Burly Cable Cowl

Burly Cable Cowl by Barbara Benson

Project Overview

The Burly Cable Cowl is an intermediate-level knitting project designed by Barbara Benson that creates a striking cowl featuring bold, graphic cable work. This downloadable PDF pattern produces a finished cowl measuring 24 inches (61 cm) in circumference and 12 inches by 12 inches (30.5 x 30.5 cm) when measured flat. The design showcases the dramatic visual impact that results from combining substantial cable stitches with chunky yarn weight.

Design Concept and Construction Method

The Burly Cable Cowl employs an innovative two-directional construction approach that sets it apart from traditional cowl patterns. Rather than working the entire piece side-to-side or requiring grafting to join stitches, the designer created a solution where the horizontal cable is knit as a separate strip. This thoughtful construction method eliminates the need for grafting while still achieving the desired visual effect of cables running horizontally across the finished cowl.

Cable Stitches Used

This pattern incorporates three distinct cable crossing techniques that create the signature textured appearance:

• C2/2B (Cable 2 over 2 Back): Slip the next 2 stitches onto a cable needle and hold to the back, knit the next 2 stitches, then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle
• C3/3B (Cable 3 over 3 Back): Slip the next 3 stitches onto a cable needle and hold to the back, knit the next 3 stitches, then knit the 3 stitches from the cable needle
• C3/3F (Cable 3 over 3 Front): Slip the next 3 stitches onto a cable needle and hold to the front, knit the next 3 stitches, then knit the 3 stitches from the cable needle

Yarn and Needles

This project uses Burly yarn, a chunky weight option that works at a gauge of 24 stitches over 12 inches by 12 inches (30.5 x 30.5 cm) when measured flat. The pattern requires 100 yards per 4 ounces, and you will need 2 skeins to complete the cowl. Needles specified are US 15 (10 mm) in size, with the option to use either a 20-inch (50 cm) circular needle or double-pointed needles (DPNs), or a size that achieves the required gauge.

Notions and Additional Materials

Beyond yarn and needles, the Burly Cable Cowl pattern requires several essential notions: three buttons measuring 1½ inches in diameter, one stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats, a cable needle for executing the cable crossings, and a tapestry needle for finishing and weaving in ends.

Skill Level and Craftsmanship

Rated as an intermediate difficulty project, the Burly Cable Cowl is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with cable techniques. The use of chunky yarn and larger needles makes this pattern relatively fast to knit, while the cable work provides engaging texture and visual interest. The combination of yarn weight and cable design creates the awesome graphic impact that makes this cowl a striking accessory.