Rowan Shona Scarf Knitting Pattern

Rowan Shona Scarf by Marie Wallin

What is Being Made

The Shona Scarf is a rectangular knitted scarf measuring approximately 160 cm (63 inches) long and 30 cm (12 inches) wide, excluding fringe. This is a finished accessory piece designed to be worn and features decorative knotted fringe along both the cast-on and cast-off edges.

Techniques Used

This scarf is constructed using bottom-up knitting, meaning it is worked from the cast-on edge upward to the cast-off edge. The design is seamless and worked flat, eliminating the need for seaming and making it an ideal project for knitters who prefer straightforward construction without joining pieces together.

The pattern incorporates several specialized techniques:

• Yarn doubling: The scarf transitions from using yarn A single-stranded to using yarns A and B held together, creating a color-block effect and textural variation
• Stitch increases: A deliberate increase row creates additional stitches by working into each strand of the existing stitches, transforming single stitches into pairs
• Fringe application: Knotted fringe is attached through the cast-on and cast-off edges using cut lengths of yarn, with precise spacing and symmetrical placement
• Pressing and finishing: The completed scarf requires blocking to achieve proper dimensions and appearance

Stitches Used

The Shona Scarf employs a limited but effective stitch repertoire:

• Ribbed stitch (K3, P3): Forms the foundation and border edges of the scarf, providing elasticity and a classic textured appearance
• Stockinette stitch: The main body of the scarf, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side
• Knit two together (K2tog): Used in the transition row to decrease stitches before the final ribbed section

The pattern begins and ends with ribbed sections, while the center body is worked in stockinette stitch. This construction provides visual interest and helps the scarf maintain its shape.

Materials

The Shona Scarf is designed to be worked in Rowan Pure Wool Worsted, a durable and classic yarn choice. The pattern requires:

• Yarn A (Crimson 123): 3 x 100g balls
• Yarn B (Raspberry 117): 3 x 100g balls

The color combination of Crimson and Raspberry creates a rich, monochromatic warm-toned palette with subtle variation.

Two needle sizes are required to achieve the proper fabric density and drape:

• 3¾mm (US 5) needles: Used for the ribbed cast-on edge and the final ribbed section
• 6½mm (US 10½) needles: Used for the main stockinette body of the scarf

The pattern specifies a tension of 14 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm measured over stockinette stitch using the 6½mm needles with yarn held double. Achieving proper tension is essential for the scarf to reach its intended finished dimensions.