Broom Riding Cowl

Broom Riding Cowl by Vanessa Ewing

Project Overview

The Broom Riding Cowl is an intermediate-level knitted cowl designed by Vanessa Ewing that celebrates whimsical themes of starry skies and moon phases. This downloadable knitting pattern offers two distinct size options to suit different preferences and yarn weights, making it an adaptable project for knitters seeking a celestial-inspired accessory.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a cowl—a circular neckwear accessory that combines warmth with style. The Broom Riding Cowl features thematic design elements inspired by starry nights and lunar cycles, offering an adventurous aesthetic perfect for those who enjoy celestial or mystical-themed knitwear.

Available Versions and Measurements

DK Weight Version:

• Circumference: 31 inches (79 cm)
• Length: 10 inches (25.4 cm)

Fingering Weight Version:

• Circumference: 26 inches (66 cm)
• Length: 9½ inches (24 cm)

Yarn Requirements and Materials

The pattern accommodates two different yarn weights, each with specific yardage requirements. A 10% buffer has been included in all yardage calculations to ensure adequate yarn for completion.

DK Weight Version Materials:

• Color A: 215 yards (197 meters)
• Color B: 115 yards (105 meters)
• Recommended yarn: Cape May Fiber DK Merino (231 yards per 100 grams, 100% Superwash Merino)
• Color A suggestion: Witches of Wildwood (tonal greys)
• Color B suggestion: Peppy Pumpkin (bright yellow and orange with hints of green and black speckles)

Fingering Weight Version Materials:

• Color A: 218 yards (200 meters)
• Color B: 115 yards (105 meters)
• Recommended yarn: Cape May Fiber MCN Sock (380 yards per 100 grams, 70% Superwash Merino, 20% Cashmere, 10% Nylon)
• Color A suggestion: Butterfly Pea (soft blues, purples, and greys with dark grey speckles)
• Color B suggestion: Salt Water Taffy (pastel shades with pistachio and blue speckles)

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

As an intermediate-level pattern, the Broom Riding Cowl employs knitting techniques suitable for crafters with foundational skills. The pattern utilizes a two-color construction method, allowing knitters to incorporate the starry and moon phase design elements through strategic color work. Standard knitting abbreviations are used throughout the pattern, including BO for bind off, which is essential for finishing the cowl securely.

The cowl's circular construction and multi-color design suggest the use of techniques such as stranded colorwork or intarsia methods to create the celestial motifs. Knitters will work with needles appropriate to their chosen yarn weight—typically smaller needles for the fingering weight version and slightly larger needles for the DK weight option.

Yarn Weight Options

The pattern's availability in both DK and fingering weights provides flexibility for different knitting preferences. DK weight yarn creates a slightly denser, warmer fabric that works up more quickly, while fingering weight yarn produces finer, more delicate stitching with greater stitch definition. Both versions maintain the pattern's celestial design integrity while accommodating different needle sizes and knitting speeds.