Rhede Scarf in Rowan Pure Wool Worsted - Downloadable PDF

Rhede Scarf in Rowan Pure Wool Worsted by Heike Kruessel

The Rhede Scarf is a classic, elegantly simple knitted scarf designed by Heike Kruessel and published by Rowan. Available as a free downloadable PDF, this pattern is an ideal project for beginner knitters looking to build confidence while producing a polished, wearable accessory. The finished scarf measures approximately 26.5 cm (10½ in) wide and 160 cm (63 in) long, making it a generously sized, versatile piece suitable for wrapping around the neck in multiple ways.

What Is Being Made

The Rhede Scarf is a single, rectangular knitted scarf worked flat from cast-on to cast-off. Its substantial width and length give it a luxurious, cosy feel, while the straightforward construction means there are no seams, shaping rows, or complex finishing steps to navigate. The result is a refined, textured scarf that showcases the natural beauty of the yarn and the satisfying rhythm of a repeating rib pattern.

Techniques Used

This pattern is worked entirely flat on a single pair of straight needles, making it approachable for knitters who are just moving beyond basic garter or stocking stitch projects. Key techniques include:

• Casting on 63 stitches using a standard cast-on method
• Working a two-row repeating rib pattern consistently across the full length of the scarf
• Casting off at the completion of the fabric
• Pressing and blocking the finished piece as directed on the Rowan information page, which helps the rib open slightly and the fabric settle into its final dimensions

Because the pattern repeat is only two rows long and uses a simple combination of knit and purl stitches, it is easy to memorise quickly. This makes the Rhede Scarf an excellent project for knitting on the go or while relaxing, as it requires minimal concentration once the rhythm is established.

Stitches Used

The Rhede Scarf is built on a rib stitch pattern, which alternates columns of knit and purl stitches to create a stretchy, textured fabric with attractive vertical lines. The specific stitch construction is as follows:

• Row 1 (Right Side): K1, *K2, P2, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, K2
• Row 2 (Wrong Side): K1, *P2, K2, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, P1, K1

These two rows are repeated throughout the entire length of the scarf. The edge stitches are handled carefully to create a neat selvedge, giving the scarf clean, tidy sides. The rib pattern produces a fabric that has a gentle elasticity, meaning the scarf drapes beautifully around the neck while retaining its shape over time. The tension for this pattern is 24 stitches and 27 rows to 10 cm, measured over the rib pattern when slightly stretched using 5mm needles — it is worth knitting a tension swatch before beginning to ensure the finished dimensions are accurate.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The Rhede Scarf is knitted in Rowan Pure Wool Superwash Worsted, a smooth, round, 100% wool yarn that is treated for machine washability. The pattern calls for 3 x 100g balls, and the scarf is photographed in Granite 111, a sophisticated neutral shade that suits the understated elegance of the design. As a worsted weight yarn, Pure Wool Superwash Worsted knits up at a satisfying pace and produces a fabric with excellent stitch definition, which allows the rib texture to read clearly and crisply.

• Yarn: Rowan Pure Wool Superwash Worsted, 3 x 100g balls (shade shown: Granite 111)
• Needles: 1 pair 5mm (UK No. 6 / US 8) straight needles

The superwash treatment of the yarn is a