Draft Cowl (DE) in Rowan - Downloadable PDF

Draft Cowl by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Draft Cowl is an intermediate-level knitted cowl designed by Lisa Richardson for Rowan yarns. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a versatile neck accessory using a sophisticated colorwork technique that combines multiple yarn shades to produce visual depth and texture.

Craft and Primary Technique

This is a knitting project worked in the round using circular needles. The cowl employs mosaic knitting, a colorwork method that creates intricate patterned effects while remaining accessible to intermediate knitters. Mosaic knitting involves carrying yarn colors along the edge of the work and strategically slipping stitches to build geometric patterns without the complexity of traditional stranded colorwork.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

The Draft Cowl features a combination of fundamental knitting stitches arranged in a repeating mosaic pattern:

• Knit stitches (M re) – worked in various color sequences across multiple rounds
• Purl stitches (M li) – alternated with knit stitches to create textural contrast
• Slipped stitches (M abh) – essential to the mosaic technique, these stitches are slipped rather than worked to build the pattern structure
• Garter stitch (kraus re gestr) – the base stitch pattern worked in mosaic style

The pattern repeats across multiple rounds, with color changes introducing visual interest while maintaining the same basic stitch sequence. The mosaic construction allows the colorwork to develop organically as rounds progress.

Yarn and Materials

The Draft Cowl is designed to be worked in Rowan chunky weight yarn using five coordinating colors from the Rowan palette:

• Color A – Winter 550: 1 x 50g ball
• Color B – Sunset 557: 1 x 50g ball
• Color C – Storm 556: 2 x 50g balls
• Color D – Setting Sun 555: 1 x 50g ball
• Color E – Clear Blue 551: 1 x 50g ball

Total yardage requirement is approximately 250 grams of chunky weight yarn. The pattern calls for one circular needle in size 6 (4mm), measuring no more than 140 cm in length, suitable for working in the round on a cowl-sized circumference.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The stitch gauge for this project is 17 stitches and 34 rows over 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inches) when worked in mosaic pattern using garter stitch. This gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions and drape of the completed cowl.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Draft Cowl is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to explore colorwork techniques. The mosaic method used here is more forgiving than traditional stranded colorwork, as it eliminates the need to manage multiple colors within a single round, making it an excellent introduction to patterned knitting.