Old Dock Road

Old Dock Road Cowl by Joan Forgione

What is Being Made

Old Dock Road is a knitted cowl designed by Joan Forgione, featuring a finished circumference of 34¼ inches [86cm] and a width of 7 inches [19cm]. This intermediate-level project creates a double-thick, textured cowl intended to provide warmth and visual interest during winter wear. The design draws inspiration from a scenic coastal setting, delivering both color and texture through its construction.

Knitting Techniques Used

This cowl employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance and functionality. Colorwork is a primary feature, creating patterned sections that add visual depth to the finished piece. The cowl is constructed using a provisional cast-on method, which allows for a seamless join when the two ends are grafted together, eliminating a bulky seam. The double-thick construction provides enhanced insulation and structural integrity, making this cowl particularly suitable for cold-weather wear.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Old Dock Road cowl utilizes two distinct stitch patterns throughout its construction:

• 2x2 Garter Rib: This textured ribbed pattern creates vertical columns of texture and elasticity, contributing to the cowl's snug fit and dimensional appearance
• Colorwork Pattern: A stranded colorwork section adds visual complexity and color variation to the design, requiring careful attention to tension and yarn management

Gauge and Materials

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions. The pattern specifies two different gauges depending on the stitch pattern being worked:

• 2x2 Garter Rib with smaller needles: 21 stitches and 26 rounds = 4 inches [10cm] when blocked
• Colorwork pattern with larger needles: 21 stitches and 22 rounds = 4 inches [10cm] when blocked

This cowl is worked in worsted weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that provides good stitch definition for both the ribbed and colorwork sections. The pattern requires standard knitting notions including waste yarn for the provisional cast-on, a size H [5mm] crochet hook for executing the provisional cast-on method, a stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats and round beginnings, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and grafting the cowl closed.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, Old Dock Road requires knitters to be comfortable with colorwork techniques, provisional cast-ons, and working in the round. The combination of multiple stitch patterns and the need to manage tension across different yarn weights makes this pattern suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to expand their technical abilities.