Cordwood Cowl

Cordwood Cowl by Leila Raabe

What is Being Made

The Cordwood Cowl is a knitted neck accessory designed by Leila Raabe, inspired by her Kindling Shawl featured in Brooklyn Tweed's Wool People 5 Collection. This cowl is a versatile, quick-to-knit scarf that is long enough to double up around the neck for added warmth and comfort. The finished cowl measures 55.5 inches in circumference with a 7.5-inch width, making it an ideal layering piece for various styling options.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Cordwood Cowl is constructed using circular knitting techniques, worked in the round on a 32-inch circular needle. The pattern is designed to be beginner-friendly while maintaining visual interest through its stitch pattern. The cowl is worked in a continuous circular construction, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a seamless, polished finished garment.

Pattern Customization: One of the key features of this design is its adaptability. The circumference can be easily sized up or down by changing the stitch count cast on in multiples of 8. Designers and knitters should note that yardage requirements will need to be adjusted accordingly when modifying the stitch count.

Stitches Used

While specific stitch abbreviations are not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, the Cordwood Cowl features a stitch pattern that is worked over a multiple of 8 stitches. The pattern is worked in rounds, creating a cohesive, all-over design. The gauge is 16 stitches and 33 rounds per 4 inches (10 cm) in pattern after blocking, indicating a fabric with good drape and structure suitable for a neck accessory.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The Cordwood Cowl requires 322 yards of worsted weight wool yarn. The pattern specifies Brooklyn Tweed Shelter yarn in the colorway Faded Quilt, using 3 skeins of 50g/140 yards each. Worsted weight yarn provides durability and warmth while maintaining a comfortable weight for a cowl.

Needles: One 32-inch circular needle in US 9 (5.5 mm) is required to obtain the recommended gauge. Circular needles of this length are ideal for working in the round on projects with larger circumferences.

Additional Tools: The pattern requires 6 stitch markers, including 1 in a unique color to mark the beginning of each round, and a blunt tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing the garment.

Skill Level and Difficulty

The Cordwood Cowl is rated as a beginner-level project, making it an excellent choice for knitters new to circular knitting or those looking for a quick, satisfying make. The straightforward construction and simple stitch pattern allow newer knitters to build confidence while creating a wearable, professional-looking accessory.