Braided Cowl in Caron Caron Simply Soft Collection and Simply Soft Paints - Downloadable PDF

Braided Cowl in Caron Simply Soft Collection and Simply Soft Paints

What is Being Made

The Braided Cowl is a knitted neck accessory designed by Melissa Matthay that features a braided construction created from multiple knitted strips. This cowl measures 10 inches wide with a 26-inch circumference, making it a versatile piece suitable for various neck sizes. The design combines different yarn colors and textures to create visual interest through the braiding technique.

Techniques Used

This cowl is constructed using a strip-based braiding method. Each individual strip is knitted separately and then braided together to form the finished cowl. This approach allows crafters to work with manageable pieces before assembling them into the final accessory. The braiding technique creates a dimensional, textured appearance while remaining accessible to beginner-level knitters. The modular construction makes this project straightforward to execute, as you complete one strip at a time before combining them.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout the cowl, worked by knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side to create the classic smooth, V-patterned fabric.
• Seed Stitch (Seed st): An alternating knit and purl stitch that creates a textured, bumpy surface by consistently placing knit stitches over purl stitches and vice versa across rows.
• Eyelet Pattern: A decorative stitch pattern worked over a multiple of 2 stitches plus 1, created by alternating yarn overs with knit 2 together decreases to form small openings in the fabric, interspersed with purl rows.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This cowl is designed to be knitted with yarns from the Caron collection. Contrast A uses Caron Simply Soft, a worsted-weight yarn available in 170-gram (6-ounce) skeins containing 288 meters or 315 yards. Contrast B features Caron Simply Soft Paints in the Pagoda colorway (0014), provided in 113-gram (4-ounce) skeins with 190 meters or 208 yards. Contrast C uses Caron Simply Soft Paints in the Spring Break colorway (0004), also in 113-gram skeins. The pattern requires U.S. size 8 (5 mm) needles for knitting.

Gauge and Project Notes

The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 21 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when working stockinette stitch with U.S. size 8 needles. An important note for crafters: gauge is not critical to this project, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those who prefer a more relaxed approach to knitting. Each individual strip measures 4.5 inches wide by 26 inches long, and the finished braided cowl is 10 inches wide with a 26-inch circumference.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as a beginner-level project, making it suitable for knitters who are new to the craft or returning after a break. The straightforward construction, non-critical gauge requirements, and use of fundamental stitches make this an ideal introduction to creating wearable accessories.