Alicabel cowl

Alicabel Cowl by Hazel Tindall

What is Being Made

The Alicabel cowl is a versatile knitted neck accessory designed by Hazel Tindall as an ideal project for using up small amounts of yarn. This cowl features a distinctive shape that transitions from a narrower circumference to a wider, more voluminous drape. With a narrowest circumference of approximately 18 inches (46 centimeters) and a widest circumference of approximately 40 inches (102 centimeters), the cowl measures 7 inches (18 centimeters) in length, making it a substantial and stylish layering piece suitable for various neckline styles.

Knitting Techniques

The Alicabel cowl employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive construction and appearance. The pattern begins with 3 rows of moss stitch (also known as seed stitch) worked back and forth in flat knitting. This foundational technique serves an important practical purpose: it ensures that no twists are introduced when the piece is subsequently joined to work in the round, a critical step for seamless circular knitting.

The cowl incorporates colorwork knitting, utilizing a charted pattern that guides the placement of different hues throughout the design. Colors are introduced and joined by knotting them together, a traditional method for managing multiple yarn colors within a single project. The pattern includes both blank and filled chart squares, with color information provided at the sides of the chart for easy reference during knitting.

Stitches Used

• Moss stitch (seed stitch) – worked flat for the first 3 rows to establish a twist-free foundation
• Stockinette stitch – the primary stitch used in the charted colorwork sections
• Charted colorwork – following a pattern chart with designated colors for blank and filled squares

Materials

The Alicabel cowl is designed to showcase Jamieson & Smith Shetland Heritage yarn, a 100% real Shetland wool available in 25-gram balls. This premium yarn is sourced from Shetland wool brokers and is ideal for colorwork projects due to its excellent stitch definition and vibrant color range. The pattern is written for 3-ply and 4-ply yarn weights, providing flexibility for knitters working with lighter-weight yarns. The colorwork design allows crafters to combine multiple colors from the available palette, making this pattern particularly practical for using up yarn scraps and small quantities from a stash.

Pattern Details

This downloadable PDF pattern was designed by independent designer Hazel Tindall and includes professional technical editing by Stephanie Boardman. The pattern provides clear instructions for managing color changes and features a charted design that guides the placement of colors throughout the cowl. The construction method—beginning with flat knitting and transitioning to circular knitting—demonstrates thoughtful pattern design that prioritizes both ease of construction and a polished finished result.