Rhodes

Rhodes Cowl by Kimberly Voisin

What is Being Made

Rhodes is a versatile loop scarf and cowl design created by independent designer Kimberly Voisin for Wee Studio. This knit accessory functions as a reversible piece that adapts to multiple wearing styles and seasons. The finished cowl measures 59 inches (150 centimeters) in circumference with a width of 9 inches (23 centimeters), making it suitable for layering as a traditional cowl in cool weather or wearing as a long loop scarf on warmer days. The design adds textured elegance to plain jackets and serves as a transitional piece across seasons.

Techniques Used

Rhodes is knit flat using a provisional cast-on method, which allows the two ends to be grafted together to form a continuous loop. This grafting technique creates a seamless join that maintains the reversible quality of the finished piece. The construction method ensures that the cowl can be worn with either side facing outward without visible seams or construction marks.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The cowl features a reversible knit and purl stitch pattern that creates texture on both sides of the fabric. This textured pattern is the defining characteristic of the design, providing visual and tactile interest while maintaining the reversibility of the finished piece. The stitch pattern works equally well from either direction, making it ideal for a cowl that can be worn multiple ways.

Yarn and Materials

Rhodes is designed to be knit with Madelinetosh Alpaca Sport yarn, a sport-weight fiber composed of 50% Superwash Merino Wool and 50% Baby Alpaca. Each 100-gram ball contains 240 yards (219 metres) of yarn. The sample shown uses the Nightbloom colorway and requires approximately 2.5 to 3 skeins, totaling approximately 600 yards of yarn. Knitters should use US Size 3 (3.25 millimeter) needles in either straight or circular configuration, adjusted as needed to obtain the correct gauge.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern calls for a gauge of 28 stitches and 35 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Rhodes is offered in one size but is easily adjustable, allowing knitters to modify the finished measurements by adding or removing pattern repeats to customize the circumference and width to their preferences.

Difficulty Level

Rhodes is rated as an intermediate knitting project, suitable for knitters with experience beyond basic techniques. The intermediate difficulty reflects the skills required for working with a reversible stitch pattern, managing a provisional cast-on, and executing the grafting technique to join the ends seamlessly.