Sea Stacks Cowl

Sea Stacks Cowl by Janelle Martin

Project Overview

The Sea Stacks Cowl is an intermediate-level knitted cowl designed by Janelle Martin, inspired by the geological formations known as sea stacks—dramatic coastal landforms created through wave erosion over time. The design commemorates the ephemeral nature of these natural wonders, particularly referencing the collapse of Flowerpot Rock in the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, during a winter storm in February 2022. This downloadable PDF pattern offers knitters an opportunity to create a wearable tribute to these striking natural structures.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a knitted cowl—a circular neckwear accessory that drapes around the shoulders and neck. The Sea Stacks Cowl is available in two finished sizes: a Short version measuring 12.75 inches (32 cm) in height by 23.5 inches (60 cm) in circumference when blocked, and a Long version measuring 9.5 inches (24 cm) in height by 47 inches (119 cm) in circumference when blocked. The Long size provides extended drape and versatility for layering and styling options.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Sea Stacks Cowl features a distinctive Sea Stacks stitch pattern that serves as the primary visual element of the design. This stitch pattern is worked in the round to create the seamless tubular construction characteristic of cowl garments. The pattern employs stitch markers—seven for the Short size and fourteen for the Long size—to help track pattern repeats and maintain consistent shaping throughout the knitting process. Knitters will use a tapestry needle for finishing details such as weaving in yarn ends.

The cowl is knitted flat or in the round using standard knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. The stitch pattern creates texture and visual interest that evokes the layered, columnar appearance of sea stacks themselves.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this pattern. The specified gauge is 24 stitches and 30 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) in the Sea Stacks stitch pattern, measured after blocking. Working to gauge ensures the cowl will achieve its intended finished dimensions and drape characteristics. Blocking is an important finishing step that sets the stitches and helps achieve the final measurements.

Yarn and Materials

The Sea Stacks Cowl is designed for double knitting (DK) weight yarn that knits to approximately 5.5 stitches per inch. The pattern requires 296 yards (271 meters) for the Short size or 444 yards (406 meters) for the Long size. The sample shown in the pattern was created using Rowan Softiyak DK, a yarn with a chainette construction composed of 76% cotton, 15% yak, and 9% nylon. Rowan Softiyak DK is sold in 50-gram skeins containing 148 yards (135 meters), requiring 2 skeins for the Short size or 3 skeins for the Long size. The sample was worked in color 233 Prairie in the Long size.

The chainette construction of the recommended yarn creates a smooth, rounded appearance that showcases stitch definition beautifully. The blend of cotton, yak, and nylon provides breathability, softness, and durability suitable for a cowl that will be worn close to the skin.

Needles and Tools

Knitters will need US #6 (4 mm) needles, or the size required to obtain the specified gauge. Additional tools include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for finishing work. The needle size and yarn weight combination creates a fabric with good stitch definition that allows the Sea Stacks stitch pattern to be clearly visible.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. Intermediate knitters should be comfortable reading stitch patterns, working in the round, managing multiple stitch markers, and executing the specific stitches that comprise the Sea Stacks pattern.