Matiz

Matiz Cowl by Seni Designs

What Is Being Made

Matiz is an unisex bicolor cowl designed by Inês Sousa and available as a downloadable knitting pattern. This customizable neckwear piece features a striking two-color design where the main color and contrast color are inverted halfway through the pattern, creating visual interest and a reversible aesthetic. The cowl is worked seamlessly in the round using straightforward knitting techniques, making it an accessible project for intermediate knitters seeking a quick, satisfying make.

Techniques and Construction

Matiz is worked seamlessly in the round using circular needles or double-pointed needles. The pattern begins with a long tail cast-on (or any flexible cast-on method of your choice) of 108 stitches, which are then joined carefully without twisting to begin knitting in the round. A stitch marker is used to indicate the beginning of the round and slipped as you progress through the pattern. The cowl features a slip stitch pattern combined with twisted ribbing, creating texture and visual depth. The color work is straightforward, with the main color and contrast color swapping roles halfway through the piece, allowing knitters to explore color blocking without complex colorwork techniques.

Stitches Used

The stitch pattern combines the following techniques:

• Twisted Ribbing: Worked as *P1, K1tbl* (purl 1, knit 1 through the back loop) repeated to the end of the round
• Slip Stitch Pattern: A fun, decorative slip stitch pattern that creates textural interest throughout the cowl

These stitches are worked over 6 rounds of twisted ribbing before transitioning into the main slip stitch pattern. The combination creates a fabric with both structure and visual appeal, suitable for a cowl that drapes elegantly around the neck.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn Requirements: The pattern calls for approximately 89.7–103.1 meters (98.1–112.8 yards) of main color (MC) aran weight yarn and 91.7–105.4 meters (100.3–115.3 yards) of contrast color (CC) aran weight yarn. The sample shown was knitted using 2 skeins of Zitron Nimbus (100% Merino wool, aran weight/10ply): 1 undyed skein (100.3 yards) and 1 gray skein (98.1 yards).

Tools and Notions: Size 5 mm (US 8) circular needles or double-pointed needles are required for this project. Additional supplies include 1 stitch marker, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and optional pins for blocking.

Gauge: 20 stitches equal 10 centimeters (4 inches) when measured unblocked in slip stitch using 5 mm (US 8) needles. This gauge is important to achieve the correct finished dimensions.

Customization and Sizing

One of the key features of Matiz is its customizable nature. The size can be easily adjusted to suit individual preferences and head sizes, making it a versatile pattern for different recipients or personal fit preferences. The straightforward construction and clear stitch pattern make it simple to modify the cast-on number or adjust the length as needed.

Skill Level and Project Character

Rated as an intermediate project, Matiz is described as a mindless knit—a pattern that is simple without being boring. Once knitters establish the rhythm of the slip stitch pattern, the project requires minimal concentration, making it ideal for knitters who want to create something visually interesting while enjoying a relaxing, meditative knitting experience. The bicolor design and pattern reversibility add sophistication to what is fundamentally a straightforward construction.