Cultivate Cowl by Rachel Illsley

Cultivate Cowl

Knitting
November 2024
DK (11 wpi) ?
20 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches
in stockinette / stranded colourwork
US 6 - 4.0 mm
US 6 - 4.0 mm
5.0 mm (H)
229 - 469 yards (209 - 429 m)
1 (2, 3, 4)
English
This pattern is available for £4.50 GBP buy it now

This cowl is a fun, engaging knit that combines colourwork techniques and texture to create an eye-catching, beautiful winter accessory.

CONSTRUCTION
The cowl is worked as a long tube, in the round. It begins with a provisional cast on, allowing the ends of the tube to be grafted together once complete. Throughout the length of the cowl, a pattern of stranded colourwork, Latvian Braids, Lateral Braids and Inlay Knitting is repeated three times to achieve the suggested circumference, although more or fewer repeats could be worked if preferred. Once cowl length is achieved, kitchener stitch is used to graft the ends of the cowl together.

Written instructions and links to video tutorials are available for all of the techniques used in this pattern.

SIZING GUIDE
This cowl is graded into sizes 1 (2, 3, 4).

Cowl Circumference (i.e.: length around neck): 27” / 67.5 cm (same for all sizes, although more or fewer repeats of the pattern could be worked to adjust this measurement if desired).

Cowl Depth: 5.5 (6.5, 7.75, 9)“ / 13.5 (16.5, 19.5, 22.5) cm.

SAMPLE
The sample has been worked in size 4.

GAUGE
Using 4 mm / US size 6 needles, or needle size required to meet gauge, 20 stitches over 24 rounds in both stockinette stitch and colourwork, wet blocked, creates a 4x4” / 10x10 cm square.

YARN
The sample has been worked using Uy Yarns DK weight base (100% Merino Wool; 190 m / 208 yds per 100 g) in colourways Black (#019) for MC, Merlot (#010) for CC1 and Medium Oxide (#002) for CC2.

YARDAGE (includes ~10% excess)

Main Colour: 154 (189, 223, 257) metres / 169 (206, 244, 281) yards / 81 (99, 117, 135) grams

Contrast Colour 1: 62 (76, 90, 103) metres / 68 (83, 98, 113) yards / 33 (40, 47, 54) grams

Contrast Colour 2: 41 (51, 60, 69) metres / 45 (55, 65, 75) yards / 22 (27, 31, 36) grams

TOOLS & NOTIONS
4 mm / US size 6 circular needles of ~12-16” / 30-40 cm cable length depending on chosen size
2nd set of 4 mm / US size 6 circular needles or smaller (cable length 16+” / 40+ cm)
5 mm / size H-8 crochet hook
1 marker
scrap yarn
tapestry needle to weave in ends
scissors

SKILLS REQUIRED

  • provisional cast on with a crochet chain (video tutorial provided)
  • pick up and knit
  • knit in the round
  • stranded colourwork with two or three colours
  • inlay knitting (video tutorial provided)
  • contrast colour lateral braid (video tutorial provided)
  • Latvian Braid (video tutorial provided)
  • graft ends together using kitchener stitch (video tutorial provided)