Bunny Cowl

Bunny Cowl by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Bunny Cowl is a charming neck accessory featuring adorable bunny rabbit motifs created using the Fairisle knitting technique. This cowl measures 33.5cm (13½in) wide when laid flat and approximately 35cm (14in) in length, making it a versatile piece suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone neckwarmer. The design showcases cute bunny silhouettes integrated throughout the fabric, creating a whimsical and decorative element perfect for those seeking a playful knitwear accessory.

Techniques Used

This project employs the Fairisle method, a traditional colorwork knitting technique that involves carrying yarn across the back of the work while switching between two colors to create intricate patterned designs. The Fairisle technique allows crafters to produce detailed motifs—in this case, bunny rabbits—by following a chart that indicates color placement row by row. This method creates a dense, textured fabric with excellent insulation properties, as the carried yarns add extra layers throughout the garment.

Stitches and Construction

The cowl is constructed using circular needles to create a seamless tubular fabric. The pattern features a 14-stitch pattern repeat that is worked continuously in the round. Knitters will use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round, ensuring consistent pattern placement throughout the project. The construction method results in a smooth, professional finish without the need for seaming.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Rowan Felted Tweed DK in two colorways—2 x 50g balls in Clay 177 (Color A) and 1 x 50g ball in Boulder 195 (Color B). The DK (Double Knit) weight yarn is ideal for creating finely detailed Fairisle patterns with excellent stitch definition.
• Needles: Two circular needles no more than 60cm (24in) in length—one 3.25mm (US 3) for ribbing and one 3.75mm (US 5) for the main Fairisle pattern work.
• Notions: A stitch marker to track rounds during circular knitting.

Tension and Sizing

The pattern requires a tension of 25 stitches and 27 rows to a 10cm (4in) square when working the Fairisle pattern using 3.75mm (US 5) needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for obtaining the specified finished dimensions and ensuring the bunny motifs display properly. Knitters should swatch before beginning to verify their tension matches the pattern requirements.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Bunny Cowl is described as an easy Fairisle project for relative beginners. While Fairisle colorwork requires managing two yarns simultaneously, the straightforward construction and simple motifs make this an accessible introduction to the technique for knitters progressing beyond basic stockinette stitch projects. The circular needle construction and relatively small finished size also contribute to the manageable scope of this design.

Color Variations

The pattern offers flexibility in color choice. The primary sample uses Clay as the background with Boulder for the bunny motifs. An alternative colorway is provided that reverses this approach, using the darker Boulder yarn for the background and the lighter Clay yarn for the bunnies, allowing knitters to customize the visual impact of the design according to their preferences.