Ravensdowne Cowl

Ravensdowne Cowl by Margaret Kendall

Project Overview

The Ravensdowne Cowl is an intermediate-level knitting pattern designed by Margaret Kendall for crafters seeking a stylish, textured neckwear piece. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating a plush, cable-detailed cowl that can be adapted for either super bulky or bulky yarn weights. The design features a distinctive construction method where flat panels are grafted together to form a continuous loop, offering both visual interest and structural integrity.

What Is Being Made

The Ravensdowne Cowl is a versatile neckwear accessory available in two yarn weight options. The super bulky version creates a finished cowl measuring 9 inches (22.9 cm) wide by 29 inches (73.7 cm) in circumference, making it suitable for generous draping around the neck. The pattern also accommodates bulky yarn for those preferring a lighter-weight infinity scarf alternative. An optional, removable super bulky button tab is included in the pattern instructions, allowing crafters to customize their finished piece with functional closure details.

Techniques Used

• Flat Panel Construction: The cowl is worked flat rather than in the round, creating distinct panels that are later joined together.
• Grafting: The flat-worked panels are grafted to form a seamless loop, ensuring a professional finish and continuous fabric flow.
• Cable Crossing: The pattern employs traditional cable techniques to create the plush, three-dimensional texture that defines this design.
• Stockinette Stitch: The base fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, providing a smooth background that showcases the cable details.

Stitches and Abbreviations

The Ravensdowne Cowl uses fundamental knitting stitches combined with cable work to achieve its textured appearance. Key stitches and abbreviations include:

• k (knit): The primary stitch forming the base fabric and cable columns.
• p (purl): Used to create definition and texture contrast within the pattern.
• C8B (Cable 8 Back): Slip the next 4 stitches onto a cable needle and hold to the back of work, knit 4 stitches, then knit 4 stitches from the cable needle. This creates a cable that twists toward the back of the fabric.
• C8F (Cable 8 Front): Slip the next 4 stitches onto a cable needle and hold to the front of work, knit 4 stitches, then knit 4 stitches from the cable needle. This creates a cable that twists toward the front of the fabric.
• CO (Cast on): The foundation row for beginning the pattern.
• BO (Bind off): The finishing technique for securing stitches at the end of the work.
• RS (Right Side): The public-facing side of the finished cowl.

Materials Required

The Ravensdowne Cowl pattern specifies particular yarn and needle requirements to achieve the intended finished dimensions and fabric characteristics.

Yarn

For the super bulky cowl version, the pattern calls for super bulky yarn totaling 212 yards (193.8 meters). The sample shown in the pattern was created using Lion Brand Yarns Thick and Quick in the color Colbalt. The pattern is adaptable to bulky yarn weights as well, allowing crafters flexibility in material selection while maintaining the design's essential character.

Needles

The pattern requires US 13 (9 mm) knitting needles. Double-pointed needles in this size are specified, supporting the construction method and stitch manipulation required for the cable work and grafting techniques.

Gauge

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this pattern's success. In stockinette stitch, the gauge is measured as 9 stitches and 12 rows over 4 inches (10 cm). When worked in pattern with the cable details, the gauge measures 20 stitches and 15 rows over 4 inches (10 cm). Crafters should knit a gauge swatch before beginning the full project to ensure their finished cowl matches the intended dimensions.