Nadine - Cowl or scarf

Nadine Cowl or Scarf by Jennifer Lee

What is Being Made

Nadine is a versatile knitted accessory available in two configurations: a cowl or a scarf. Both versions feature a textured diagonal rib stitch design with a striking contrasting colour section positioned in the centre. The cowl measures 30cm wide by 84cm in length (approximately 12 inches by 33 inches), while the scarf is half the width but twice the length at 15cm wide by 168cm in length (6 inches by 66 inches). This makes the scarf version ideal for those seeking a longer, more traditional scarf silhouette, while the cowl offers a compact, neck-hugging alternative.

Techniques and Stitches Used

This pattern is rated as Easy and is suitable for beginner knitters. The primary technique employed is diagonal rib stitch, which creates visual texture and interest throughout the piece. The construction involves fundamental knitting stitches: knit (K) and purl (P) stitches worked in a repeating pattern. The diagonal rib stitch is created by working the knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence that produces diagonal lines across the fabric, adding dimension to what might otherwise be a simple stockinette stitch garment. The contrasting colour section is strategically placed in the centre of the piece, creating a colour-blocked effect that enhances the visual appeal of the finished accessory.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: Irish Tweed yarn in worsted weight, worked at 110 metres per 50-gram ball. The pattern requires 2 balls of the main colour (Bramble Stone 34) and 1 ball of the contrast colour (Bhainne 39). The designer notes that yarn quantities may vary depending on individual knitter tension and yarn type.

Needles: A pair of 4.00mm knitting needles (UK size 8, US size 6), plus a wool needle for sewing up and finishing.

Tension: The pattern is worked to a tension of 20.5 stitches and 31 rows over 10 centimetres (4 inches) when measured over the diagonal rib stitch pattern using 4.00mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for obtaining the specified finished dimensions.

Pattern Overview

The Nadine pattern begins with casting on 64 stitches using the main colour and 4.00mm needles. The construction follows a repeating stitch pattern that combines knit and purl stitches to create the characteristic diagonal rib texture. The contrasting colour is introduced partway through the piece to create the centre colour block feature visible in the pattern photographs. The pattern is presented in downloadable PDF format and spans three pages, providing complete instructions for both the cowl and scarf versions in a single pattern document.