Rising Tides Cowl

Rising Tides Cowl by Kimberly Voisin

What is Being Made

The Rising Tides Cowl is a textured neck accessory designed by Kimberly Voisin of Wee Studio. This cowl measures 20 inches in circumference and 7.5 inches in height, making it an ideal layering piece for autumn weather or as a decorative accent over plain jackets. The design features distinctive ruffled gathers and eyelet bands created through an innovative two-yarn-weight construction technique.

Techniques and Construction

This cowl employs a unique construction method that combines two different yarn weights to achieve its signature textured appearance. The contrast between worsted weight and fingerling weight yarns creates natural ruffles and gathers throughout the fabric. The pattern begins with casting on 110 stitches using smaller needles, then progresses through alternating knit and purl rows to establish the foundational texture. The cowl is worked in the round using circular needles, which allows for seamless construction and a polished finished edge.

One of the design's versatile features is the option to knit the cowl in a single color as shown in the pattern, or to introduce two colors to create horizontal stripes, offering customization based on personal preference and available yarn.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch
• Purl stitch
• Eyelet stitches (for decorative banded details)

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn Requirements:

• Knitpicks Wool of the Andes (worsted weight) – 1 skein, 100 yards per 50 grams, 100% Peruvian Highland Wool in Tidepool Heather
• Knitpicks Palette (fingerling weight) – 1 skein, 231 yards per 50 grams, 100% Peruvian Highland Wool in Tidepool Heather

Needles and Notions:

• Size 4 US (3.5mm) 16-inch circular needle
• Size 9 US (5.5mm) circular needle
• Stitch marker

The use of premium Peruvian Highland Wool in both yarn weights ensures durability and softness while maintaining the structural integrity needed for the ruffled texture. The two different needle sizes accommodate the different yarn weights, with the smaller needles used for the finer fingerling yarn and the larger needles for the worsted weight, allowing the pattern to achieve its intended dimensional effect.