Easy Striped Cowl

Easy Striped Cowl by Laura Chau

What Is Being Made

The Easy Striped Cowl is a luxurious neck accessory crafted in 100% cashmere using the knitting method. This cowl measures 26 inches (66 centimeters) in circumference and 12 inches (30 centimeters) in depth, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various necklines and seasons. The design features horizontal stripes created by alternating yarn colors throughout the project.

Techniques and Construction

This cowl is constructed using circular knitting, a fundamental technique that creates seamless, tubular fabric by working in continuous rounds. The designer begins with a ribbed cuff section using a knit-purl alternating pattern (1x1 ribbing) to create elasticity and structure at the edge. Following the ribbed foundation, the main body transitions to Stockinette Stitch worked in the round, which produces the smooth, classic knit fabric that showcases the striped colorwork.

The striping technique is achieved through color changes worked across complete rounds. Rather than cutting the yarn between color changes, the designer carries the unused color along the inside of the work, allowing for efficient transitions and a polished finish. This method of managing multiple colors in circular knitting is both economical and practical for creating bold, horizontal stripes.

Stitches Used

• Cast-on: Foundation row of 130 stitches
• Knit stitch (K): Primary stitch used throughout the main body
• Purl stitch (P): Used in alternation with knit stitches for the ribbed cuff section
• 1x1 Ribbing: Knit 1, purl 1 pattern repeated across 7 rounds to create the elastic edge
• Stockinette Stitch in the round: Knit every round to create smooth fabric for the body and striped sections

Materials and Tools

Yarn: Handmaiden Cashmere 4-ply, 100% cashmere fiber, with a yardage of 185 yards per 50-gram skein. The project requires 2 skeins total, with the option to use 1 skein each of two contrasting colors (A and B), or as demonstrated by the designer, smaller quantities of 3 or more colors including light brown, light blue, and a variegated purple/green blend.

Needles and Notions: US 6 (4 millimeter) circular needles in either 16-inch (40 centimeter) or 24-inch (60 centimeter) lengths, depending on preferred working style. Additional supplies include a stitch marker to denote the beginning of each round and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 32 rounds equals 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette Stitch. While the designer notes that gauge is not critical for this particular project, variations in gauge will result in a cowl of different dimensions. Knitters working at a tighter gauge will produce a smaller cowl, while those working at a looser gauge will create a larger finished piece.

Difficulty Level

Classified as an intermediate project, the Easy Striped Cowl is well-suited for knitters with foundational skills in cast-on techniques, basic stitches, and circular knitting. The straightforward stitch patterns and simple color-change methodology make this an accessible introduction to striped colorwork for those ready to move beyond beginner-level projects.