Garden Cowl

Garden Cowl by Carol Herman

Project Overview

The Garden Cowl is a bold, colorful knitted cowl featuring a reversible design with two distinct fabric faces. This intermediate-level knitting project showcases abstract diamonds and whimsical floral motifs worked in vibrant colorwork against contrasting backgrounds. The cowl measures 60 inches in circumference and 7.5 inches in height, making it long enough to wrap around twice for extra warmth during cold weather.

Design Features

This cowl demonstrates sophisticated colorwork design with two complementary "faces" of fabric. On one side, abstract diamonds and a whimsical flower are worked in color on a white background. On the reverse side, the same motifs appear in white against a colorful background. The design is further enhanced with striped sections and a colorblock section that add visual interest and complexity to the finished piece.

Construction Method

The Garden Cowl is knit as a tube in the round using circular needles, then sewn together at the end. This construction technique creates a seamless, tubular fabric that is both comfortable and visually polished. The in-the-round knitting method ensures even tension and consistent stitch definition throughout the colorwork sections.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

• Stranded Knitting: The primary colorwork technique used to create the intricate diamond and floral patterns. Stranded knitting involves carrying multiple yarn colors across the back of the fabric while working with the active color, creating the reversible effect.
• Colorwork Chart Reading: Knitters must follow detailed charts to place the abstract diamonds and flower motifs accurately across the fabric.
• Mattress Stitch: Used to seam the cowl together at the end, creating an invisible, professional-looking join.
• Circular Knitting: The tube is worked in continuous rounds to create a seamless cylindrical fabric.

Yarn and Materials

The Garden Cowl is designed to work with multiple yarn weights, accommodating Aran, DK, or Worsted weight yarns. The pattern is an excellent stash-buster project, requiring approximately 75 yards each of four contrasting colors, along with a few skeins each of the background color and the flower/colorblock color. A two-color option is also available on page 9 of the pattern for knitters who prefer a simplified colorway.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Garden Cowl requires competency in stranded colorwork knitting, the ability to read and follow colorwork charts accurately, and familiarity with mattress stitch seaming. Knitters should have experience with circular knitting and managing multiple yarn colors before attempting this design.

Pattern Details

• Finished Circumference: 60 inches [152.4 cm]
• Finished Height: 7.5 inches [19 cm]
• Craft: Knitting
• Designer: Carol Herman
• Copyright: 2021
• Format: Downloadable PDF