Troika

Troika Cowl by Bristol Ivy

What is Being Made

Troika is a knitted cowl designed as a collaboration between Bristol Ivy, Kim McBrien-Evans (Indigodragonfly), and Jennie Lanners (Jennie the Potter). This is a buttoned cowl that measures 19 inches in circumference at the top edge with a finished depth of 8 3/4 inches when fully buttoned. The design features a sophisticated construction that widens from a smaller opening to a larger circumference, creating a versatile neckwear piece suitable for layering and styling.

Techniques and Construction

The Troika cowl employs a distinctive construction method that begins from the small end and increases in three separate sections to reach the large end. This strategic shaping creates the garment's elegant proportions and allows for careful yarn management. The pattern incorporates slipped stitches as a design element throughout the knitting process. The cowl is worked using circular knitting methods, allowing for seamless construction and even stitch development.

A key feature of this design is the button closure system, which adds both functional and aesthetic appeal. Four buttons measuring 7/8 inches are integrated into the cowl structure, enabling the wearer to adjust the fit and drape of the garment. The buttons are sourced from Jennie the Potter, with options available in Heron Wood or Copper Bough finishes, adding artisanal quality to the finished piece.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure for Troika is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with characteristic V-shaped columns on the right side and horizontal bumps on the wrong side. This foundational stitch is combined with slipped stitches, which are used strategically throughout the pattern to create textural interest and help define shaping sections. The combination of these stitches produces a refined fabric with visual depth while maintaining the elegant simplicity of the design.

Materials and Specifications

The Troika cowl is designed to be worked in Sheepshifter DK yarn by Indigodragonfly, a premium blend of 75% superwash merino and 25% silk. This fiber composition provides both durability and luxury: the merino wool offers warmth and breathability, while the silk content adds lustrous sheen and drape to the finished cowl. One 100-gram skein provides 246 yards (225 meters) of yarn, which is sufficient to complete the entire project when gauge is maintained accurately.

The pattern is worked on US size 6 (4 mm) needles, available in either a 24-inch circular needle or a pair of straight needles, depending on knitter preference. The specified gauge is 20 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch after blocking. Accurate gauge is essential for this project, as the pattern is designed to utilize nearly all of a single skein, leaving minimal margin for error.

Additional notions required include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and stitch markers to denote pattern sections and shaping increases. The four buttons from Jennie the Potter complete the functional and decorative elements of the finished cowl.

Difficulty Level

Troika is classified as an intermediate-level knitting project. While the primary stitch—stockinette—is accessible to knitters with foundational skills, the three-section increase structure, strategic use of slipped stitches, and button integration require intermediate-level understanding of shaping techniques and pattern reading. Knitters should be comfortable with circular knitting methods and have experience working from written patterns with multiple sections.