Cheval Cowl

Cheval Cowl by Crystal

What is Being Made

The Cheval Cowl is a simple yet elegant cowl pattern designed for knitters seeking to create a versatile neckwear piece. This downloadable knitting pattern produces a finished cowl measuring 10.5" tall by 14" wide with a 28" circumference, making it suitable for comfortable wear around the neck. The cowl showcases beautiful stitch pattern details that are particularly striking when worked in neutral, marled, speckled, or variegated yarns.

Craft and Techniques

This is an intermediate-level knitting project worked entirely in the round, which creates a seamless, tubular construction. The pattern is specifically designed as a practice piece for knitters looking to refine their skills in two fundamental knitting techniques: increases and decreases. These shaping methods are essential for creating the stitch pattern details that give the Cheval Cowl its visual appeal. Working in the round requires circular needles or the magic loop method, and the continuous circular construction eliminates the need for seaming.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The Cheval Cowl features a distinctive stitch pattern that forms the beautiful details mentioned throughout the design. The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches including knit stitches and incorporates knit 2 together (k2tog) decreases as well as increases to create the textured design. The stitch pattern is worked with a gauge of 18 stitches by 33 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) when measured in the round using the stitch pattern. This gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Cheval Cowl is designed for DK weight yarn, requiring 210 to 220 yards (192 to 201 meters) of yarn to complete the project. The pattern includes two sample variations demonstrating different yarn options:

• Sample A: Knit in YOTH Yarns Neighbor in Mustard, a 100% Domestic Merino and Rambouillet wool blend offering 200 yards per skein (183 meters)
• Sample B: Knit in YOTH Yarns Little Brother in Guava and Oyster held together, an 80% Superwash Merino, 10% Cashmere, and 10% Nylon blend providing 435 yards per skein (398 meters)

The finished dimensions may vary based on the specific yarn characteristics used. Knitters will need circular needles appropriate for DK weight yarn to work this project in the round.