Garden District Cowl

Garden District Cowl by Corrine Walcher

What is Being Made

The Garden District Cowl is a knitted neck accessory designed for a New Orleans resident, reflecting the name inspired by the city's historic Garden District neighborhood. This cowl is part of a coordinating collection that includes matching hat and glove patterns. The finished cowl measures 23 inches around when unstretched, stretching up to 26 inches, with a height of 6 inches that is easily adjustable to suit individual preferences.

Knitting Techniques and Stitch Work

This intermediate-level knitting project features a sophisticated combination of stitch patterns that create visual interest and texture. The primary design element is a braided cable pattern that runs throughout the cowl, interspersed with sections of rib stitch and stockinette stitch. The cable work is achieved using two main cable techniques:

• 2/2 LC (Left Cable): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in front; knit 2; knit 2 from cable needle
• 2/2 RC (Right Cable): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in back; knit 2; knit 2 from cable needle

The pattern is worked in the round, which is a common technique for seamless cowls and other tubular garments. The gauge is established at 24 stitches and 32 rows per 4 inches in blocked stockinette stitch when knit in the round, ensuring proper fit and drape.

Yarn and Materials

The Garden District Cowl is designed to be knitted with Neighborhood Fiber Co. Studio Sock, a 100% superwash merino yarn that provides durability and easy care. The yarn comes in 400-yard skeins weighing 114 grams. The sample shown in the pattern was knitted in the colorway Olde Towne East and used approximately 130 yards of yarn, making this an economical project that uses less than half a skein.

Needles and Gauge Requirements

This pattern can be worked using either a set of 5 double-pointed needles or a 16-inch circular needle, both in size 3 US (3.25 mm), or in a size that achieves the specified gauge. The choice between double-pointed needles and circular needles allows knitters to select their preferred method for working in the round. Achieving the correct gauge of 24 stitches and 32 rows per 4 inches in blocked stockinette is essential for obtaining the finished dimensions of the cowl.

Yarn Weight and Difficulty Level

The Garden District Cowl is worked with 3-ply and 4-ply yarn weights, which are considered fingering or sock-weight yarns. These lighter weights create a refined, elegant drape suitable for a neck accessory. The pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it appropriate for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are comfortable working cable patterns and maintaining gauge in the round.