Etchings

Etchings Cowl by Meghan Jackson

What Is Being Made

Etchings is a knitted cowl designed by Meghan Jackson, featuring a striking embossed leaf motif set against a garter stitch background. This cowl is knit flat and then grafted together, creating a seamless tubular accessory with a finished circumference of 24 inches and a depth of 10.5 inches. The design is asymmetrical and includes tidy i-cord edges that frame the piece with a refined finish. This cowl serves as a versatile neck accessory suitable for everyday wear.

Techniques Used

The Etchings cowl employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques that create its distinctive appearance and structure. The primary construction method involves knitting flat on straight or circular needles, which allows the knitter to work the embossed leaf pattern across the fabric. After the main fabric is complete, the cowl is grafted together using the Kitchener stitch, a technique that creates an invisible seam by joining live stitches from both ends of the knitted piece. The i-cord edges are worked separately to frame the top and bottom of the cowl with a neat, finished appearance. Cable twists are incorporated to create the embossed leaf design, though a cable needle is optional for executing these twists, as experienced knitters may prefer to work them directly without additional tools.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch: Forms the background of the cowl, created by knitting every row to produce a textured, reversible fabric
• Cable twists: Used to create the embossed leaf motif that gives the cowl its striking visual interest
• I-cord: Applied as edging along the top and bottom of the cowl for a polished, tidy finish
• Grafting (Kitchener stitch): Joins the two ends of the flat-knitted piece seamlessly to form the tubular cowl

Materials and Yarn

The Etchings cowl is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn, a versatile yarn weight that creates a fabric with excellent drape and definition for stitch patterns. The recommended yarn is Springtree Road Eulela DK, a luxurious blend of 50% merino wool and 50% silk that provides both warmth and breathability. This yarn is available in the colorway Silver Screen and yields 230 yards (210 meters) per 100-gram skein. Yardage requirements vary based on desired fit: one skein is sufficient for a close-fitting cowl, while two to three skeins accommodate a looser, more relaxed drape. Knitting needles required are US #7 (4.5 mm) in either circular or straight configuration, along with stitch markers, a yarn needle for weaving in ends and grafting, and optional waste yarn for the cast-on method. A cable needle is listed as optional, as cable twists can be worked without this specialized tool.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 24 rows over a 4-inch (10-centimeter) square in garter stitch, measured after blocking. The cowl as shown measures 24 inches in circumference and 10.5 inches in depth. While gauge is noted as not critical to the success of the project, maintaining consistent tension will ensure the embossed leaf pattern displays properly and the finished cowl achieves the intended dimensions.