Elongated Garter Stitch Cowl in Plymouth Gina - F509

Elongated Garter Stitch Cowl in Plymouth Gina

What is Being Made

This is a one-size-fits-all cowl designed to be worn around the neck, measuring approximately 10 inches deep with a 48-inch circumference. The cowl is knitted using Plymouth Yarn's Gina yarn in a combination of two colorways (colors 14 and 12), creating a textured, visually interesting neckwear piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Techniques Used

The primary technique featured in this design is the Elongated Garter Stitch, which creates a distinctive textured fabric by alternating between two different needle sizes while working in garter stitch. This method produces elongated stitches that give the cowl visual depth and dimension. The cowl is worked flat in rows rather than in the round, using circular needles to accommodate the large stitch count. After the knitted rectangle reaches the desired depth of approximately 10 inches, the two short ends are seamed together to form the circular cowl shape. This construction method is straightforward and accessible for knitters of various skill levels.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes garter stitch as its foundation, which is created by knitting every row. The distinctive quality of this cowl comes from the Elongated Garter Stitch pattern, achieved by alternating between a smaller needle (US Size 5) and a larger needle (US Size 15) on consecutive rows. This needle alternation elongates the stitches, creating a unique texture. The pattern begins with a cast-on of 168 stitches and concludes with a bind-off, with basic finishing including seaming the side edges together and weaving in ends.

Materials

This design requires 4 balls of Plymouth Yarn Gina, each weighing 50 grams. The pattern is worked on US Size 5 and US Size 15 circular needles in lengths of 24 or 32 inches to comfortably accommodate the 168 cast-on stitches. The gauge for the Elongated Garter Stitch is 14 stitches and 18 rows over 4 inches when measured on the specified needle sizes, though the pattern notes that achieving exact gauge is not mandatory for this project.