Rushmore Cowl

Rushmore Cowl by Nancy Whitman

What is Being Made

The Rushmore Cowl is a knitted neck accessory designed by Nancy Whitman. This cowl is a versatile project available in two construction options: a solid-color version or a two-color colorwork design. The finished cowl measures 24 inches (61 centimeters) in circumference and stands 8 inches (20.3 centimeters) tall, making it a comfortable, close-fitting neckwear piece suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone accessory.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Rushmore Cowl is constructed using circular knitting worked in the round, which creates a seamless tubular fabric. The pattern employs a strategic needle-sizing technique to achieve the desired fabric properties: a smaller US size 4/3.5 mm circular needle is used for the initial cast on, while a larger US size 6/4.0 mm circular needle is used for the main body of the cowl. This size differential helps create a neat, elastic cast-on edge that sits comfortably against the neck. A US #2/2.75 mm double-pointed needle is also required, likely for binding off or finishing details.

The design incorporates both stockinette stitch and garter stitch (purl) sections. The cowl features extended knit rounds that form the primary stockinette fabric, interspersed with purl rounds that create textural variation and visual interest. This combination of stitches adds dimension to what might otherwise be a simple tubular cowl.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch – the primary stitch structure, created by alternating knit and purl rows (or in this case, knit rounds), producing a smooth, V-textured fabric on the right side
• Garter stitch – created through purl rounds, adding horizontal ridges and textural contrast
• Bind off – a knit bind-off technique is used to secure the final stitches and prevent unraveling

Yarn and Materials

The Rushmore Cowl pattern calls for Madelinetosh Tosh Pashmina yarn, a luxurious blend composed of 75% merino wool, 15% silk, and 10% cashmere. This fiber composition creates a soft, breathable, and temperature-regulating fabric ideal for neckwear. Each skein contains 360 yards of yarn.

For a solid-color cowl, one full skein is required, using approximately 305 yards of a single color such as Mineral. For a two-color cowl variation, approximately 105 yards of the main color (MC) and 200 yards of a contrasting color (CC) are needed, such as Vermillion and Venetian. The yardage requirements allow crafters to choose between a monochromatic design or a more visually striking two-tone colorwork option.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 23 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches (10 centimeters) when measured in stockinette stitch on the larger needles and blocked. This intermediate-level gauge requires attention to tension and accurate stitch counting to ensure the finished cowl achieves the intended circumference and drape.

Needles and Notions

• 1 US size 4/3.5 mm circular needle, 24 inches (60 centimeters) long – for cast on
• 1 US size 6/4.0 mm circular needle, 24 inches (60 centimeters) long – for main body
• 1 US #2/2.75 mm double-pointed needle – for finishing
• 2 stitch markers – to track pattern repeats and round beginnings
• Tapestry needle – for weaving in yarn ends

Difficulty Level

The Rushmore Cowl is classified as an intermediate knitting project. While the basic techniques of circular knitting and stockinette stitch are foundational, the pattern requires familiarity with working in the round, managing multiple needle sizes, and maintaining consistent gauge. The two-color variation option adds additional complexity for those seeking a more advanced challenge.