Rowan Pipit Scarf Knitting Pattern

Rowan Pipit Knitted Shawl by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Pipit is a generously sized knitted shawl designed by Martin Storey. This elegant wrap measures approximately 100 centimeters (39¼ inches) deep at the centre and approximately 200 centimeters (78¼ inches) wide along the longest side, making it a substantial accessory suitable for layering or draping. The finished shawl grows from a small cast-on to a final stitch count of 567 stitches through strategic increases worked throughout the pattern.

Knitting Techniques

The Pipit employs a bottom-up, seamless, worked-flat construction method. The shawl begins with a minimal cast-on of just 5 stitches and is built upward using systematic increases that create the triangular or crescent shape characteristic of modern shawl design. The pattern is worked flat on circular needles, which are used to accommodate the large number of stitches rather than for working in the round. The knitter turns at the end of each row, treating the circular needle as straight needles.

The increase pattern is central to the shawl's architecture. Increases are worked at marked stitch positions and at the edges, with 4 stitches increased per repeat across multiple rows. This methodical increase strategy allows the shawl to expand evenly while maintaining structural integrity and balanced proportions.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Pipit utilizes several fundamental knitting stitches and techniques:

• Knit stitch (K) – the primary stitch forming the fabric
• Purl stitch (P) – used to create textural variation and definition, particularly at marked stitch positions and edge stitches
• Make One Left (M1L) – an invisible increase worked by inserting the left needle point from front to back under the strand of yarn lying between needles, then knitting this loop through the back loop. This increase leans to the left and is used strategically throughout the pattern
• Make One Right (M1R) – an invisible increase worked by inserting the left needle point from back to front under the strand of yarn lying between needles, then knitting into the front of this loop. This increase leans to the right and balances the M1L increases
• Slip stitch purlwise (sl 1 P) – used at the beginning of rows with yarn at front of work, creating a neat, finished edge

The pattern repeats are structured to build the shawl systematically. The main increase section repeats the last 4 rows a total of 65 times, creating the substantial growth from initial stitches to the final 567-stitch count. Additional increases are then worked 4 more times before casting off, allowing for final shaping and proportion adjustment.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Rowan Pipit requires 6 x 100 gram balls of Rowan Moordale yarn. The pattern was photographed in the Pepper 002 colorway. Rowan Moordale is a wool-based yarn suitable for creating fabric with good drape and definition, essential qualities for a shawl of this scale.

The pattern is worked on a 4 millimeter (US size 6) circular needle measuring at least 150 centimeters in length. The long circular needle is necessary to accommodate the expanding stitch count as the shawl grows, ensuring all stitches can be held comfortably without crowding.

Tension and Finishing

The recommended tension is 23 stitches and 36 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over the pattern using 4 millimeter needles. Achieving the correct tension is important for obtaining the finished dimensions specified in the pattern.

After completing the knitting, the shawl is pressed according to standard finishing instructions and requires minimal making up, as the seamless, worked-flat construction eliminates the need for seaming. This straightforward finishing process makes the Pipit accessible to knitters seeking a project with elegant results and manageable finishing requirements.