Almond Cowl

Almond Cowl by Dagmar Mora

What is Being Made

The Almond Cowl is a comfortable and cosy cowl designed by Dagmar Mora, featuring a stunning yet accessible stitch pattern. This knitted cowl is available in three finished sizes: Women's Small (40.5cm / 16"), Medium (44.5cm / 17½"), and Large (49.5cm / 19½") circumference. The cowl is worked in the round, making it a versatile accessory suitable for various neck sizes.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental knitting techniques. The cowl is constructed using circular knitting methods, worked in the round using double pointed needles. The pattern incorporates yarn overs for creating decorative openwork elements within the stitch pattern. Increases are worked using the inc2 technique, which involves working multiple stitches into a single stitch to create 2 stitches increased. The pattern also utilizes decreases such as k2tog (knit 2 stitches together) and p3tog (purl 3 stitches together) to shape and control the fabric. Knitting through the back of the loop (k1tbl) is used in some increases for a refined finish.

Stitches Used

The Almond Cowl features a repeating stitch pattern worked across multiple rounds. Key stitches include:

• Knit (k) and purl (p) stitches as the foundation
• Yarn overs (yo) for creating openwork and lace elements
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) decreases
• Purl 3 together (p3tog) decreases
• Knit through back of loop (k1tbl) for textured increases
• Slip, slip, knit (sk2p-p) decrease variations

The pattern is worked in repeating sections, with instructions repeated as directed to build the complete cowl design.

Materials and Tools

This project requires worsted or aran weight yarn. The pattern example uses Picks Swish Worsted Yarn in the shade Doe (25155), requiring 100g of yarn (200 metres / 220 yards). Knitters should use 4.5mm / US 7 double pointed needles or a needle size appropriate to obtain the correct tension. The recommended tension is 27 stitches and 24 rows over 10x10cm (4x4 inches) when worked in pattern, ensuring the finished cowl achieves the intended dimensions and drape.