Rowan Kernel Wrap Scarf Knitting Pattern

Rowan Kernel Wrap by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Kernel Wrap is a knitted scarf, shawl, and wrap design created by Martin Storey for Rowan. This is a seamless, flat-worked wrap that combines decorative stitch patterns with functional cable and lace elements, suitable for layering or wearing as a versatile accessory.

Craft and Construction Method

This project is worked using the knitting craft. The wrap is constructed bottom-up, meaning you begin at the lower edge and work toward the top. The piece is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and is completed as a seamless garment with no seaming required at the end.

Techniques Used

The Kernel Wrap incorporates several advanced knitting techniques to create visual interest and texture:

• Cable work: The pattern features multiple cable stitches including C4L (cable 4 left), C4R (cable 4 right), C6B (cable 6 back), and C6F (cable 6 front). These cables are created by slipping stitches onto a cable needle, holding them to the front or back of the work, then knitting stitches from the main needle before returning to the cable needle. This creates the distinctive twisted rope-like texture characteristic of cable knitting.
• Lace work: The pattern includes yarn forward (yfwd) and knit two together (K2tog) decreases, which create decorative eyelet holes and openwork sections throughout the design.
• Bobble stitch: The pattern includes MB (make bobble) abbreviations, which add dimensional texture to specific areas of the wrap.
• Slip stitch edging: The pattern uses slip one stitch purlwise with yarn in front (Sl 1P wyf) to create neat, finished edges.

Stitches Used

The Kernel Wrap employs a range of fundamental and decorative knitting stitches:

• Knit (K): The primary stitch forming the fabric base
• Purl (P): Used to create reverse stockinette sections and textural contrast
• Yarn forward (yfwd): Creates eyelet holes and lace patterns
• Knit two together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used in lace sections
• Ribbing: The pattern begins with a rib foundation (alternating knit and purl stitches) worked for 10 rows total, which provides elasticity and structure
• Cable stitches: C4L, C4R, C6B, and C6F create the distinctive twisted cable elements
• Bobble stitch (MB): Adds dimensional texture

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Kernel Wrap is designed to be worked in Rowan Alpaca Classic yarn. The pattern calls for 9 balls of 25 grams each, photographed in the colorway Willow 112.

Two sets of needles are required to complete this project:

• 3¼mm (US size 3) needles for the initial ribbed cuff
• 3¾mm (US size 5) needles for the main pattern sections
• Cable needle for managing cable stitches

The pattern specifies a tension of 28 stitches and 31 rows to 10 centimeters measured over the pattern using the 3¾mm (US 5) needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for the wrap to reach its intended finished dimensions.

Pattern Structure

The Kernel Wrap follows a repeating pattern sequence worked across multiple rows. The design features a structured repeat section marked by asterisks in the written instructions, which is repeated three times across the width of the wrap. The pattern alternates between right-side (RS) rows and wrong-side (WS) rows, with specific stitch sequences for each. Cable crosses occur on alternating rows to create the dimensional cable effect, while lace eyelets are distributed throughout to add openwork detail.