Picard

Picard Cowl by Jean-Philippe Cliche

What Is Being Made

Picard is a knitted cowl designed by Jean-Philippe Cliche and published in 2017. This project takes a traditional winter wardrobe staple and reimagines it in bulky and super bulky yarn weights, creating a substantial, cozy neckwear piece. The design is particularly well-suited for gift knitting due to its straightforward construction and impressive finished appearance.

Construction Method

The Picard cowl uses a hybrid construction technique that combines flat and circular knitting. The front and back sections are worked back and forth in flat rows, establishing the main body of the cowl. After completing these pieces, neck stitches are picked up from the edges and worked in the round to create a seamless neckline finish. Instructions are provided for a traditional folded construction method, allowing knitters to customize the final appearance of their cowl.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

While specific stitch details are not fully outlined in the available pattern excerpt, the intermediate difficulty level indicates that knitters should be comfortable with fundamental knitting techniques. The pattern employs standard construction methods including flat stockinette or similar stitch patterns for the body sections, stitch pickup techniques for transitioning to circular knitting, and in-the-round knitting for the neckline. The bulky yarn weight means fewer stitches and rows are required compared to lighter-weight projects, making the pattern work up relatively quickly despite the intermediate skill classification.

Yarn and Materials

Picard is designed for chunky and super chunky yarn weights, which create the signature bold, textured appearance of this cowl. The substantial yarn weight allows the design to work up rapidly while providing excellent warmth and drape. Knitters will need appropriately sized needles suitable for bulky-weight yarns, typically larger needles that accommodate the thicker yarn strands and create proper fabric density.

Design Details

This cowl represents a modern take on classic winter accessories, combining traditional knitting construction with contemporary yarn choices. The finished piece serves as both a functional winter garment and an attractive accessory, making it an excellent choice for both personal projects and handmade gifts.