Tartan Thatch Cowl

Tartan Thatch Cowl by Jo Sharp

What is Being Made

The Tartan Thatch Cowl is a soft, pliable basket weave stitch cowl designed as a shaped scarf. This knitted accessory features a permanent seamless twist effect incorporated directly into the knitting construction, creating visual interest and dimensional texture. The cowl is crafted using super soft tweed yarn, making it both comfortable and visually striking for everyday wear.

Construction and Techniques

This cowl is primarily worked in the round using circular needles, which allows for seamless construction and the incorporation of the signature twisted effect as the work progresses. The pattern includes instructions for working on circular needles as the primary method, with an alternative option provided for crafting the twisted cowl on straight needles using a seam for those who prefer traditional flat knitting techniques.

The twist is created through a deliberate manipulation of stitches during the cast-on process. The knitter creates a single loop over the needle with bulk positioned underneath, then makes one twist of the cast-on so that stitches alternate between having bulk above and bulk below the needle. This intentional twisting action during setup creates a permanent twist that develops throughout the knitting as the work progresses.

Stitches Used

• Basket Weave Stitch - The primary stitch pattern used throughout the cowl, creating texture and visual depth
• Knit Stitch - Used in the foundational construction, as referenced in the round-by-round instructions

Materials Required

Yarn: Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed in the specified color, a super soft tweed yarn in chunky weight that provides both warmth and a refined aesthetic.

Needles and Notions: Circular needles appropriate for chunky weight yarn (with straight needles as an optional alternative), stitch markers (either contrasting thread or plastic markers), and yarn in a contrasting color for marking the first stitch if using thread instead of a plastic marker.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner-friendly, making it an accessible project for knitters new to cowl construction and twisted effects. The straightforward stitch work and clear instructions make it suitable for those building foundational knitting skills.