#1407 Pomelo - Cowl Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Easthampton

Pattern Summary: #1407 Pomelo Cowl Knitting Pattern by Susan Baron

The Pomelo (#1407) is a beautifully designed knitted cowl created by Susan Baron and published by Valley Yarns. This pattern produces a seamless, circular cowl with a striking visual effect — the yarn colors gradually shift outward in both directions from a central starting point, creating a perfectly mirrored color progression unique to this construction method. The finished cowl measures 27 inches in circumference and 8 inches high, making it a versatile, wearable accessory suitable for complementing a wide range of outfits.

Design Highlights

What makes the Pomelo cowl particularly special is its use of a Möbius Cast-On worked from the center outward. Because the knitting grows in two directions simultaneously from this ingenious center cast-on, a single cake of self-striping or gradient yarn will produce perfectly symmetrical color changes above and below the midpoint. This means no careful planning or yarn splitting is required — the construction does the work for you. The result is a cowl that looks complex and intentional, yet works up with satisfying ease.

Techniques Used

• Möbius Cast-On: A specialized center cast-on technique that allows knitting to proceed outward in both directions at once, creating the signature mirrored color effect and the seamless, continuous structure of the cowl.
• Worked in the Round: The cowl is knitted seamlessly in the round using a circular needle, eliminating any seaming and producing a smooth, polished finish.
• Lace / Eyelet Rib: The primary stitch pattern is an Eyelet Rib, which incorporates small decorative holes (eyelets) into a ribbed framework. This combination adds delicate texture and visual interest while remaining approachable for adventurous beginners.

Stitches Used

• Eyelet Rib: The main stitch pattern throughout the cowl, combining knit and purl stitches in a ribbed arrangement with yarn-over eyelets for a lace-like, airy quality.
• Yarn Overs (YO): Used within the Eyelet Rib pattern to create the open, decorative holes characteristic of lace knitting.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern is specifically designed for Valley Yarns Easthampton, a sport weight yarn with a fiber content of 75% Merino Wool and 25% Nylon. Each cake contains 436 yards per 100 grams, and only one cake is required to complete the cowl. The sample shown uses Color 07 – Spring Blossoms, though Valley Yarns Easthampton is available in a wide range of colorways, making it easy to knit multiple Pomelo cowls to coordinate with different outfits and seasons. The Merino Wool content provides softness and warmth against the skin, while the Nylon adds durability and stitch definition.

Needles and Notions

• Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) circular needle, 40 inches long, or the size needed to achieve gauge. The long circular needle is essential for the Möbius Cast-On technique.
• Stitch Marker: Used to mark the beginning of the round.
• Tapestry Needle: Required for weaving in ends upon completion.

Gauge

The recommended gauge is 24 stitches and 34 rows over 4 inches in Eyelet Rib, measured after blocking. Blocking is an important finishing step for this pattern, as it opens up the eyelets and allows the lace texture to fully bloom, enhancing the cowl's drape and finished dimensions.

Sizing and Skill Level

The Pomelo cowl is offered in one size with finished measurements of 27 inches in circumference and 8 inches high. The pattern is rated Adventurous Beginner (also listed as Advanced Beginner), meaning it is well-suited to knitters who have