Two Strand Moss Cowl

Two Strand Moss Cowl by Jo Sharp

What is Being Made

The Two Strand Moss Cowl is a versatile neckwear accessory designed to be worn in multiple ways. This cowl can be worn as a single loop around the neck or doubled up to wear beneath a coat collar, making it a practical layering piece for various seasons and styling needs. The finished cowl measures 90cm in length before seaming and 45cm when worn, with a width of 28cm, creating a generous fabric drape suitable for different neck sizes and wearing preferences.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs the two-strand knitting technique, where two strands of yarn are worked together simultaneously on large needles to create a thicker, more substantial fabric. The cowl is constructed using straight needles rather than circular needles, meaning the piece is knitted flat and then seamed together. A distinctive twist is made in the fabric before seaming, which adds structural interest and helps the cowl maintain its shape when worn. This construction method is ideal for beginners as it avoids the complexity of working in the round while still producing a professional finished garment.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern used throughout this cowl is Moss Stitch, a fundamental textured stitch that creates a subtle, bumpy fabric surface. Moss Stitch is worked by alternating knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence: knit one, purl one across each row, then reversing the pattern on the following row. This creates a dense, reversible fabric with visual texture on both sides. The pattern begins with casting on 36 stitches and working rows that follow the Moss Stitch pattern repeat, creating a consistent, professional appearance throughout the cowl.

Materials

This pattern calls for Jo Sharp Mulberry Silk Georgette yarn in the colorway Infinite, requiring three 50-gram balls total. The yarn weight is sport weight, which is a lightweight category ideal for creating soft, draping fabrics. Jo Sharp Mulberry Silk Georgette is described as super soft and pliable, making it suitable for wearing directly against the skin without irritation. The needles required are 9.00mm (USA size 13, UK size 00), which are appropriately sized for working with two strands of sport weight yarn together. The recommended tension is 13 stitches and 19 rows measured over 10cm of Moss Stitch using 9.00mm needles, ensuring proper fabric density and finished measurements.