Highlands

Highlands Cowl by Crystal

What is Being Made

The Highlands cowl is a knitted neck accessory inspired by the soft, rolling landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. This cozy cowl features a squishy cable design with i-cord detailing, making it an ideal garment for keeping warm during outdoor exploration. The finished dimensions are 9 inches (23 cm) in height by 10.5 inches (27 cm) in width after blocking, with a natural flare that may expand the width to approximately 13 inches (33 cm) at the bind-off edge.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental and decorative techniques to create its distinctive appearance. The cowl is worked in the round using circular needles, which allows for seamless construction and consistent stitch definition. Cable stitching forms the primary textural element, creating the characteristic squishy, dimensional appearance that defines the cowl's aesthetic. An i-cord detail is incorporated as a decorative accent, adding visual interest and refinement to the finished piece. The pattern requires careful attention to gauge to ensure proper fit and finished dimensions, with a target gauge of 10 stitches and 12 rows equaling 2 inches (5 cm) in stockinette stitch when measured after blocking.

Stitches and Abbreviations

The Highlands cowl utilizes standard knitting abbreviations and fundamental stitches throughout the pattern. Essential stitches include:

• Knit (K) – the primary stitch used to create stockinette fabric
• Purl (P) – used in combination with knit stitches to create texture and cable patterns
• Cable stitches – created using a cable needle to cross stitches over one another, producing the dimensional, twisted appearance
• I-cord – a tubular knitted cord used as a decorative edging detail

Additional pattern abbreviations include: BO (bind off), BOR (beginning of round), CO (cast on), CN (cable needle), PM (place marker), Rnd (round), Rep (repeat), and st/sts (stitch/stitches).

Materials and Specifications

The Highlands cowl is designed for worsted weight yarn, requiring approximately 300 yards (275 meters) of yarn to complete the project. The sample was knitted using Three Irish Girls Springvale Worsted in the colorway Moher, which is composed of 100% Merino wool and provides 205 yards (187 meters) per skein. Knitters should note that additional yardage may be needed depending on personal gauge and blocking preferences.

The pattern requires US 8 (5.0 mm) circular needles in a length of 20 to 24 inches (50.8 to 60.9 cm) to accommodate working in the round. Additional tools needed include a cable needle for manipulating cable stitches, a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, and 7 place markers (with 1 designated as a distinct beginning-of-round marker) to track pattern repeats and round progression throughout the knitting process.