Tyra Scarf in Rowan Merino Aria - RM007-00010-DEP - Downloadable PDF

Tyra Scarf in Rowan Merino Aria – Knitting Pattern by Martin Storey (RM007-00010-DEP)

The Tyra Scarf is a beautifully textured, elongated scarf designed by Martin Storey for Rowan. Published as a downloadable PDF, this intermediate-level knitting pattern produces a striking accessory worked in a rich cable and lace combination using Rowan Merino Aria chunky-weight yarn. The finished scarf measures an impressive 47 cm wide and 183 cm long, making it a generous, wrap-worthy piece suitable for cooler seasons.

What Is Being Made

The Tyra is a wide, statement scarf — sometimes referred to in the pattern as a Schultertuch (shoulder wrap or stole) — that combines the warmth of chunky knitting with the visual interest of travelling cables and yarn-over lace detailing. Its substantial width and length allow it to be worn draped over the shoulders as well as wrapped around the neck, making it a versatile wardrobe addition.

Yarn and Materials

• Yarn: Rowan Merino Aria, a chunky-weight yarn sold in 50 g balls. The pattern calls for 12 balls, photographed in Natural 041.
• Needles: A pair of 4.5 mm (UK 7 / US 7) knitting needles and a pair of 4 mm (UK 8 / US 6) knitting needles are required, along with a cable needle for working the cable crossings.

Tension and Gauge

The recommended tension is 21 stitches and 23 rows to 10 × 10 cm, measured over the cable pattern using the larger needles. Achieving the correct tension is particularly important in this pattern given the stitch increases and decreases that form the lace and cable motifs, which directly affect the finished width of the scarf.

Techniques Used

This pattern is rated intermediate, and knitters will draw on a range of skills to complete it successfully:

• Ribbing: The scarf begins and ends with a neat 2×2 rib border worked on the smaller needles, providing elasticity and a tidy, professional edge.
• Cable knitting: Two specific cable crossings are central to the design. Z6H (a 6-stitch back cable, or right-leaning cable cross) and Z6V (a 6-stitch front cable, or left-leaning cable cross) are worked using a cable needle. These crossings create the bold, travelling rope-cable columns that run the length of the scarf.
• Yarn-over increases (Umschlag / 1 U): Decorative yarn-overs are paired with corresponding decreases to create an open, lace-like quality within each pattern repeat, adding lightness and visual contrast alongside the solid cables.
• Paired decreases: Both überzähliger Abnehmer (slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over — a left-leaning decrease) and zusammenstricken (knit or purl two together — a right-leaning decrease) are used throughout the main pattern to maintain the stitch count and shape the lace motif.
• Stitch increases and shaping: A key transition row increases the stitch count from 71 to 99 stitches before the main cable-lace pattern begins, and a corresponding decrease row reduces the count back to 71 stitches at the end, ensuring the ribbed borders sit neatly.
• Needle changes: The pattern transitions between needle sizes at the start and end of the main body, a technique that helps the ribbed borders sit flat without flaring or pulling in.

Stitches Used

• 2×2 Rib: Used for the cast-on and cast-off borders, alternating two knit stitches with two purl stitches.
• Knit and purl stitches: The foundation of all sections, including the cable columns and the reverse stocking stitch sections that frame them.