Rionnag Cowl

Rionnag Cowl by Kerry Bullock-Ozkan

What is Being Made

The Rionnag Cowl is a knitted neck cowl designed by Kerry Bullock-Ozkan. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a cozy, versatile cowl available in two finished sizes: approximately 23 ½ inches circumference and 8 ½ inches high for the smaller size, or 30 ¾ inches circumference with the same 8 ½ inch height for the larger size. The cowl is worked in the round and features stranded colorwork patterning that creates visual interest and texture.

Knitting Techniques Used

This advanced-level knitting pattern employs several key techniques. The cowl is worked in the round, which means stitches are joined and worked continuously in a circular fashion rather than back and forth in rows. This technique creates seamless construction and is essential for achieving the proper gauge in this design. The pattern incorporates stranded colorwork, also known as Fair Isle knitting, which involves carrying multiple yarn colors across the fabric and working them into the design at specific points. Swatching in the round is specifically noted as important for this pattern, as it ensures accurate gauge measurement for the stranded colorwork sections. The pattern also uses ribbed edging to create structure and elasticity at the top of the cowl.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Rionnag Cowl uses fundamental knitting stitches combined into structured patterns. The cowl begins with k2, p2 ribbing (knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches in alternating pattern) worked for 7 rounds to create an elastic, fitted edge. Following the ribbed section, stockinette stitch (knit stitches worked in the round) is worked for 3 rounds in the main color. The primary design feature is the stranded colorwork pattern worked from Chart A, which requires working with multiple colors simultaneously and carrying yarn colors across the back of the fabric. This advanced technique creates the distinctive patterned appearance of the finished cowl.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The Rionnag Cowl pattern calls for fingering weight yarn, which is a fine yarn weight suitable for detailed colorwork. The yardage requirements vary by size: the smaller size requires 105 yards of main color (MC), 90 yards of contrast color 1 (CC1), 45 yards of contrast color 2 (CC2), and 75 yards of contrast color 3 (CC3). The larger size uses 150 yards MC, 110 yards CC1, 50 yards CC2, and 85 yards CC3. The pattern is shown worked in Tukuwool Fingering, a yarn composed of 75% Finnish Landrace wool and 25% Texel wool, with 213 yards per 50-gram ball. Specific color options are provided for both sizes: the smaller size uses Humu, Tyyni, Kimo, and Aava colorways, while the larger size uses Auri, Anga, Repo, and Aava.

Needles required are US #2 (2.75mm) circular needles measuring 24 inches in length, or double-pointed needles of the same size, or whatever size is necessary to achieve the correct gauge. The pattern specifies a gauge of 28 stitches and 35 rounds equal 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stranded pattern when blocked. Additional notions needed include a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends after completion. The pattern notes that while gauge is not absolutely critical, achieving the specified gauge will directly affect the final dimensions of the finished cowl.

Construction Overview

Construction begins by casting on 168 stitches for the smaller size or 216 stitches for the larger size. These stitches are joined to work in the round, and the cowl is worked from the bottom up. The foundation includes 7 rounds of k2, p2 ribbing in the main color, followed by 3 rounds of stockinette stitch in the main color before introducing the stranded colorwork chart. The stranded pattern is worked once through according to Chart A, creating the distinctive design element of the finished cowl.