Pangolin Cowl in Blue Sky Fibers - T13 - Downloadable PDF

Pangolin Cowl by Blue Sky Alpacas – Knitting Pattern Summary (T13)

The Pangolin Cowl is a beautifully textured knitted cowl designed by Bobbi IntVeld and published by Blue Sky Alpacas (also known as Blue Sky Fibers) as part of their Traveler's Series. This pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is rated as an intermediate skill level project, making it an excellent step up for knitters who are comfortable with basic knitting and purling and are ready to explore more engaging stitch patterns. The finished cowl measures 25 inches in circumference and 9 inches in height, creating a generous, wearable accessory that sits beautifully around the neck and shoulders.

Design Overview

The cowl takes its name from the pangolin stitch — referred to in the pattern as the Bump Stitch — which creates a dramatic, scale-like surface texture reminiscent of the overlapping scales of a pangolin. This striking visual effect is both engaging to knit and eye-catching to wear, making the finished piece a standout accessory. The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in Mystic #426, a colorway that showcases the dimensional texture of the stitch beautifully.

Construction and Techniques

The cowl is worked entirely in the round on a 24-inch US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle, making it a seamless, tube-style accessory with no seaming required at finishing. The construction follows a logical and satisfying sequence:

• Cast on: 144 stitches, joined carefully in the round to avoid twisting, with a stitch marker placed to indicate the beginning of each round.
• Ribbed border: Three rounds of K1, P1 rib create a neat, elastic lower edge.
• Increase round: A yarn-over increase round expands the stitch count from 144 to 192 stitches, using the formula *YO, K2, YO, K4* repeated to the end of the round. This shaping gives the cowl its fuller, draped body.
• Bump Stitch body: The main body of the cowl is worked in the Bump Stitch pattern for 9 inches, creating the signature pangolin-scale texture.
• Decrease round: A structured decrease round using s2kp2 (a centered double decrease) brings the stitch count back down to 144, neatly tapering the top edge.
• Ribbed top border: One round of K1, P1 rib finishes the upper edge before a loose bind-off in pattern.

The Bump Stitch (Pangolin Stitch) Explained

The Bump Stitch is the heart of this pattern and is worked over a 12-row repeat. It combines slipped stitches, yarn-overs (YO), and the s2kp2 centered double decrease to create raised, overlapping bumps across the fabric. The stitch alternates between two offset phases:

• Rows 1–4: *Slip 3 stitches purlwise, K3* — the slipped stitches create elongated floats that will form the raised bumps.
• Row 5: *YO, s2kp2, YO, K3* — the centered double decrease collapses the slipped stitches into a defined bump, while yarn-overs maintain the stitch count.
• Row 6: Knit all stitches — a plain knit round to consolidate the texture.
• Rows 7–10: *K3, slip 3 stitches purlwise* — the pattern shifts by three stitches, staggering the bumps for a true scale-like effect.
• Row 11: *K3, YO, s2kp2, YO* — the second set of bumps is formed in the offset position.