Collins Brook Cowl

Collins Brook Cowl by Elizabeth Smith

What Is Being Made

The Collins Brook Cowl is a versatile knitted cowl designed by Elizabeth Smith, available in two distinct length options to suit different preferences and styling needs. Crafted as a short cowl measuring 23 inches by 6 inches or as a long infinity-style cowl measuring 47 inches by 6 inches, this project offers flexibility for knitters seeking either a classic neck wrap or an extended loop that can be worn doubled or draped generously around the shoulders.

Knitting Techniques

This cowl is knit in the round using circular needles, a fundamental technique that creates a seamless, tubular fabric without the need for seaming. Working in the round eliminates side seams and allows for continuous circular knitting, which is particularly suited to cowl construction. The pattern incorporates both ribbed and lacy stitch sections, requiring knitters to manage yarn overs and decreases while maintaining even tension throughout the circular work.

Stitches Used

• Ribbing: A combination of knit and purl stitches (k1, p1) worked in alternating rounds to create an elastic, textured edge that helps the cowl maintain its shape and fit snugly around the neck.
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): Smooth knit stitches worked in the round, used for sections of the cowl and referenced in the gauge measurement.
• Lacy Zig-Zag Pattern: The signature stitch pattern features slip stitches (sl1), knit stitches, pass-slipped-stitch-over decreases (psso), yarn overs (YO), and knit stitches arranged in a repeating motif (*sl1, k1, psso, k2, YO, k2; rep from *). This combination creates an openwork zig-zag design that adds visual interest and drape while maintaining breathability in the finished fabric.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The pattern requires 105 yards of worsted-weight yarn for the short version or 210 yards for the long version. The sample shown was knit using Rios by Malabrigo, a 100% Merino wool yarn with a yardage of 210 yards per 100-gram skein, displayed in the Sunset colorway. One skein is sufficient for either size.

Needles and Tools: US 8 (5 mm) circular needles in a 24-inch length are required for the short version. A stitch marker is needed to denote the beginning of round (BOR) when joining to work in the round.

Gauge: The pattern is worked to a gauge of 18 stitches and 32 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, ensuring proper fit and drape of the finished cowl.

Pattern Construction

The Collins Brook Cowl begins with a cast-on of 103 stitches for the short version or 205 stitches for the long version, joined carefully to work in the round without twisting. The cowl opens with four rounds of knit-purl ribbing to establish a structured edge, followed by a transition round of stockinette stitch. The main body features the lacy zig-zag stitch pattern, which alternates between pattern rounds and plain knit rounds, creating a rhythmic, easy-to-follow construction suitable for beginner-level knitters.

Skill Level

Rated as a beginner project, the Collins Brook Cowl is accessible to knitters new to circular knitting and lace techniques. The straightforward stitch repeats, clear instructions for both size options, and the meditative nature of working in the round make this an excellent introduction to cowl construction and basic lace knitting.