S Curve Cowl

S Curve Cowl by Janelle Martin

What is Being Made

The S Curve Cowl is a sophisticated knitted cowl designed by Janelle Martin. This finished accessory measures 11.5 inches (29.25 cm) wide by 32.25 inches (82 cm) long when blocked, making it a generous neck wrap suitable for layering and styling versatility. The cowl features a distinctive S-curve design that creates visual interest and elegant drape around the shoulders and neckline.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern offers flexibility in yarn selection. Crafters can use 350 yards (320 meters) of a single worsted weight yarn that knits to 4.75–5 stitches per inch, or alternatively, combine two strands of fingering weight yarn held together to achieve the same yardage and gauge. The pattern example showcases a luxurious blend: two skeins of Koigu 'Painter's Palette Premium Merino' (KPPPM) in shade P333A paired with one skein of Filatura Di Crosa 'Superior' in shade 68. The Koigu yarn is 100% merino, while the Filatura Di Crosa blend contains 70% cashmere, 25% silk, and 5% merino, creating a soft and refined finished fabric. Additional materials include three 1 3/8-inch (35 mm) buttons, T-pins for blocking, and a cable needle for cable work.

Needles and Tools

The S Curve Cowl is worked on US #7 (4.5 mm) needles or the size required to obtain proper gauge. Knitters should have a cable needle on hand for executing cable stitches, and T-pins are necessary for the blocking process to achieve the finished dimensions and proper drape of the completed cowl.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 19.5 stitches and 26 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) measured in stockinette stitch using one strand of each yarn held together. This gauge is measured after blocking, emphasizing the importance of proper finishing to achieve the intended finished size and fabric characteristics.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The S Curve Cowl is an intermediate-level project that incorporates several key knitting techniques:

• Cable Work: The pattern requires skill in working cables, which create the distinctive S-curve visual element throughout the design. Cables are formed by crossing groups of stitches over one another using a cable needle, producing textured raised lines in the fabric.
• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used in this cowl, stockinette stitch creates a smooth, classic knit fabric with a distinctive V-pattern appearance on the right side.
• Buttonholes: The pattern includes buttonhole construction, allowing for adjustable closure or decorative button placement. This technique requires careful stitch manipulation to create openings that accommodate the three 1 3/8-inch buttons.
• Chart Reading: Knitters must be comfortable working from charts, a visual representation of stitch patterns that guides the placement of cables and other design elements across the rows.
• Blocking: Finishing involves blocking the completed cowl using T-pins to shape and set the stitches, ensuring the piece reaches its intended dimensions of 11.5 inches wide by 32.25 inches long and displays proper drape.

Skill Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to develop proficiency with cables, buttonholes, and chart-based pattern work. The combination of techniques and the need for accurate gauge make this an engaging project for advancing knitters.