Evanston Cowl

Evanston Cowl by knittervee

What is Being Made

The Evanston Cowl is a versatile, stretchy neck cowl designed by Valerie Oliner (knittervee on Ravelry). This cowl is a circular knit accessory that provides warmth and style, with a finished circumference of 26 inches (66 cm) that stretches to accommodate sizes from 26 to 35 inches (66 to 89 cm), making it a flexible fit for various neck sizes.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs fundamental circular knitting techniques. The cowl is constructed by casting on stitches and joining them in the round, then working continuously in circular rows. Knitters must be comfortable with maintaining even tension while working on circular needles and managing stitch markers to track the beginning of each round. The pattern uses the cable cast-on method to create a secure foundation edge, and finishing requires weaving in ends with a tapestry needle.

Stitches Used

The Evanston Cowl features two primary stitch patterns:

• Stockinette Stitch in the Round: Created by knitting every stitch in each round, stockinette stitch in circular knitting produces the smooth, V-shaped texture characteristic of this fabric. This stitch makes up the majority of the cowl and is the basis for the gauge measurement.
• Seed Stitch: A textured stitch pattern that alternates knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard arrangement. In the round, seed stitch is worked by knitting one stitch and purling one stitch in round 1, then reversing the pattern (purling one, knitting one) in round 2. This creates a bumpy, reversible texture that adds visual interest to the design.

Materials and Gauge

The Evanston Cowl is designed to be worked in Malabrigo Rios, a 100% superwash merino yarn in the worsted weight category (#4 Medium). The pattern requires less than one full skein, with the pictured cowl using approximately 43 grams of yarn from a 100-gram skein that provides 210 yards (192 meters). Knitters should use US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles measuring 16 inches (40 cm) in length, though needle size may be adjusted to achieve the correct gauge. The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 28 rounds per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch worked in the round. Additional materials include a stitch marker for tracking the beginning of each round and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Pattern Overview

The cowl begins with casting on 132 stitches using the cable cast-on method, which are then joined carefully in the round to avoid twisting. A stitch marker is placed to indicate the beginning of the round. The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations including k for knit, p for purl, st(s) for stitch(es), rnd(s) for round(s), and sl 1 wyib for slipping one stitch as if to purl with yarn in back. This intermediate project combines fundamental circular knitting skills with straightforward stitch patterns, making it accessible to knitters with some experience while still offering satisfying results.