Starburst cowl – buttoned or round

Starburst Cowl – Buttoned or Round

What Is Being Made

The Starburst Cowl is a reversible cowl design created by Rian Anderson that offers flexibility in construction method and fit. This intermediate-level knitting project can be made in two distinct ways: as a buttoned cowl worked flat on two needles, or as a circular cowl worked in the round on circular needles. The finished cowl is designed to be worn snugly or loosely depending on personal preference, with variable measurements that allow customization of size.

Construction Methods

The pattern provides two primary construction options to suit different knitting preferences and needle availability:

• Buttoned Version: Worked flat on two needles and fastened with buttons for closure
• Circular Version: Worked in the round on circular needles for a seamless construction

The reversible nature of the design means both sides are finished and presentable, making it a versatile accessory that can be worn with either side facing outward.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This cowl is constructed primarily using garter stitch, which creates a textured, reversible fabric ideal for cowls. Garter stitch is formed by knitting every row, whether working flat or in the round, producing horizontal ridges on both sides of the fabric. The pattern incorporates special casting on and off techniques that are detailed within the instructions to ensure professional-looking edges.

For the buttoned version, button bands are integrated into the design, requiring careful placement and finishing. The in-the-round version utilizes a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round during circular knitting.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Starburst Cowl requires approximately 85 grams of yarn, which yields approximately 170 meters of yardage. For a larger cowl, additional yardage may be needed. The pattern recommends using yarn of similar thickness to the samples shown, specifically yarn that provides 180 to 200 meters per 100 grams. Long color-change yarns are noted as particularly effective for showcasing the starburst pattern.

The pattern samples were created using:

• Noro Silk Garden (blue/purple buttoned sample)
• Moda Vera Bouvardia (blue/pink/red sample)

Any yarn of comparable weight and yardage can be substituted for these specific brands.

Needles, Hooks, and Notions

Needle requirements vary based on the construction method chosen:

• Buttoned Version: 1 pair of 4.5 mm (US 7) needles for flat knitting
• Circular Version: Circular needles in 4.5 mm (US 7) size, plus 1 stitch marker

A 4 mm or 4.5 mm crochet hook is required for finishing techniques.

For the buttoned version, closure requires buttons: 2 or 3 large buttons (approximately 4 cm or 1.5" diameter) paired with 2 or 3 small buttons (approximately 1 cm or 0.5" diameter).

Gauge

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 17 stitches and 34 rows over 10 centimeters in garter stitch on 4.5 mm needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring the cowl drapes as intended.

Finished Measurements

Sample measurements provided include a buttoned version measuring approximately 56 centimeters (22 inches) long and 17 centimeters (10.5 inches) deep. A circular version sample measures approximately 49 centimeters (19.5 inches) around. However, measurements are noted as variable, allowing knitters to customize the final size based on personal preference and yarn choices.