Tippett Scarf Knitting Pattern

Tippett Scarf by Martin Storey in Rowan Pebble Island

What Is Being Made

The Tippett is a long, narrow knitted scarf designed by Martin Storey using Rowan Pebble Island yarn. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished scarf measuring 21 cm (8¼ inches) wide and 215 cm (86¾ inches) long from end tip to end tip. The design features a distinctive tapered construction with a pointed tip at each end, created through strategic increases and decreases in stitch count.

Construction Technique

The Tippett scarf is constructed using a unique three-section approach. The scarf begins with a small cast-on of just 3 stitches, which are increased over the first 5 rows to establish the working width of 40 stitches. This creates one tapered tip. The main body of the scarf is then worked in a long striped section measuring approximately 142 cm, followed by a final tapered section where stitches are systematically decreased back down to 3 stitches, creating the second pointed tip. This symmetrical design gives the scarf an elegant, refined appearance.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

The primary stitch used throughout the Tippett is garter stitch, which creates a reversible, textured fabric with horizontal ridges. Garter stitch is worked by knitting every row on both right-side and wrong-side rows, making it an ideal choice for scarves as it lies flat and is equally attractive on both sides. The scarf features a striped garter stitch pattern in the main body section, where colors alternate every 4 rows to create distinct horizontal stripes. Shaping techniques include increases (inc) in the early rows to expand from the tip, and knit two together (K2tog) decreases in the final section to taper back to a point.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern uses Rowan Pebble Island yarn in four coordinated colorways. The yarn quantities are as follows: Rockhopper (color 027) requires 1 × 50-gram ball, Macaroni (color 029) requires 1 × 50-gram ball, Kelp (color 028) requires 3 × 50-gram balls, and Stanley (color 025) requires 3 × 50-gram balls. The pattern is worked on a single pair of 4½mm (US 7) needles. The recommended tension is 19 stitches and 40 rows to 10 centimeters measured over garter stitch using 4½mm needles, which is essential to achieve the correct finished dimensions.

Skill Level and Techniques

Rated as an intermediate project, the Tippett requires knitters to be comfortable with basic techniques including casting on, knitting, increasing stitches, and decreasing stitches. The pattern involves working with multiple yarn colors in a striped arrangement, which requires knitters to join and break off yarns at appropriate points. The scarf construction demonstrates understanding of shaping through increases and decreases, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered fundamental skills and are ready to tackle projects with more complex structure and color work.