Buckwheat Cowl

Buckwheat Cowl by Irina Anikeeva

What Is Being Made

The Buckwheat Cowl is a knitted neck accessory designed by Irina Anikeeva. This intermediate-level project creates a fitted cowl that tapers from a wider bottom circumference to a narrower top, making it a versatile layering piece. The finished cowl measures 29½ inches (75 cm) around the bottom, 24 inches (61 cm) at the top, and stands 12½ inches (32 cm) in height, providing substantial coverage for the neck and shoulder area.

Construction Method

The Buckwheat Cowl is worked in the round from bottom to top using circular needles. This seamless construction creates a smooth, continuous fabric without seams. The pattern uses a chart-based approach, with all rounds read from right to left. Knitters are encouraged to place stitch markers between chart repetitions to help track pattern sections and maintain consistency throughout the project.

Stitches and Techniques Used

This pattern features a Cable pattern as its primary stitch structure. The cable work creates textured, twisted columns that give the cowl visual interest and dimension. Cable knitting requires the use of cable needles to temporarily hold stitches while working cables, adding to the intermediate skill level of this project. The pattern is worked in the round, which requires proficiency with circular needle techniques and reading charts in a circular format.

The construction involves casting on 132 stitches and working in repeating chart sections. The cowl features three pattern repeats of 44 stitches each, creating balanced, symmetrical cable panels around the circumference. The taper from bottom to top is achieved through strategic decreasing as the knitter progresses up the cowl.

Yarn and Materials

The Buckwheat Cowl requires approximately 250 yards (228 meters) of worsted weight yarn, classified as aran weight in the knitting world. The designer used The Fibre Co. Arranmore in colorway #020 Brannah, requiring 2 skeins of the 175-yard (160-meter) per 100-gram skeins. This yarn blend contains 80% Merino Wool, 10% Cashmere, and 10% Silk, creating a soft, luxurious fabric with excellent drape and warmth.

Essential notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and round beginnings, a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, and two cable needles for executing the cable stitches. Needles required are size US 8 (5 mm) and size US 9 (5.5 mm) in 16-inch (40 cm) circular format. The smaller needle is used for the cast-on edge, while the larger needle accommodates the cable pattern work.

Gauge and Blocking

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 18 stitches and 22 rounds equals 4 inches (10 cm) when worked on size US 9 (5.5 mm) needles in the Cable pattern after blocking. Blocking is a critical finishing step for this cowl, as measurements are taken after the fabric has been wet-blocked and dried to its final dimensions. This process helps even out the cable stitches and ensures the cowl reaches its intended finished measurements.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Buckwheat Cowl is suitable for knitters with experience in cable work and circular knitting. The combination of reading charted patterns, managing cable stitches with cable needles, and working seamlessly in the round makes this an engaging project for knitters looking to develop or refine their skills beyond basic stockinette stitch.