Splish Splash Cowl

Splish Splash Cowl by Nancy Hand

Project Overview

The Splish Splash Cowl is an intermediate-level knitting pattern designed by Nancy Hand. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a sophisticated cowl that originated as a creative doodle and evolved into a finished design. The cowl features a unique construction method using a provisional cast-on and incorporates charted colorwork patterns throughout its structure.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a knitted cowl—a circular neck accessory that drapes elegantly around the shoulders. The finished piece showcases two distinct charted stitch patterns: the Splash chart and the Lines chart, which are repeated multiple times to create visual interest and depth in the final garment.

Yarn and Materials

The Splish Splash Cowl is worked using SilkerSpun Silk, a cotton and silk blend yarn. The pattern requires 800 yards (731 meters) total, utilizing 1 skein each in two colorways: White Tea and Calm Seas. This fiber blend creates a fabric with both breathability and subtle sheen, making it suitable for a versatile accessory.

Knitters will need US 3 (3.25mm) needles to work this project. The pattern suggests using 7 stitch markers as optional aids, with markers placed after every 10 pairs of stitches (20 stitches total) to help track pattern repeats, though knitters may choose to place markers more frequently if desired.

Techniques and Construction

The Splish Splash Cowl employs several advanced knitting techniques that contribute to its intermediate difficulty level:

• Provisional Cast-On: The pattern uses a 2-color provisional cast-on method, which allows stitches to be picked up later from the cast-on edge for seamless finishing
• Doubleknit: The fabric is worked in doubleknit, a technique that creates a reversible, double-layered fabric with excellent drape and durability
• Charted Colorwork: Knitters follow the Splash chart (worked for 140 rows) and the Lines chart (repeated 3 times for 42 rows total) to create patterned sections
• Pattern Repeats: The Splash and Lines charts are repeated 3 times total throughout the cowl, building visual complexity and length
• Grafting/Kitchener Stitch: The finishing process involves dividing stitches into front and back sections, picking up the provisional cast-on edge, and joining the two ends together seamlessly

Stitches and Gauge

The pattern is designed to be worked at a gauge of 29 stitches and 34 rows per 4 inches (10 centimeters) in doubleknit. Achieving proper gauge is essential for this intermediate project, as it ensures the cowl drapes correctly and reaches the intended finished dimensions. The cast-on begins with 76 pairs of stitches (152 total stitches when counting individual stitches), providing a substantial fabric base for the doubleknit construction.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern is best suited for knitters with experience in reading charts, working colorwork, and executing finishing techniques. The combination of provisional cast-on, doubleknit fabric, charted patterns, and grafting requires solid foundational skills and attention to detail.