Rowan Hudson Scarf Knitting Pattern

Rowan Hudson Scarf by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Hudson Scarf is a knitted accessory measuring approximately 30 cm (12 inches) wide and 218 cm (86 inches) long. This is a substantial scarf design created by renowned knitwear designer Martin Storey for Rowan, featuring an intricate patterned center with ribbed borders on both sides.

Craft and Construction Method

This project is worked using the knitting craft. The scarf is constructed bottom-up and worked flat on straight needles, meaning you begin at one end and knit toward the opposite end in rows rather than in the round. The seamless construction ensures a polished, continuous finish without seams to join.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Hudson Scarf showcases cable knitting as a primary design element. Cable work is a classic knitting technique that creates twisted, rope-like textures by crossing groups of stitches over one another. This scarf employs multiple cable variations to build visual interest and texture throughout the piece.

The pattern is worked from a chart, which provides a visual guide for stitch placement across the 40-row pattern repeat that is repeated throughout the length of the scarf. The design features a 65-stitch patterned center section flanked by 5-stitch ribbed borders on each side, creating a balanced and structured appearance.

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The Hudson Scarf utilizes the following specialized cable stitches:

• C3B (Cable 3 Back): Slip 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold at back, knit 1, then knit 2 from cable needle
• C3F (Cable 3 Front): Slip 1 stitch onto cable needle and hold at front, knit 2, then knit 1 from cable needle
• C4B (Cable 4 Back): Slip 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold at back, knit 2, then knit 2 from cable needle
• C4F (Cable 4 Front): Slip 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold at front, knit 2, then knit 2 from cable needle
• Cr2L (Cross 2 Left): Slip 1 stitch onto cable needle and hold at front, purl 1, then knit 1 from cable needle
• C2F (Cable 2 Front): Slip 1 stitch onto cable needle and hold at front, knit 1, then knit 1 from cable needle
• Cr2R (Cross 2 Right): Slip 1 stitch onto cable needle and hold at back, knit 1, then purl 1 from cable needle

The scarf also incorporates ribbing, a fundamental stitch pattern created by alternating knit and purl stitches. Ribbing appears in the 5-stitch borders on each side of the center pattern and in the top and bottom edge finishes, providing elasticity and a refined frame for the cable work.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Hudson Scarf is knitted using Rowan Felted Tweed yarn, a wool-based fiber known for its texture and durability. The pattern specifies 6 balls of 50-gram weight, providing ample yardage for the scarf's generous 218 cm length. The yarn is photographed in the colorway Delft 194.

Two pairs of needles are required for this project:

• 1 pair of 3¼mm (UK size 10 / US size 3) needles for the ribbed sections
• 1 pair of 3¾mm (UK size 9 / US size 5) needles for the patterned center sections

A cable needle is also essential for executing the cable stitches that form the design's distinctive texture.

Tension and Finishing

The pattern is designed to achieve a tension of 24 stitches and 32 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over the patterned sections using the 3¾mm needles. Proper tension is critical for achieving the finished dimensions and ensuring the cables display