Navy Moss Cowl

Navy Moss Cowl by Jo Sharp

What is Being Made

The Navy Moss Cowl is a soft, pliable cowl scarf designed to sit short at the throat with gentle folds when worn. This knitted accessory combines two contrasting yarns—Jo Sharp Silkroad DK Tweed in Serpentine and Jo Sharp New Era Merino DK Superwash in Fathom—to create visual interest and texture. The finished piece is worked on straight needles and features a twist in the fabric before seaming, making it a quick project suitable for gift-giving.

Techniques Used

This cowl is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques accessible to beginner-level crafters. The primary technique employed is working with two contrasting yarns held together simultaneously on large needles, which creates a rich, textured appearance while maintaining an open, breathable fabric. A key design feature involves creating a deliberate twist in the knitted fabric before the seaming step, which adds structural interest and ensures the cowl drapes beautifully when worn. The piece is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, simplifying the construction process for newer knitters.

Stitches Used

Moss Stitch forms the foundation of this design. Moss stitch, also called seed stitch in some traditions, is created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern both horizontally and vertically. This classic stitch creates a dense, textured, and reversible fabric that is both visually interesting and structurally sound. The stitch pattern works beautifully when two yarns are held together, as the contrasting colors enhance the dimensional quality of the alternating knit and purl bumps.

Materials

• Yarn: The cowl uses two distinct Jo Sharp yarns worked together. Jo Sharp New Era Merino DK Superwash (1 x 50g ball in color 805 Fathom) is a machine-washable wool yarn that is light, lofty, and exceptionally soft, suitable for wearing directly against the skin and appropriate for all family members, including babies. Jo Sharp Silkroad DK Tweed (1 x 50g ball in color 402 Serpentine) is a luxury yarn blending wool, silk, and cashmere fibers, offering rich texture and softness ideal for close-to-skin wear.
• Needles: Large 9.00mm needles are used to work this cowl, which contributes to the quick knitting pace and creates an appropriately open fabric when the two yarns are held together.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as beginner-friendly, making it an excellent choice for knitters new to the craft or those seeking a straightforward, satisfying make. The use of basic moss stitch, large needles, and straight-needle construction keeps the pattern accessible while still producing a sophisticated, wearable finished object.