Blackcomb Cowl

Blackcomb Cowl by Holli Yeoh

What is Being Made

The Blackcomb Cowl is an oversized, deeply textured cowl designed for versatile styling. With finished measurements of 58 inches (147.5 cm) in circumference and 14 inches (35.5 cm) in height, this luscious knit piece offers two wearing options: worn once around the shoulders as a voluminous wrap or doubled as a cozy neck warmer. The cowl's generous proportions and springy construction make it a statement accessory suitable for various occasions and layering styles.

Techniques Used

The Blackcomb Cowl employs a distinctive two-stage construction method that creates its unique character. The pattern begins by working a rectangle using long rows, establishing the foundation of the piece. Once the initial rectangle is complete, stitches are picked up along one selvedge edge, and the remainder of the cowl is worked perpendicular to the original rows. This directional construction technique adds visual interest and contributes to the cowl's textured appearance while allowing for efficient yarn usage and a seamless integration of the two sections.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern featured in the Blackcomb Cowl is double garter stitch, a springy and reversible textured stitch that creates the deeply textured appearance characteristic of this design. Double garter stitch produces a fabric with pronounced ridges and excellent elasticity, making it ideal for cowls that require both visual interest and comfortable stretch. The stitch pattern is worked on 7 mm (US 10½) needles and achieves a gauge of 13.5 stitches and 12 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) when blocked.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn Weight: Chunky weight yarn; 650 yards (600 meters) total yardage required
• Yarn Shown: Miss Babs K2 in Blackwatch colorway; 240 yards (219 meters) per 7.2 ounce (204 gram) skein; 100% Merino Wool; 3 skeins needed
• Primary Needle: 7 mm (US 10½) circular needle, 32 inches (80 cm) long
• Secondary Needle: Spare circular needle, any size up to 7 mm (US 10½), at least 16 inches (40 cm) long

Skill Level

The Blackcomb Cowl is rated as a beginner difficulty pattern, making it an accessible project for knitters new to cowl construction. The straightforward techniques of working rectangular sections and picking up stitches along an edge provide an excellent introduction to directional knitting methods without requiring advanced shaping or complex stitch patterns.