Arwen cowl

Arwen Cowl by Ellen Torunn Kvalheim Andresen

What is Being Made

The Arwen cowl is a looped neck accessory designed by Ellen Torunn Kvalheim Andresen for SISO Designs. This knitted cowl features a fully reversible construction, making it wearable from either side. The pattern offers flexibility in finished size: a large cowl measuring 24 cm (9.5 inches) wide and 146 cm (57.5 inches) around, or a smaller single-loop version at 24 cm (9.5 inches) wide and 71 cm (28 inches) around. The large cowl requires two skeins of yarn in contrasting colorways, while the smaller version can be completed with a single skein.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Arwen cowl employs a provisional cast-on technique to create a seamless join, which is essential for the looped construction and reversible nature of the design. The pattern utilizes a combination of knit and purl stitches arranged in a changing graphic pattern that creates visual interest throughout the knitting process. The design is worked flat and then joined using a darning needle for finishing, requiring careful attention to detail during the final assembly stages.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

This cowl is constructed primarily using knit and purl stitches combined in a changing graphic pattern. The interplay between knit and purl stitches creates textural contrast and visual designs that shift as you progress through the pattern. The pattern is provided in both written instructions and charted format, allowing knitters to follow either their preferred method of pattern reading. The reversible nature of the cowl means the pattern maintains visual interest from both sides.

Materials and Tools

The Arwen cowl is designed to be worked with Malabrigo Merino Worsted yarn, a worsted-weight fiber. For the large cowl, two skeins totaling 100 g (3.5 oz) per skein with 192 meters (210 yards) per skein are required in two different colorways. The pattern pictured uses Pearl Ten 69 and Simply Taube 601 colorways. Knitting requires 4.5 mm (US 7) needles or the size needed to achieve proper gauge. Additional materials include scrap yarn for the provisional cast-on and smaller needles with a darning needle for finishing work.

Gauge and Difficulty

The pattern is rated as beginner difficulty, making it accessible to knitters new to colorwork or reversible constructions. The gauge is 18 stitches and 26 rows over 10 cm (4 inches), with the note that row height is less critical than stitch gauge. Blocked measurements ensure the finished cowl achieves the intended dimensions and drape.

Pattern Format

The Arwen cowl pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, providing convenient access to both written instructions and charted guidance for this reversible knitted accessory.