsted-weight yarn supplied in 100-gram balls. The pattern calls for six different Moordale colors to create the fairisle design: Ash (010), Turmeric (003), Thai (005), Beetroot (007), Blue Moor (008), and Sloe (017). Quantities required are 1 ball each of Turmeric, Thai, Beetroot, Blue Moor, and Sloe, with 3 balls of Ash as the primary color.

Two needle sizes are required to achieve proper tension and structure. The cast-on and cast-off edges are worked on 3¼mm (US 3) circular needles or a set of four 3¼mm double-pointed needles, no more than 40 cm in length. The main patterned body is worked on 4mm (US 6) circular needles or a set of four 4mm double-pointed needles, also no more than 40 cm in length. The pattern specifies that when using double-pointed needles, stitches should be distributed evenly across three needles with the fourth needle serving as the working needle.

The tension requirement is 26 stitches and 27 rounds to 10 cm when measured over patterned stockinette stitch using the 4mm needles. Achieving this tension is critical for obtaining the finished dimensions. The scarf begins with a cast-on of 128 stitches, which are worked in two-color rib for 3 cm before transitioning to the fairisle patterned section. After completing the fairisle rounds, the stitches return to two-color rib for a final 3 cm before casting off in rib using yarn A.

Skill Level Consideration

Classified as advanced beginner, this pattern assumes familiarity with basic knitting techniques including casting on, knit and purl stitches, and working in the round. The fairisle technique requires managing multiple yarn colors simultaneously while maintaining even tension, which represents a significant step forward in knitting complexity. The extensive yardage and 529 rounds of patterned work demand patience and consistency, making this an excellent project for knitters ready to develop their colorwork skills.