Thelma 7020

Thelma Cowl by Sue Whiting Designs

What is Being Made

The Thelma cowl is a circular neckwear accessory designed by Sue Whiting Designs. This knitted cowl measures approximately 63 cm (25 inches) in circumference, making it a versatile piece suitable for wrapping around the neck multiple times or wearing as a single-layer cowl. The design features a striking two-color striped pattern created through alternating color work in a super chunky yarn weight.

Knitting Techniques Used

This cowl is knitted in the round using a circular needle, which creates a seamless tubular fabric. The pattern employs stockinette stitch worked continuously in rounds, where knit stitches are worked on every round to create the characteristic smooth, V-patterned fabric on the right side. The designer notes an interesting technique consideration: although stockinette stitch in the round naturally produces the knit side as the right side, the colors blend more attractively when the purl side of the work is worn as the visible exterior. This allows crafters to choose their preferred aesthetic finish.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The primary stitch used throughout the Thelma cowl is stockinette stitch in the round (abbreviated as st st). The color pattern is created through simple color changes rather than complex stitch variations. The stripe sequence alternates between two colors: 2 rounds in Color A (beige) followed by 2 rounds in Color B (dark brown). This 4-round repeat is worked 16 times more after the initial color introduction, creating a balanced, rhythmic striped design. The cast-on and cast-off are both worked loosely to ensure the cowl maintains appropriate stretch and drape.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Thelma cowl is designed to be knitted with Lang Yarns Softhair, a luxurious blend of 82% viscose and 18% polyamide. This fiber composition creates a soft, fluid fabric with excellent drape. The yarn is classified as super chunky weight, with each 50g ball containing 40 meters (43 yards) of yardage. The pattern requires 2 x 50g balls in Color A (beige, shade 39) and 2 x 50g balls in Color B (dark brown, shade 68), totaling 4 balls of yarn for the completed project.

Needles and Tension

The Thelma cowl is knitted on a 10 mm (US 15) circular needle measuring no more than 60 cm in length. This needle size is essential for working with the super chunky yarn weight and achieving the correct fabric density. The pattern specifies a tension of 12 stitches and 15 rounds to 10 cm measured over stockinette stitch using the 10 mm needles. Maintaining this tension ensures the finished cowl achieves the intended 63 cm circumference and appropriate fabric weight.

Difficulty Level

The Thelma cowl is rated as a beginner-level knitting project, making it an excellent choice for knitters new to circular needle work or color knitting. The pattern involves only basic techniques: casting on, knitting in the round with stockinette stitch, and simple two-color stripes. There are no complex stitch manipulations, shaping, or intricate colorwork patterns to master, allowing beginners to focus on developing fundamental circular knitting skills while creating a stylish, wearable accessory.

Finishing

The pattern explicitly states Do NOT press the finished cowl. This instruction preserves the natural texture and elasticity of the viscose-polyamide blend, ensuring the cowl maintains its intended drape and stretch. The loose cast-off creates a finished edge that accommodates the fabric's natural movement without restricting wear.