Ninfa

Ninfa Cowl by Carolyn Macpherson

What Is Being Made

Ninfa is an advanced-level knitted cowl designed by Carolyn Macpherson. This is a substantial neckwear piece measuring 28 inches (71 cm) in circumference and 10 inches (25.5 cm) in depth, making it a generous cowl suitable for layering or wearing as a statement accessory. The cowl is worked in the round from bottom to top and finished with a decorative picot edge bind-off.

Techniques and Construction

This pattern employs multiple advanced knitting techniques to create visual interest and texture throughout the piece. The cowl features a combination of cable work, simple lace, and textured bobble stitches, all integrated into a seamless in-the-round construction. The picot edge bind-off adds a refined, decorative finish to the top edge of the cowl.

The stitch patterns are worked in a specific sequence: Rounds 1–8 are repeated twice, followed by Rounds 17–29 worked once, Rounds 30–37 repeated three times, and finally Rounds 54–64 worked once. This structured progression builds the design from the cast-on edge upward. Knitters have the option to follow either written stitch instructions or a stitch chart, accommodating different learning preferences.

Stitches Used

• Cable stitches for dimensional texture
• Lace stitches for openwork detail
• Bobble stitch (Make Bobble/MB): Created by working [K1, yo, k1] into the next stitch, turning, purling 3 stitches, turning again, then slipping 2 stitches purlwise, knitting 1, and passing the slipped stitches over to complete the bobble
• Knitted cast-on method for the picot bind-off edge
• Picot edge bind-off for a decorative finished edge

Materials and Tools

This cowl is designed to showcase the luxurious qualities of premium yarn. The suggested yarn is Valley Yarns Mount Holyoke, a 100% cashmere yarn in the colorway #1034 Cloudy Sky. Two balls are required, with each ball containing 185 yards (170 meters) and weighing 1¾ ounces (50 grams). The worsted weight yarn creates a fabric with good drape and warmth.

The pattern calls for a Size 6 US (4 mm) circular needle measuring 24 inches (60 cm). Knitters are advised to adjust needle size as necessary to obtain the correct gauge, ensuring the finished cowl meets the specified measurements and drapes properly.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an advanced pattern, Ninfa is best suited for experienced knitters who are comfortable working with multiple stitch techniques simultaneously, reading stitch charts, and managing in-the-round construction on circular needles. The combination of cables, lace, and bobbles requires strong foundational skills and attention to detail.