Bassett Scarf in Rowan Moordale - ZB297-00015-UK - Downloadable PDF

Bassett Scarf in Rowan Moordale – Pattern Summary (ZB297-00015-UK)

The Bassett Scarf is a beautifully crafted tubular knitted scarf designed by Martin Storey for Rowan. Published in 2021, this downloadable PDF pattern (reference ZB297-00015-UK) produces a generously sized accessory measuring 23.5 cm (9¼ in) wide and 210 cm (82¾ in) long — a truly substantial, cosy scarf with striking colourwork detail at both ends. The pattern is rated advanced, making it a rewarding project for experienced knitters looking to develop or showcase their Fair Isle skills.

What Is Being Made

The finished item is a long, wide knitted scarf worked entirely in the round on double-pointed needles, creating a seamless tube of fabric. Both ends of the scarf feature a bold Fair Isle colourwork section, while the central body of the scarf is worked in plain stocking stitch. The two colourwork panels are mirror images of one another, with the second panel beginning partway through the chart repeat to create a balanced, symmetrical design. A two-colour rib at each end provides a neat, structured border before the patterned section begins.

Design Details and Construction

The scarf is constructed entirely in the round, which means there is no seaming required and the fabric forms a double-layered tube — ideal for warmth and a polished finish. The construction follows a logical sequence:

• Two-colour rib border: Worked over 4 cm in a K1, P1 rib alternating between two yarn colours on every stitch, creating a visually striking ribbed cuff at each end.
• Fair Isle colourwork panels: Each end features 98 rounds of Fair Isle patterning, working through a 14-stitch, 14-round repeat chart a total of seven times. The pattern repeat is worked eight times around each round.
• Plain stocking stitch body: The central section is worked in rounds of plain stocking stitch using yarn A only, with simple shaping rounds (decreases and increases) used to transition smoothly between the patterned and plain sections.
• Symmetrical second panel: The second Fair Isle section begins at chart round 8 rather than round 1, ensuring the colourwork at both ends aligns visually when the scarf is worn or displayed.

Techniques Used

• Knitting in the round on a set of four double-pointed needles, with a stitch marker used to denote the beginning and end of each round
• Fair Isle (stranded colourwork) technique — yarns not currently in use are stranded across the wrong side of the work, keeping floats neat and maintaining even tension across the patterned sections
• Two-colour rib — a 1×1 rib worked by alternating two different yarn colours on every stitch within the same round, producing a graphic, textured border
• Simple in-round shaping using K2tog (knit two together) decreases and M1 (make one) increases to adjust stitch counts at the transitions between sections
• Joining and breaking off colours as required throughout the colourwork sections

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (worked in the round): Every round is knitted, producing a smooth, flat fabric — used for both the Fair Isle sections and the plain body
• Two-colour 1×1 rib: Alternating knit and purl stitches worked with two contrasting yarns across the border sections
• K2tog (right-leaning decrease)
• M1 (make one increase)

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is written for Rowan Moordale, a DK weight yarn, used in three colours. The main colourway calls for:

• Yarn A – Pepper 002: 4 x 100 g balls
• Yarn B – Gooseberry 004: