Rowan Whitaker Hat & Scarf Knitting Pattern

Rowan Whitaker Hat & Scarf by Martin Storey

Overview

The Whitaker Hat & Scarf is a coordinating knit set designed by Martin Storey for Rowan. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating both a classic knit hat and a generous scarf using straightforward knitting techniques. The set is worked primarily in ribbed stitch, making it an accessible project suitable for knitters with foundational skills.

Hat Construction

The hat is worked flat on straight needles and then seamed to create the finished garment. The crown shaping uses strategic decreases to form the top of the hat. The hat begins with a cast-on of 90 stitches and is worked in a knit 2, purl 2 ribbed pattern, which creates an elastic, textured fabric. After establishing the rib pattern, the knitter works 40 additional rows before beginning the crown shaping sequence. The crown shaping involves multiple decrease rows using techniques such as knit two together (K2tog) and knit three together (K3tog) to gradually reduce stitches from 68 to 45 to 23 to a final 12 stitches. The remaining stitches are threaded together and pulled tight to close the crown. The finished hat is then pressed and the back seam is joined to complete the construction.

Scarf Construction

The scarf is also worked flat using the same knit 2, purl 2 ribbed stitch throughout. Cast on begins with 66 stitches, and the scarf is worked continuously in rib until it reaches the desired length of 220 centimeters (87 inches). The finished scarf measures 30 centimeters (12 inches) wide. The scarf is completed by casting off in rib pattern, maintaining the textured appearance across the entire length. Like the hat, the scarf is pressed according to pattern instructions and finished according to the information page guidelines.

Stitches & Techniques

• Knit 2, Purl 2 Rib (K2, P2): The primary stitch pattern used throughout both the hat and scarf, creating vertical columns of knit and purl stitches that produce an elastic, textured fabric
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A single decrease used in the hat crown shaping to reduce stitch count
• Purl Two Together (P2tog): A decrease worked on purl stitches during the crown shaping sequence
• Knit Three Together (K3tog): A double decrease used in the final crown shaping rows for more dramatic stitch reduction
• Seaming: The hat back seam is joined using standard seaming techniques after the main knitting is complete
• Casting On & Casting Off: Standard cast-on and cast-off methods, with the scarf cast off in rib pattern to maintain the textured edge
• Pressing: Blocking and pressing are applied to both pieces according to pattern finishing instructions

Materials Required

Yarn: Both the hat and scarf are made using Rowan Cocoon yarn. The hat requires 2 x 100 gram balls, while the scarf requires 7 x 100 gram balls. The photographed samples are worked in the colorway Hedge 829. Rowan Cocoon is a bulky-weight yarn that works well with the 7mm needle size, creating a warm, textured fabric suitable for cold-weather accessories.

Needles: One pair of 7mm (UK size 2, US size 10½) straight needles is required for both the hat and scarf. The needle size is essential for achieving the correct tension and fabric characteristics specified in the pattern.

Tension & Finished Dimensions

The hat is worked to a tension of 22 stitches and 16 rows over 10 centimeters measured over rib in an unstretched state. The scarf is worked to a slightly different tension of 18 stitches and 16 rows over 10 centimeters measured over rib when slightly stretched, accounting for the way the scarf fabric will be worn and handled. The finished scarf measures 30 centimeters wide by 220 centimeters long, providing a generous length suitable for wrapping and styling.