Harbour Lights

Harbour Lights Cowl by Louise Zass-Bangham

Project Overview

Harbour Lights is a double-layer knitted cowl designed by Louise Zass-Bangham, inspired by the warm lights of home on cold nights. This intermediate-level knitting project features a reversible design that allows you to wear it with either side facing outward, giving you two different colorwork presentations from a single garment. The cowl measures 20cm (8 inches) high by 66cm (26 inches) around, with custom sizing instructions included in the pattern.

Construction Method and Techniques

Harbour Lights is worked in a double-layer construction that creates a reversible cowl. The pattern offers flexibility in working method—you can choose to work flat on circular needles or work in the round, depending on your preference. The pattern is designed to be worked to measurements rather than row counts, making it adaptable to different yarn weights within the sport and fingering weight range. Key techniques required include picking up stitches and executing a 3-needle bind off, which are essential skills for completing this intermediate project.

Colorwork and Stitch Details

The colorwork in Harbour Lights uses simple stripes throughout, making it accessible for intermediate knitters who may be new to color work. There is no intarsia work involved, keeping the technique straightforward while still creating visual interest. The stripe pattern can be displayed in different ways depending on which side of the reversible cowl you choose to wear facing outward, allowing you to customize the appearance of your finished garment.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is designed to work with any quality yarn in the 4ply, fingering, or sportweight range. The sample shown is knitted in Blue Sky Alpacas Sportweight, which is 100% baby alpaca. The yardage requirement for the standard size is approximately 2 full skeins of the main color (Blue Sky Alpacas Denim 522) plus half a skein each of five coordinating colors: Scarlet 518, Blue Spruce 545, Eggplant 512, Tangerine 521, and Currant 542. If you plan to make a larger custom size, additional yarn will be required.

Needles and Equipment

The pattern calls for 3.75mm (US size 5) circular needles. If working the cowl flat, you will need an 80cm (32-inch) cable length. If working in the round, a 60cm (24-inch) cable length is recommended. You will also need a stitch marker to help track your rounds if working circularly.

Yarn Weight and Fiber Content

This pattern is written for sport weight yarn, though it accommodates the broader range of 4ply and fingering weights due to its measurement-based construction. The featured yarn, Blue Sky Alpacas Sportweight in 100% baby alpaca, provides softness and warmth ideal for a cozy cowl. Each 50g skein yields approximately 100 meters (110 yards), helping you calculate yardage needs for yarn substitutions.