Mosaic

Mosaic Cowl by Kelly Menzies

What is Being Made

The Mosaic Cowl is a knitted neck accessory designed as a cozy, versatile piece suitable for various occasions. With a circumference of 66 cm (26 inches) and a height of 21 cm (8.25 inches), this cowl offers comfortable coverage around the neck and shoulders. The design is worked in the round from the bottom up, creating a seamless tubular construction that drapes elegantly when worn.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is created using knitting as the primary craft. The Mosaic Cowl is classified as a beginner-level pattern, making it an excellent choice for knitters who are new to the craft or those looking for a straightforward, satisfying project. The pattern was originally published in Let's Knit Magazine, September 2015, and features photography and design by Kelly Menzies with artwork by Caroline Bond.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

The Mosaic Cowl employs fundamental knitting stitches that form the foundation of the design:

• Knit stitch (K) – the primary stitch creating the fabric texture
• Purl stitch (P) – used in combination with knit stitches to create visual interest and pattern definition
• Ribbed pattern sections – alternating knit and purl stitches in various configurations, including 2x2 ribbing (k2, p2 repeats) and extended rib patterns (k2, p2, k4, p2 repeats) that provide elasticity and structure

The pattern utilizes charted instructions to guide the stitch sequences, with a stitch marker used to denote the beginning of each round. The cowl is worked in the round using circular needles, eliminating the need for seaming.

Materials Required

The Mosaic Cowl requires the following materials to complete:

• Yarn: 226 meters / 248 yards of DK weight yarn. The pattern is shown knitted in Rooster Almerino DK, shade 220 Lighthouse, requiring 2 balls of yarn
• Needles: 3.5mm / US 4 circular needles for working in the round
• Notions: 1 stitch marker to denote round beginnings, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and an optional row counter for tracking progress

Gauge and Construction Details

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 24 stitches by 30 rows over a 10x10 cm (4" x 4") swatch using the pattern stitch on 3.5mm / US 4 needles. This gauge is achieved with DK weight yarn, which is a lightweight, versatile yarn weight suitable for creating fabric with good drape and definition. The cowl begins with a cast-on of 160 stitches, which are joined in the round and worked upward to the finished height. The written instructions are provided in standard knitting abbreviations and are accompanied by charted visual representations for ease of following the pattern sequences.