Rowan Wilkie Hat and Scarf Knitting Pattern

Rowan Wilkie Hat and Scarf by Martin Storey

Overview

The Rowan Wilkie Hat and Scarf is a coordinating set of knitted accessories designed by Martin Storey. This downloadable PDF pattern (reference ZB228-00006 v.1) provides instructions for creating both a fitted adult hat and an elongated scarf using traditional knitting techniques. The finished scarf measures approximately 210 cm (82½ inches) long and 20 cm (8 inches) wide, while the hat is sized to fit an average adult head.

Craft and Construction Method

Both pieces are created using seamless knitting worked in the round on double-pointed needles, eliminating the need for seaming. The bottom-up construction method begins at the cast-on edge and progresses upward, allowing knitters to try on the hat as it develops. This approach is particularly practical for achieving proper fit without completing the entire garment before checking sizing.

Techniques Used

• Stranded colorwork (Fair Isle): The hat features patterned sections worked using the Fair Isle technique, where multiple yarn colors are carried across the work to create repeating motifs. The pattern repeats an 8-stitch design 16 times across each round, creating a sophisticated geometric or traditional design element.
• Ribbed edging: Both the hat and scarf begin with knit-purl ribbing (K2, P2 pattern), which provides elasticity and a finished appearance at the cast-on edges.
• Stockinette stitch: The primary fabric structure is stockinette stitch (knit every round when working in the round), creating a smooth, classic knit surface.
• Decreasing for shaping: The hat crown is shaped using knit-two-together decreases (K2tog) worked at regular intervals across successive rounds, gradually reducing the stitch count to close the top of the hat.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches combined to create texture and structure. The K2, P2 ribbing at the edges provides stretch and recovery. Stockinette stitch forms the main fabric body in both pieces. The knit-two-together (K2tog) decrease is used systematically in the hat crown shaping, working decreases every other round in a staggered pattern to create an even, tapered closure.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The pattern calls for Rowan Cashmere Tweed yarn in three coordinating colorways:

• Yarn A (Andorra Red 006): 10 x 25gm balls—the primary color used throughout both pieces
• Yarn B (Smoke 002): 5 x 25gm balls—used for the Fair Isle patterned section of the hat
• Yarn C (Camel 007): 1 x 25gm ball—used for the initial ribbed cuffs on both the hat and scarf

The pattern requires two sets of double-pointed needles:

• 3¼mm (US 3) needles (No. 10): Used for casting on and working the ribbed edgings, which require a smaller needle to create tight, elastic ribbing
• 4mm (US 6) needles (No. 8): Used for the main body of both pieces, including the Fair Isle patterned section and stockinette sections

The recommended tension is 24 stitches and 24.5 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over the pattern using 4mm needles. Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions.

Hat Construction Details

The hat begins with a cast-on of 128 stitches distributed evenly across three double-pointed needles, with the fourth needle used for working. After establishing the K2, P2 ribbing in Camel (Yarn C), the knitter joins Andorra Red (Yarn A) and continues ribbing for 10 additional rounds. The needles are then changed to the larger 4mm size, and the Fair Isle pattern from the provided chart is introduced, with the 8-stitch repeat worked 16 times per round across all stitches. The patterned section continues for 17 cm of hat length. Once the patterned section is complete, Smoke (Yarn B) is broken off