Gradient Entrelac Cowl

Gradient Entrelac Cowl by Kate Atherley

What Is Being Made

The Gradient Entrelac Cowl is a double-wrap cowl designed as a single-skein knitting project. This cowl measures approximately 7 inches wide by 42 inches around, making it a versatile neckwear piece that wraps twice around the neck for warmth and visual interest. The project is specifically designed for knitters who want to learn or practice the Entrelac technique without requiring prior experience with this advanced stitch method.

Techniques and Construction

The primary technique featured in this cowl is Entrelac, a decorative knitting method that creates an interlocking block pattern. Entrelac involves working small rectangular sections that are picked up and knitted in sequence, creating a woven appearance. The pattern requires knitters to be confident with fundamental skills including increasing, decreasing, and picking up stitches—essential techniques for managing the transitions between Entrelac blocks.

This project is classified as intermediate difficulty, positioning it as an accessible introduction to Entrelac for knitters with solid foundational skills. The double-wrap construction adds visual sophistication while the single-skein format keeps the project manageable for learning purposes.

Stitches Used

• Entrelac stitch: The signature stitch creating the interlocking block pattern throughout the cowl
• Stocking stitch: Used in sections with a gauge of approximately 18 stitches over 4 inches
• Make 1 increase: The pattern recommends the backwards loop make 1 method for its simplicity and neutral lean
• Knit through back loop (K tbl) and Purl through back loop (P tbl): Techniques used to manipulate stitch orientation
• Decreases: Required for shaping the Entrelac blocks

Materials and Gauge

The Gradient Entrelac Cowl requires 1 ball of Schoppel Wolle Gradient yarn, a premium yarn composed of 100% Virgin Merino Wool with 284 yards per 100-gram ball. The sample shown uses color 2135. This single skein provides sufficient yardage for the complete cowl project.

Needles required are 5mm in size. The pattern notes that straight needles work adequately, though a short circular needle may prove more comfortable for managing the stitches during Entrelac construction and the double-wrap cowl structure.

Gauge for this project is approximately 14 stitches over 4 inches in Entrelac and 18 stitches over 4 inches in stocking stitch. The pattern explicitly states that exact gauge is not critical for this cowl, as long as the knitter is satisfied with the resulting fabric appearance and drape.