Cecily's Cowl

Cecily's Cowl by Justyna Lorkowska

What is Being Made

Cecily's Cowl is a knitted cowl pattern designed by Justyna Lorkowska. This is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern that creates a finished cowl with a circumference of approximately 91 cm (36.5 inches) and a width of approximately 27.5 cm (11 inches). The finished measurements are easily adjustable, making this pattern versatile for different preferences and sizing needs.

Craft and Primary Technique

This is a knitting project classified as intermediate difficulty. The cowl is worked in the round, which is a fundamental knitting technique for creating seamless tubular garments. Knitting in the round eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, professional finish ideal for cowls and other circular accessories.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (in the round) – The primary stitch throughout the cowl. When worked in the round, stockinette stitch is created by knitting all rounds, producing a smooth, flat fabric with a classic appearance.

Techniques Employed

• Provisional Cast On – This technique is used to create a temporary cast-on edge that can later be picked up and grafted. The pattern references multiple methods for provisional casting on, allowing knitters to choose their preferred approach.
• Kitchener Stitch – Also known as grafting, this technique is used to join two sets of live stitches together seamlessly. The pattern instructions indicate dividing stitches evenly on two needles and holding them for the Kitchener Stitch finish, creating an invisible join at the end of the cowl.

Materials

The pattern calls for 7 skeins of Swans Island All American Sport yarn, totaling approximately 846.5 meters (925.5 yards) of sport weight yarn. The yarn is 100% Rambouillet wool, with each skein containing 169 meters (185 yards) per 40 grams.

The cowl is worked in 5 different colors:

• CC1: 2 skeins – 321 meters (351 yards)
• CC2: 1 skein – 123.5 meters (135 yards)
• CC3: 2 skeins – 193 meters (211 yards)
• CC4: 1 skein – 116 meters (127 yards)

The pattern is worked on knitting needles appropriate for sport weight yarn, with stitches divided evenly between two needles for the final grafting step. The use of multiple coordinating colors creates visual interest and allows for creative color combinations while working with this versatile sport weight wool yarn.