Beauchamp Cowl

Beauchamp Cowl by Laura Chau

What is Being Made

The Beauchamp Cowl is a cozy, neck-warming cowl designed by Laura Chau. This versatile project comes in two versions to suit different yarn weights and preferences. The finished cowl measures 19 inches (48 cm) around and 10 inches (25.5 cm) deep, making it a snug, warm accessory perfect for layering or wearing as a standalone piece.

Project Overview

This is an intermediate-level knitting project that serves as an excellent introduction to stranded colourwork knitting techniques. The Beauchamp Cowl is designed to be fast and fun to complete, making it ideal for knitters looking to expand their skills without committing to a lengthy project. It is also a practical stash-busting project, perfect for using up leftover yarn from sock projects or specialty fibres.

Available Versions

• Fingering Weight Version: Uses approximately 170–215 yards of fingering weight yarn per 1.75 oz (50 g) skein, worked on US 2.5 / 3 mm needles
• DK Weight Version: Uses approximately 125–160 yards of DK or sport weight yarn per 1.75 oz (50 g) skein, worked on US 6 / 4 mm needles

Techniques and Stitches Used

The Beauchamp Cowl features stranded colourwork knitting, a technique in which two colours of yarn are carried across the row to create a patterned fabric. This method involves holding both the main colour (MC) and contrast colour (CC) while knitting, dropping and picking up each colour as needed to form the design. Stranded colourwork creates a dense, reversible fabric with excellent insulation properties, making it ideal for cowls and other cold-weather accessories.

The pattern incorporates contrast colour stripes throughout the design, with each CC stripe using approximately 4 yards (3.6 m) of yarn. This structured approach to colourwork makes the pattern accessible for intermediate knitters new to the technique.

Yarn and Materials

Fingering Weight Version Specifications:

• 158 yards (143 m) of main colour (MC) yarn serving as the background colour
• 84 yards (76 m) of contrast colour (CC) yarn
• Total yardage: approximately 170–215 yards per 1.75 oz (50 g) skein
• Suggested yarn: Koigu KPPPM and KPM (100% merino wool)
• Needles: US 2.5 / 3 mm

DK Weight Version Specifications:

• 130 yards (118 m) of main colour (MC) yarn serving as the background colour
• 65 yards (59 m) of contrast colour (CC) yarn
• Total yardage: approximately 125–160 yards per 1.75 oz (50 g) skein
• Suggested yarn: Handmaiden 4-ply Cashmere (100% cashmere)
• Needles: US 6 / 4 mm

Both versions are designed to work with high-quality natural fibres. The fingering weight option showcases merino wool, known for its warmth, breathability, and elasticity. The DK weight version features cashmere, a luxurious fibre prized for its softness and insulating properties. Knitters may substitute other yarns of similar weight and yardage to suit their preferences and stash.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are ready to tackle colourwork techniques. While stranded colourwork may be new to some knitters, the straightforward structure and manageable yardage make the Beauchamp Cowl an approachable entry point into this rewarding knitting method.