Carnivale cowl

Carnivale Cowl by Corrina Ferguson

What is Being Made

The Carnivale cowl is a knitted neck accessory designed as a convertible cowl that can be worn multiple ways. This intermediate-level project features a sophisticated construction that combines two distinct yarn types and textures, creating visual and tactile interest. The finished piece incorporates functional button closures, allowing the wearer to adjust fit and styling options.

Techniques Used

This design showcases several intermediate knitting techniques that add complexity and visual appeal to the finished garment. The pattern employs yarn carrying, a technique where one yarn is carried along the edge of the work while knitting with another yarn, creating a seamless color or texture transition without cutting and rejoining yarn. This method is used strategically when switching between the Malabrigo SilkyWool and Shibui Silk Cloud yarns.

The cowl also features one-row buttonholes, a refined closure method that creates small, neat openings for buttons without requiring multiple rows of decreasing and increasing. This technique involves slipping stitches and passing them over one another to create a functional buttonhole in a single row of knitting.

The pattern uses increase techniques, specifically the kfb (knit front and back) method, which doubles the stitch count at a key transition point in the design. This creates shaping and helps establish the dramatic expansion from the initial 46 stitches to 92 stitches.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch – created by knitting every row, producing a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. This stitch is used for the opening and closing sections of the cowl, providing structure and a classic aesthetic.
• Stockinette stitch – created by alternating knit and purl rows, producing a smooth fabric with a distinctive V-pattern on the right side. This stitch forms the main body of the cowl, creating a polished, refined appearance.
• Knit front and back (kfb) – an increase stitch that creates two stitches from one by knitting into both the front and back loops of a single stitch.
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) – a decrease stitch that reduces stitch count by inserting the needle through two stitches and knitting them as one.

Materials and Yarn Weight

The Carnivale cowl is constructed using two premium yarns in DK and lace weight categories, which are combined to create a sophisticated blend of fiber characteristics.

Malabrigo SilkyWool comprises approximately half the yardage, with ½ skein (about 75 yards) used in the pattern. This yarn combines merino wool with silk, offering a lustrous sheen and soft drape while maintaining the warmth and elasticity of wool.

Shibui Silk Cloud makes up the remaining yardage, with ½ skein (approximately 165 yards) incorporated into the design. This yarn provides a delicate, cloud-like texture with silk's characteristic sheen and smooth hand-feel.

The pattern is worked on Size 6 needles (4.0 mm), which is appropriate for the DK and lace weight yarns used. The gauge is established at 5 stitches per inch in garter stitch using the Silky Wool, providing a reference point for achieving proper fit and drape.

Four ¾-inch buttons serve as functional closures, positioned through the one-row buttonholes to allow adjustable wearing options. A tapestry needle is required for weaving in yarn ends and securing buttons to the finished cowl.