Drift & Ebb

Drift & Ebb Cowl by Jo Shaw

What Is Being Made

The Drift & Ebb cowl is a circular knit accessory designed by Jo Shaw and published by hardybarn designs. This cowl is worked in the round and features a reversible stitch pattern inspired by the movement of ocean waves hitting the shore. The pattern reverses at the centre point, creating a visual effect where the design drifts inward and ebbs outward—a design choice that gives the cowl its distinctive name. The finished cowl measures 68cm (26¾ inches) in circumference and 34cm (13¼ inches) in depth, making it a substantial neck accessory suitable for layering or wearing as a statement piece.

Techniques and Stitch Work

Drift & Ebb is worked using stranded knitting, a colourwork technique that incorporates two colours within each row to create the wave-like pattern. This pattern is specifically recommended for knitters new to stranded knitting because it eliminates several technical challenges common to two-colour knitting. The design can be worked on a full circular needle, which means knitters do not need to manage needle joins—a significant advantage for beginners attempting colourwork for the first time. Additionally, the floats (the strands of yarn carried across the back of the work) are short enough that they do not require weaving in during the knitting process, further simplifying the technique.

The pattern repeats across each row, making it relatively easy to memorise once the initial repeat is established. This repetitive structure supports rhythm and flow during knitting, reducing the need to constantly reference the pattern instructions. The cowl is also worked in stocking stitch sections, which provides a smooth, classic fabric base for the stranded colourwork to stand out.

Yarn and Materials

Drift & Ebb is designed to be worked in Rowan Felted Tweed, a DK weight yarn. Each 50-gram ball contains 175 metres (191 yards) of yarn. The fibre composition is 50% merino wool, 25% alpaca, and 25% viscose, creating a yarn with excellent drape, warmth, and a subtle sheen from the viscose content.

The pattern requires:

• Main Colour (MC): 2 balls (approximately 285 metres / 312 yards)
• Contrast Colour (CC): 1 ball (approximately 175 metres / 191 yards)

Two colourway options are provided as samples:

• Pink Sample: MC in Barbara 200; CC in Frozen 185
• Blue/Purple Sample: MC in Iris 201; CC in Alabaster 197

The recommended needle size is 4mm for working the stranded pattern. Gauge is critical for this project: the stranded pattern should measure 25 stitches by 29 rounds over 10cm (4 inches), while stocking stitch sections should measure 23 stitches by 32 rounds over the same measurement. Knitters are advised to check their gauge before beginning, as tension variations will affect the finished dimensions of the cowl.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced, primarily due to the stranded knitting technique required. However, the pattern is specifically designed to be accessible to knitters attempting stranded colourwork for the first time, with features that reduce complexity such as short floats, no needle joins, and a memorable repeating pattern. Knitters should have solid foundational skills in circular knitting and be comfortable reading colourwork charts before attempting this project.