Crossed Diamonds

Crossed Diamonds Cowl by Sharon Mooney

Project Overview

Crossed Diamonds is an intermediate-level knitted cowl designed by Sharon Mooney. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a sophisticated block cowl measuring 7.75 inches (19.7 centimeters) deep with a circumference of 39 inches (99.1 centimeters) when flattened. The design features cable work that creates a visually striking crossed diamond motif throughout the piece, making it an elegant accessory suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions.

What Is Being Made

The Crossed Diamonds pattern produces a cowl—a versatile neckwear garment that can be worn as a single or double loop around the neck. This particular cowl is designed as a block cowl, meaning it maintains a structured, rectangular shape when laid flat. The finished dimensions make it a substantial piece that provides warmth and style while remaining lightweight enough for layering.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate knitting project employs several key techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance. The pattern utilizes circular knitting worked on two pairs of circular needles, which allows for seamless construction in the round. The primary stitch pattern is stockinette stitch (also called stocking stitch), which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric. The defining feature of the design is the use of cable stitches, specifically the C4b cable cross, which involves slipping stitches to a cable needle and crossing them over other stitches to create the dimensional crossed diamond pattern.

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The Crossed Diamonds cowl uses fundamental knitting stitches including:

• Knit (K) — the basic knit stitch that forms the foundation of stockinette stitch
• Purl (P) — the reverse of the knit stitch, used in combination with knit stitches to create texture and pattern
• C4b (Cable 4 back) — a four-stitch cable cross created by slipping two stitches to a cable needle, holding it in back of the work, knitting the next two stitches, then knitting the two stitches from the cable needle. This technique is repeated throughout the pattern to form the crossed diamond motif

Additional pattern abbreviations include cast on (Co), continue (Cont), place stitch marker (Pm), and remaining (Rem), which are standard notations used throughout knitting patterns to provide clear, concise instructions.

Materials and Tools

The Crossed Diamonds cowl is designed to be knitted with DK weight yarn, specifically calling for approximately two skeins of Fyberspates "Vivacious DK" in the colorway Blueberry Imps. This yarn is 100% superwash merino wool, offering durability, softness, and easy care. Each skein contains 251 yards (230 meters) and weighs 4 ounces (115 grams).

The pattern requires two pairs of 16-inch (40-centimeter) US 7/4.5mm circular knitting needles, which are essential for working the cowl in the round without seams. Additional tools include a cable needle for executing the cable crosses, a yarn needle or large embroidery needle for weaving in ends, and approximately two yards of waste yarn in a contrasting color and matching weight for provisional cast-on techniques.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern specifies a gauge of 4.5 stitches and 6.5 rounds to 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) measured over stockinette stitch on circular needles before blocking. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished dimensions of 7.75 inches deep by 39 inches in circumference when flattened and blocked.

Difficulty Level

Classified as an intermediate project, the Crossed Diamonds cowl is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic knitting techniques and are comfortable working with circular needles and cable stitches. The combination of circular knitting, cable work, and pattern reading makes this an engaging project for developing knitting skills while creating a beautiful, wearable finished piece.