Gardner In Rowan Alpaca Sparkle - Downloadable PDF

Gardner Scarf in Rowan Alpaca Sparkle – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Gardner pattern by Lisa Richardson is a beautifully elegant knitted scarf design published by Rowan and available as a downloadable PDF. This striking accessory is worked in Rowan Alpaca Sparkle DK weight yarn, giving the finished piece a luxurious, subtly shimmering appearance that makes it ideal for both everyday wear and special occasions. The pattern is rated advanced beginner, making it an excellent next step for knitters who have mastered the basics and are ready to explore simple shaping techniques.

About the Finished Scarf

The completed Gardner scarf is a shaped, pointed design with impressive dimensions. It measures 46 cm (18 inches) deep at the point and 102.5 cm (40¼ inches) along the upper edge, creating a dramatic triangular or elongated shape that drapes beautifully around the neck and shoulders. The scarf is photographed in three colourways of Rowan Alpaca Sparkle: Arctic 10023, Camel 10021, and Onyx 10025, showcasing how the yarn's inherent sparkle reads differently across light and dark shades.

Materials Required

Yarn

• Rowan Alpaca Sparkle – a DK weight yarn sold in 50g balls
• Available colourways shown in the pattern: Arctic 10023, Camel 10021, and Onyx 10025

Needles

• 1 pair of 6mm (no 4) (US 10) knitting needles for the main body of the scarf
• 2 double-pointed 6mm (no 4) (US 10) needles specifically required for working the i-cord cast-off finishing technique

Tension

The pattern specifies a tension of 13 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm, measured over stocking stitch using 6mm (US 10) needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential to ensure the scarf reaches its intended finished dimensions, and knitters are advised to work a tension swatch before beginning the project.

Techniques and Construction

The Gardner scarf is constructed from the narrow pointed end upward, with gradual increases shaping the piece as it grows. The construction is methodical and satisfying, making it approachable for advancing beginners while still offering enough interest to engage more experienced knitters.

Shaping with Increases

The scarf begins with a simple 3-stitch cast-on and is shaped entirely through regular M1 (make one) increases worked on right-side rows. These increases are placed one stitch in from each edge, creating a clean, symmetrical widening of the fabric. The shaping is worked in two distinct phases:

• In the first phase (rows 1–46), increases are worked on every right-side row, growing the stitch count from 3 stitches to 47 stitches
• In the second phase (rows 47–90), both M1 increases and M1P (make one purlwise) increases are introduced on wrong-side rows as well, accelerating the widening to reach a final count of 133 stitches

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (st st) – forms the main body of the scarf, worked with knit stitches on right-side rows and purl stitches on wrong-side rows
• Garter stitch selvedge – the first and last stitch of every row are worked as a knit stitch throughout, creating a neat, stable edge on both sides of the fabric
• M1 (make one) – the primary increase used to shape the scarf on right-side rows
• M1P (make one purlwise) –