Red Plums

Red Plums Cowl by Crystal

What is Being Made

Red Plums is a knitted cowl designed by Crystal Hiatt. This finished accessory measures 7.5 inches wide by 27.5 inches long (19cm x 70cm) after grafting, making it a versatile neckwear piece suitable for layering and everyday wear.

Construction Method

The cowl is knit in a flat construction using aran weight yarn, requiring approximately 328 yards (300 meters) of yarn. The pattern features a straightforward approach to finishing: after completing the flat knitted piece, minimal work is required to complete the cowl, with just some quick grafting needed to join the ends and create the finished circular cowl shape.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Red Plums showcases cable knitting as its primary design element. The pattern features thick and squishy cables worked in a repetitive pattern throughout the piece. The cable work includes two main cable stitches:

• C8F (Cable 8 Front): Slip 4 stitches onto a cable needle, hold the cable needle to the front of the work, knit 4 stitches from the left needle, then knit 4 stitches from the cable needle
• C8B (Cable 8 Back): Slip 4 stitches onto a cable needle and hold it to the back of the work before knitting stitches from the main needle and cable needle

The repetitive nature of these cable stitches makes them ideal for memorizing as you work, allowing for meditative, conversation-friendly knitting. Basic knitting techniques include casting on (CO), knitting (K), purling (P), and binding off (BO). The pattern concludes with grafting (also called Kitchener stitch) to seamlessly join the two ends of the flat piece into a finished cowl.

Materials and Tools

The pattern is designed for aran weight yarn (also referred to as worsted weight), with the sample created using Purl Soho Worsted Twist in the colorway Red Plum. This yarn is 100% Merino Wool, offering softness and breathability. The total yardage requirement is 328 yards (300 meters).

Essential tools include:

• US 9 (5.5mm) needles—straight or circular needles are both suitable
• Cable needle for working the cable stitches
• Tapestry needle for grafting and weaving in ends
• Crochet hook (included in the tools list)
• Scrap yarn for holding stitches during grafting if needed

Skill Level

Red Plums is rated as an intermediate knitting project. While the cable stitches are repetitive and become easier with practice, familiarity with cable knitting techniques and grafting is expected. This pattern is well-suited for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to work with more textured, dimensional stitch patterns.