Solstice Rose Cowl

Solstice Rose Cowl by Justyna Lorkowska

What Is Being Made

The Solstice Rose Cowl is a knitted cowl designed by Justyna Lorkowska, offering a one-size garment with a circumference at the neck opening of 55cm (21.75 inches) and a front depth of 48cm (19 inches). This project is ideal for knitters seeking a versatile accessory that combines elegant construction with beginner-friendly techniques.

Craft and Techniques

This pattern uses knitting as the primary craft method. The design incorporates several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques suitable for beginner-level crafters. The pattern employs a Cable Cast On method, which creates a sturdy, elastic foundation edge by inserting the right-hand needle between stitches on the left-hand needle, wrapping yarn, and transferring newly created stitches back onto the left-hand needle. This technique provides a professional finish and ensures the cast-on edge has adequate stretch for a comfortable neckline.

Stitches Used

The Solstice Rose Cowl features several key stitches that create visual interest and texture:

• Bobble Stitch – A decorative raised stitch created by working (k1, yo, k1, yo, k1) into a single stitch, then turning and purling 5 stitches, turning and knitting 5 stitches, turning and working p2tog, p1, p2tog, turning and slipping 1, k2tog, psso. This creates dimensional, three-dimensional texture elements throughout the design.
• Knit Stitch (k) – The foundational stitch used throughout the pattern
• Purl Stitch (p) – Used in combination with knit stitches to create texture and structure
• Yarn Over (yo) – Creates decorative openwork and lace elements
• Knit Two Together (k2tog) – A right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Make One Right (m1R) – An increase created by lifting the loop between stitches from the back and knitting into the front of the loop
• Make One Purlwise (m1P) – A purlwise increase created by lifting the running strand between stitches
• Slip, Knit Two Together, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (sl1, k2tog, psso) – A centered double decrease

Materials

The Solstice Rose Cowl requires 2 skeins of Oakworth DK by Eden Cottage Yarns (100% Polwarth; 233 meters/255 yards per 100 grams), shown in the Oak colorway. The pattern calls for DK weight yarn, a medium-light yarn weight that works beautifully for creating drape and definition in cowl designs. Knitters will need appropriate knitting needles suitable for DK weight yarn, along with a cable needle for any cable techniques, and stitch markers to track pattern repeats and the beginning of rounds.

Difficulty Level

Rated as beginner difficulty, this pattern is accessible to knitters new to cowl construction while introducing decorative techniques such as bobble stitches and yarn overs that build foundational skills in texture creation.