Rowan Svanhild Accessory Knitting Pattern

Svanhild Knitted Headband by Arne & Carlos

What Is Being Made

Svanhild is a delicate knitted headband accessory designed by the renowned design duo Arne & Carlos. This finished piece measures approximately 48 cm (19 inches) all around with a width of approximately 11 cm (4¼ inches), making it a comfortable and elegant head-hugging accessory. The headband features a distinctive three-strip plaited construction that combines lace and textural elements.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its elegant finished appearance:

• Bottom-up construction: The headband is worked from the cast-on edge upward, allowing you to monitor the piece as it develops
• Worked flat: All pieces are knitted on straight needles in flat rows rather than in the round, then assembled together
• Lace work: Decorative lace patterns are incorporated throughout the strips to create visual interest and delicate drape
• Plaiting: Three separate strips are loosely plaited (braided) together to form the main body of the headband, with yarns twisted on the wrong side to prevent holes
• Seaming: The strips are joined together and secured at the ends using a joining row that decreases stitches dramatically for a neat finish
• Double yarn technique: Yarn is used doubled throughout, which adds body and creates a richer texture

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined to create lace effects:

• Knit (K): Basic knit stitch used for structure
• Slip stitch (sl): Used in combination with other stitches for lace patterning
• Knit two together (K2tog): A decrease stitch that creates the lace openings characteristic of the design
• Pass slipped stitch over (psso): A decrease technique worked in sequence with other stitches to form decorative lace motifs
• Cast on and cast off: Standard edge techniques used to begin and finish the piece

Materials and Specifications

This pattern calls for Rowan Kidsilk Haze, a luxurious yarn that contributes to the delicate, refined nature of the finished accessory. Three colorways are used in equal quantities:

• Yarn A: Candy Girl 606 – 1 x 25gm
• Yarn B: Romance 681 – 1 x 25gm
• Yarn C: Shadow 653 – 1 x 25gm

The pattern requires one pair of 4mm (US 6) needles for all knitting. The recommended tension is 24 stitches and 28 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over the pattern using 4mm needles and yarn worked double.

Pattern Overview

The Svanhild headband begins with casting on 21 stitches total—7 stitches each in yarns A, B, and C, all worked double. Three separate strips are then knitted independently using lace stitch sequences. Each strip is worked to a specific length before being placed on a holder. Once all three strips are complete, they are plaited together in their original order, with yarns twisted where they meet on the wrong side to prevent holes from forming. The final step involves joining the end of the plait by working a decrease row across all three strips simultaneously, dramatically reducing the stitch count and creating a neat, secure finish. The piece is then cast off using the colors as established in the previous row.

Skill Level

This pattern is suitable for knitters with intermediate experience, as it requires familiarity with lace techniques, multiple yarn management, and assembly methods beyond basic knitting.