Rowan Nainsook Scarf Knitting Pattern

Rowan Nainsook Scarf by Sarah Hatton

What is Being Made

The Rowan Nainsook is a long, elegant knitted scarf designed by Sarah Hatton. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a finished scarf measuring approximately 42 cm (16½ inches) wide and 210 cm (83 inches) long, making it a substantial accessory suitable for layering and styling.

Craft and Construction Method

This scarf is created using the knitting craft, worked bottom-up on flat needles. The construction begins with casting on 72 stitches and progresses through a carefully planned sequence of pattern sections that gradually decrease in stitch count as the scarf lengthens, creating a tapered silhouette.

Techniques Used

• Garter stitch sections: Smooth, textured bands created by knitting every row, providing visual contrast and structural interest
• Ribbed sections: Alternating knit and purl stitches that create vertical stretch and elasticity throughout the scarf
• Decreasing: Strategic single-stitch decreases worked at side edges using K2tog (knit two together) to gradually taper the scarf from 72 stitches down to 3 stitches
• Slip-stitch decreases: Double decreases using sl 1, K2tog, psso (slip one, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over) for refined shaping near the scarf's point
• Knit one below: A special stitch technique (abbreviated K1b) that creates textural variation within the ribbed sections

Stitches Used

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches including knit, purl, garter stitch, and single rib. The special abbreviation K1b (knit one below) is used to add textural depth within the ribbed pattern sections. Decreasing techniques include K2tog and the more complex sl 1, K2tog, psso for tapering the scarf to its finished point.

Pattern Sequence and Structure

The scarf follows a repeating pattern sequence throughout its length: 31 rows in rib, followed by 11 rows in garter stitch, then 29 rows in rib, and 11 rows in garter stitch. This rhythm continues while decreases are strategically placed to shape the scarf. The first 42 rows establish the initial pattern and begin the decreasing sequence, with subsequent sections working decreases on the 4th row and then every 10th row until the stitch count reduces significantly. Later sections work decreases on the 7th row, then every 10th row for 14 repeats, and finally every 8th row until only 7 stitches remain, which are then decreased to 3 stitches and cast off.

Materials and Specifications

This scarf is knitted using Cotton Cashmere yarn in a quantity of 5 x 50 gram balls (the photographed version is shown in Linden Green 220). The pattern calls for one pair of 4mm (US 6) needles. The recommended tension is 17 stitches and 31 rows to 10 centimeters measured over garter stitch, and 17 stitches and 36 rows to 10 centimeters measured over rib, both using 4mm needles.

Skill Level and Finishing

This pattern is suitable for knitters with intermediate experience, as it requires understanding of multiple stitch techniques, pattern sequencing, and strategic decreasing. The finished scarf should be pressed according to standard finishing instructions before wear.