Rosie's Roundup

Rosie's Roundup Cowl by Laurie Beardsley

What is Being Made

Rosie's Roundup is a knitted cowl designed by Laurie Beardsley. This intermediate-level project creates a finished cowl measuring 29 inches (73 cm) in circumference and 7 inches (18 cm) in width. The cowl is worked in the round using circular knitting needles, making it an ideal project for knitters looking to expand their skills in seamless, circular construction.

Knitting Techniques Used

This cowl pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The design is worked in the round, which requires comfort with circular needle techniques and maintaining consistent tension across rounds. The pattern incorporates increases using the make 1 (m1) method, which creates new stitches without leaving visible holes. Knitters will also work stitches through the back loop (tbl), a technique that twists stitches for decorative or structural purposes. The pattern concludes with a bind-off finish to secure the final row of stitches.

Stitches Used

The cowl features a body pattern worked in stockinette stitch or similar knit-based stitches in the round. The pattern uses standard abbreviations including knitwise (kw) stitches, make 1 increases (m1), and through-the-back-loop (tbl) variations. These stitch techniques create the textured body pattern that gives Rosie's Roundup its distinctive appearance and drape.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn Requirements: The pattern calls for 175 yards (160 meters) of DK weight yarn. The sample shown in the pattern was knitted using one skein of Blue Mule Fiber Lahla DK in the colorway "Rodeo Rosie." This yarn blend consists of 75% superwash Merino and 25% nylon, with a yardage of 246 yards per 100-gram skein. Laurie Beardsley recommends choosing highly variegated colorways to showcase the pattern's visual interest.

Needles and Tools: US 6 (4 mm) circular knitting needles are required, available in either 16-inch (40 cm) or 24-inch (60 cm) lengths depending on your preferred working style. Additional notions include a stitch marker for tracking round beginnings and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 24 rounds per 4 inches (10 cm) measured over the body pattern in the round after blocking. Laurie Beardsley notes that while gauge is not critical to the success of this project, variations in gauge will affect the total yardage consumed, the finished dimensions of the cowl, and how the fabric drapes around the neck. Knitters working at a tighter gauge may use slightly less yarn, while those working at a looser gauge may require additional yardage.

This intermediate cowl project is suitable for knitters with experience in circular needle techniques and basic stitch manipulation who wish to create a wearable accessory with visual impact through variegated yarn selection.