Rowan Sampler Scarf Knitting Pattern

Rowan Sampler Scarf by Kaffe Fassett

Project Overview

The Rowan Sampler Scarf is a knitted accessory designed by renowned colorwork artist Kaffe Fassett. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a long, narrow tubular scarf measuring 25 cm (9¾ inches) wide and 190.5 cm (75 inches) long, making it an elegant and versatile piece suitable for various styling occasions.

Construction Method

This scarf is worked bottom-up on flat needles, beginning with a cast-on of 131 stitches. The construction employs a strategic approach that combines multiple sections: the piece starts and ends with garter stitch borders, with the central portion featuring intricate patterned colorwork. After completing the main pattern work, the scarf is folded in half lengthwise and seamed along the row-end edges to create its distinctive long, thin tubular form.

Techniques and Stitches

The Rowan Sampler Scarf showcases two primary colorwork techniques that work in concert to create visual interest:

• Stranded Colorwork (Fairisle): This traditional technique involves carrying unused yarn colors across the back of the work while knitting with the active color, allowing multiple hues to appear within a single row.
• Intarsia: Used in combination with fairisle, this technique involves working with separate lengths of yarn for different colored sections, particularly useful for larger blocks of color.

The pattern is worked primarily in stockinette stitch (alternating knit and purl rows), which provides a smooth, refined surface ideal for displaying colorwork patterns. The opening and closing sections utilize garter stitch (knitting every row), which creates a textured, reversible border that frames the central patterned section.

Pattern Structure

The scarf follows a structured pattern sequence: 8 rows of garter stitch establish the foundation, followed by a transition to larger needles. The main pattern chart, comprising 172 rows, is worked three times in their entirety, then rows 1 through 39 are repeated once more. A final abbreviated repeat of chart rows 1 through 5 completes the patterned section before returning to garter stitch and casting off. This repetition creates a cohesive, balanced design while showcasing the full range of the sampler colorway.

Yarn and Materials

The Rowan Sampler Scarf is crafted using Rowan Felted Tweed, a wool-based yarn that provides excellent stitch definition and durability. The pattern calls for 13 distinct colors, each identified by both name and shade number:

• Yarn A: Bilberry 151 (2 x 50gm)
• Yarn B: Peony 183 (1 x 50gm)
• Yarn C: Rage 150 (2 x 50gm)
• Yarn D: Iris 201 (1 x 50gm)
• Yarn E: Zinnia 198 (2 x 50gm)
• Yarn F: Barbara 200 (2 x 50gm)
• Yarn G: Mineral 181 (1 x 50gm)
• Yarn H: Lotus Leaf 205 (1 x 50gm)
• Yarn I: Seafarer 170 (1 x 50gm)
• Yarn J: Delft 194 (1 x 50gm)
• Yarn K: Pink Bliss 199 (1 x 50gm)
• Yarn L: Avocado 161 (1 x 50gm)
• Yarn M: Amethyst 192 (1 x 50gm)

Needles and Tension

The pattern requires two needle sizes to achieve proper fabric characteristics. 3¼mm (US 3) needles are used for the garter stitch borders, while 3¾mm (US 5) needles are employed for the main patterned stockinette sections. The recommended tension is 26 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters measured over the patterned stockinette stitch using the larger needles. Achieving proper tension is essential for obtaining the intended finished dimensions and ensuring the colorwork