Luxury 3-Color Cashmere Cowl

Luxury 3-Color Cashmere Cowl by Sharon Mooney

What Is Being Made

The Luxury 3-Color Cashmere Cowl (design K273) is a versatile neck accessory crafted from premium cashmere yarn. This cowl measures approximately 10½ inches wide by 8½ inches tall when laid flat and unstretched, making it suitable for children through adults. The finished piece is designed to be worn as a cozy, draped neckwear that combines luxury fiber content with elegant colorwork.

Knitting Techniques

This intermediate-level knitting project employs circular knitting techniques to create a seamless cowl. The pattern utilizes color work, incorporating three distinct cashmere yarn colors to build visual interest and depth. The design is worked in the round using circular needles, which allows for continuous construction without seams. Binding off is accomplished using a larger needle size than the main working needles, a technique that creates a more elastic and refined finished edge.

Stitches and Stitch Work

The cowl features a pattern stitch that combines fundamental knitting stitches. The primary stitches used include:

• Knit (K) – the basic forward stitch forming the fabric base
• Purl (P) – the reverse stitch used to create textural variation
• Slip stitches (Sl) – used as if to purl for joining colors and creating smooth transitions

The pattern is worked in established rounds, with stitch markers used to denote the beginning of each round and maintain pattern alignment throughout the circular construction.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This luxury cowl requires three skeins of Jojoland Cashmere 4-Ply yarn, each skein containing 100% cashmere fiber, 200 yards, and weighing 2 ounces. The three colorways are:

• Color c488 – natural white
• Color c411 – dark brown
• Color 2-101 – natural brown

The yarn weight is sport weight, ideal for creating refined drape and delicate fabric with the luxury cashmere fiber.

Needles and Tools

Construction requires US 5 circular knitting needles available in either 16-inch or 24-inch lengths, depending on preferred working style. A US 7 circular or straight knitting needle is used exclusively for the bind-off edge, creating a slightly looser, more elastic finish. Additional tools include a stitch marker for tracking round beginnings and a yarn needle or large embroidery needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 6 stitches and 12 rows per 1 inch using the established pattern stitch on US 5 needles in circular knitting. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the cowl to measure the intended finished dimensions and fit appropriately across the neckline.