Rowan Bradfield Scarf Knitting Pattern

Rowan Bradfield Scarf by Lisa Richardson

What Is Being Made

The Bradfield Scarf is a knitted wrap-style scarf designed by Lisa Richardson for Rowan. This is a sophisticated accessory that features a dramatic asymmetrical shape, measuring 125 cm (49¼ inches) long with varying widths—25 cm (9¾ inches) at the narrower end and 75 cm (29½ inches) at the wider end. The scarf is worked from the bottom up in a flat construction, creating a sculptural garment that transitions from a narrow point to a much wider drape.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs short-row shaping as its primary technique to achieve the asymmetrical wrap silhouette. The short-row method involves strategically turning the work before reaching the end of a row, then wrapping stitches to prevent holes at the turning points. When working back across wrapped stitches, the knitter works the wrapped stitch and wrapping loop together as a single stitch, creating a seamless appearance. This advanced shaping technique gradually increases the width of the scarf across the body of the garment, resulting in the distinctive wider end.

The pattern is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easy color changes and straightforward construction. The scarf is also worked bottom-up, beginning at the narrow end and progressively expanding toward the wider end through the strategic placement of short rows.

Stitches Used

The Bradfield Scarf is constructed almost entirely in garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row. Garter stitch produces a dense, textured fabric with horizontal ridges and is ideal for wraps and scarves as it provides warmth, drape, and visual interest. The simplicity of working only knit stitches allows the knitter to focus on executing the short-row shaping with precision.

Materials

This pattern uses Rowan Valley Tweed yarn in three coordinating colorways, creating a beautiful striped effect throughout the scarf:

• Yarn A: Littondale (shade 102) — 4 x 50gm balls
• Yarn B: Janet's Foss (shade 110) — 2 x 50gm balls
• Yarn C: Hardraw (shade 108) — 2 x 50gm balls

The pattern requires one pair of 3mm (US 2/3) needles. The recommended tension is 26 stitches and 53 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over garter stitch using 3mm needles, ensuring the fabric has the appropriate density and drape for the finished wrap.

Stripe Sequence

The color changes follow a structured stripe pattern that repeats throughout the scarf, with careful attention required at color changes that occur at short-row turning points to ensure neat transitions between colors.