Rowan Stian Scarf Knitting Pattern

Rowan Stian Scarf by Arne & Carlos

What is Being Made

The Rowan Stian is a knitted scarf designed by the renowned design duo Arne & Carlos. This finished accessory measures 26.5 cm (10½ inches) wide and 160 cm (63 inches) long, excluding the decorative fringe. The scarf is worked as a seamless piece using the flat knitting method on circular needles, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking a striking striped design with color blocking elements.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques to create visual interest and texture:

• Seamless construction: The scarf is worked flat on circular needles, which allows for smooth, continuous fabric without seams to join.
• Striped colorwork: The design features multiple color changes worked throughout the piece, with colors introduced and broken off at the end of each row.
• Intarsia technique: Specific rows incorporate intarsia colorwork, a method for working large blocks of contrasting colors within the knitted fabric. In this pattern, intarsia sections appear in rows 13, 14–18, 41–48, and 57–64, creating geometric color blocks within the striped structure.
• Fringe finishing: The scarf features a fringed border created by tying together groups of yarn threads left at each end of every row, adding texture and movement to the finished piece.

Stitches Used

Garter stitch forms the foundation of this entire scarf. Garter stitch is created by knitting every row, producing a reversible fabric with horizontal ridges on both sides. This classic stitch is ideal for scarves because it lies flat, provides excellent drape, and showcases color changes beautifully. The consistent texture of garter stitch allows the striped and intarsia colorwork to become the focal point of the design.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Rowan Stian is worked using Kidsilk Haze, a luxurious yarn from Rowan that combines softness with subtle sheen, making it perfect for a refined scarf project. The pattern requires four coordinating colors in this yarn:

• Yarn A – Turkish Plum (color 660): 4 balls of 25 grams each, serving as the primary color throughout the scarf.
• Yarn B – White (color 612): 2 balls of 25 grams each, used for striped sections and color blocking.
• Yarn C – Ruby (color 682): 1 ball of 25 grams, incorporated into the intarsia colorwork blocks.
• Yarn D – Depth (color 691): 1 ball of 25 grams, used for additional striped sections.

All yarn is worked DOUBLE throughout the pattern, meaning two strands are held together simultaneously, which increases yarn weight and creates a more substantial, drapey fabric.

The scarf is worked on a 4mm (US 6) circular needle measuring at least 160 cm long. Circular needles of this length accommodate the full width of the scarf while working flat, and the needle size is matched to the yarn weight to achieve the correct tension. The recommended tension is 20 stitches and 39 rows to 10 centimeters measured over garter stitch using 4mm needles and yarn worked double.

Pattern Structure and Progression

The Stian scarf is constructed over 104 rows, with a logical progression of color changes and techniques. The pattern begins with a Turkish Plum foundation, introduces white stripes, incorporates ruby and depth colorwork blocks, and repeats sections to create a balanced, rhythmic design. The intarsia colorwork sections are strategically placed to create visual focal points, while the surrounding striped sections provide continuity. This structured approach makes the pattern accessible to intermediate knitters while delivering a sophisticated, designer-quality finished scarf.