Sarina Cowl

Sarina Cowl by Loopy Handmade

What Is Being Made

The Sarina Cowl is a beginner-friendly knitted cowl designed by Gillian Docherty of Loopy Handmade. This project creates a wavy textured cowl that is knitted in the round, eliminating the need for seaming. The finished cowl is designed to fit adults in one size and provides a cozy neckwear accessory with visual interest through its textured stitch pattern.

Knitting Techniques

This pattern employs circular knitting, which means stitches are worked continuously in rounds rather than back and forth in rows. Working in the round is an excellent technique for cowls as it creates a seamless, tubular garment. The pattern is specifically designed for knitters with beginner to early intermediate experience, making it accessible to those new to circular knitting techniques. The designer recommends creating a gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure proper sizing, as different chunky weight yarns can vary significantly in thickness and will directly affect the finished dimensions of the cowl.

Stitches Used

The Sarina Cowl is worked primarily in garter stitch, which creates the characteristic wavy texture of this design. Garter stitch is one of the most fundamental knitting stitches and is created by knitting every row (or every round when working circularly). This stitch is ideal for beginners because it is straightforward to execute and creates a reversible fabric with excellent drape and warmth.

Materials and Tools

The pattern calls for chunky weight yarn (option #5), with approximately 153 yards (140 meters) required to complete the cowl. The sample shown in the pattern was created using We Are Knitters' The Petite Wool in the Spotted Grey shade, which is composed of 100% Peruvian Highland Wool. However, any chunky weight yarn of similar thickness can be substituted, though gauge testing is essential as bulky yarns vary in thickness.

The required tools for this project include:

• One 8mm (US 11) circular needle, 60cm (24 inches) in length
• Stitch marker to track the beginning of each round
• Scissors for cutting yarn
• Darning needle for weaving in ends

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 rows per 10cm in height and 13 stitches per 10cm in width when worked in garter stitch. Achieving accurate gauge is particularly important for this project, as variations in yarn thickness will affect both the final size and drape of the cowl. The designer strongly recommends knitting a gauge swatch before beginning, allowing you to adjust needle size if necessary to match the specified tension and ensure the finished cowl meets the intended dimensions.