Triangulate cowl

Triangulate Cowl by Bristol Ivy

What Is Being Made

The Triangulate cowl is a top-down bandana-style cowl designed by Bristol Ivy. This knitted accessory features a distinctive triangular shaping that creates varying heights across the garment. The finished cowl measures 26 inches at the top circumference, with an 8 1/2 inch height at the back neck and a dramatic 20 3/4 inch height at the front, creating an asymmetrical silhouette after light blocking.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs a top-down construction method, meaning the cowl is worked from the neckline downward. The pattern begins with a small number of stitches that are increased to create the triangular shape. The design incorporates a 90-degree turn technique, where the knitter picks up stitches along the edge of the initial rows to expand the fabric. This construction method allows for seamless integration of the stripe patterns and creates the distinctive bandana-like appearance.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Triangulate cowl is garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row. Garter stitch produces a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges and is an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate knitters due to its simplicity and forgiving nature.

The pattern features two distinct stripe sequences:

• Body Stripe Pattern: Alternates between two rows or rounds of contrast color (CC) and two rows or rounds of main color (MC), repeating this sequence throughout the body of the cowl
• Border Stripe Pattern: Creates a more complex visual effect with six rounds of CC, two rounds of MC, fourteen rounds of CC, and six rounds of MC, adding visual interest to the finished edges

The cast-on uses the Long-Tail cast-on method, beginning with just 3 stitches that are increased through the picking-up technique to build the triangular foundation.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Triangulate cowl is knitted using Pioneer yarn by A Verb for Keeping Warm, a premium yarn composed of 100% California merino wool. This natural fiber choice provides warmth, breathability, and softness ideal for a neck-worn accessory. The yarn yields 160 yards per 50-gram skein.

The pattern requires two colors of Pioneer yarn:

• Main Color (MC): Tree Fort—1 skein
• Contrast Color (CC): Swordfern—1 skein

The project is worked on one 24-inch circular needle in size US 8 (5 mm). Circular needles are essential for this top-down construction, allowing the knitter to work in the round and manage the increasing stitches comfortably. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 16 stitches and 33 rows per 4 inches in garter stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is important for obtaining the finished measurements specified in the pattern. Light blocking after completion helps set the stitches and enhances the drape and final dimensions of the cowl.