Medallions Cowl

Medallions Cowl by Janelle Martin

What is Being Made

The Medallions Cowl is a cozy neck accessory designed to provide warmth during winter months. This one-skein cowl project is crafted in two size options—Regular and Tall—allowing knitters to customize the finished height. The cowl features a decorative medallion pattern throughout and is worked seamlessly in the round, creating a tubular construction ideal for layering over winter garments.

Techniques and Construction

This advanced beginner-level pattern employs circular knitting techniques, worked entirely in the round to create a seamless cowl. The pattern is written for 16-inch (40 cm) circular needles but offers flexibility for alternative methods; knitters can substitute double-pointed needles (dpns) or the magic loop technique if preferred. The medallion pattern creates textured interest throughout the fabric and requires attention to stitch placement and pattern repeats, making this an excellent project for knitters developing their skills beyond basic stockinette construction.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The Medallions Cowl features a medallion stitch pattern worked over a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) when measured in the medallion pattern on unblocked fabric. The pattern is structured to work evenly in the round, with instructions provided for maintaining consistent stitch definition across the circular construction. The blocked finished circumference varies between the Regular and Tall sizes, with height options allowing customization to personal preference.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

This project requires approximately 138 to 180 yards (126 to 165 meters) of aran weight yarn with a gauge of 4 to 4.5 stitches per inch. The pattern recommends using wool or wool blend yarns for optimal drape and warmth. Designer Janelle Martin showcases the pattern in two yarn options:

• Manos del Uruguay 'Wool Classica': 138 yards per 100-gram skein; 50% wool and 50% merino blend; shown in colorway 115 (Red) in the Regular size
• Cascade Yarns 'Lana Bambu': 196 yards per 100-gram skein; 79% wool and 21% bamboo blend; shown in colorway 03 in the Tall size

Needles required include one US #9 (5.5 mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches (40 cm) in length. This needle size accommodates the aran weight yarn and produces the specified gauge for the medallion pattern.

Finished Dimensions

The cowl is available in two height options—Regular and Tall—with blocked finished measurements provided for each size. The circumference remains consistent across both versions, with height variation allowing knitters to select their preferred coverage level.