Garfunkel

Garfunkel Cowl by Justyna Lorkowska

What Is Being Made

Garfunkel is a knitted cowl designed by Justyna Lorkowska. This one-size accessory measures approximately 30cm (12 inches) in width when laid flat and 29cm (11.75 inches) in height, making it a versatile neckwear piece suitable for various styling preferences. The cowl is constructed using circular knitting techniques and features decorative cable stitching combined with ribbed sections for both visual interest and functional stretch.

Knitting Techniques

This beginner-friendly knitting project employs several fundamental and intermediate techniques. The primary construction method uses circular knitting in the round, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates seamless fabric. The pattern incorporates cable crossing techniques, where stitches are temporarily held on cable needles to create twisted, rope-like textures that add dimension to the finished piece. Stitch markers are used throughout the project to help track pattern repeats and maintain consistent shaping. The pattern also requires blocking after completion, which helps even out the stitches and set the final dimensions of the cowl.

Stitches Used

• Roman Rib Stitch — The primary stitch pattern worked in the round, which serves as the gauge benchmark for the entire project. This stitch is worked over 10cm (4 inches) at a gauge of 18 stitches by 24 rows using the larger needles.
• 1x1 Rib — A classic ribbed stitch pattern created by alternating knit and purl stitches around the circumference. This elastic stitch provides stretch and recovery, making it ideal for neckwear that must maintain its shape through wear.
• Cable Stitch (4 over 3) — A decorative cable crossing technique where stitches are slipped to a cable needle and held while other stitches are worked, then the held stitches are knitted. This creates the signature twisted texture that gives the Garfunkel cowl its visual appeal.

Materials Required

The Garfunkel cowl requires one skein of worsted weight yarn with approximately 255 yards (115 grams) of yardage. The sample was created using The Plucky Knitter Scholar yarn in the colorway Feather Duster, which is composed of 75% merino wool and 25% cashmere for a soft, luxurious feel. However, any worsted weight yarn of similar yardage and fiber content will work for this project.

Needles required include a 4.5mm (US #7) circular needle measuring 60cm (24 inches) for working at gauge, and a 4.0mm (US #6) circular needle of the same length for ribbed sections worked at a slightly tighter gauge. Additional notions include two cable needles for manipulating stitches during cable crossings, three stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, and two 2.5cm (1-inch) buttons for finishing details.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches by 24 rows over 10cm (4 inches) in Roman Rib Stitch, measured after blocking and worked in the round using the 4.5mm (US #7) needles. Knitters are advised to knit a gauge swatch, measure it carefully, and adjust needle size as needed before beginning the main project to ensure the finished cowl matches the intended dimensions.