Storey's Gate

Storey's Gate Cowl by Olga Olach

What is Being Made

Storey's Gate is a double-sided cowl designed by Olga Olach, knit in the round from the bottom up. This versatile neckwear piece features two distinct sections with different stitch patterns and yarn weights, creating a reversible cowl that offers both textural interest and color play. The finished cowl measures 52 inches in circumference by 6.75 inches in height when blocked, though the pattern allows for customization.

Construction and Techniques

The cowl employs a sophisticated two-section construction method that showcases multiple knitting techniques. The project begins with a textured base section worked in dk weight yarn, establishing the foundation of the cowl. Once this textured section is complete, the yarn is changed to a fingering weight yarn held together with a silk mohair blend, introducing both a weight change and a luxurious fiber combination.

A key structural technique in this design is the use of mattress stitch seaming. After the stockinette section is complete, the bound off edge of this upper section is seamed directly to the cast on edge of the textured base section. This seaming creates the distinctive double loop cowl structure, allowing the piece to be worn with either side facing outward.

Stitches Used

• Texture stitch: The initial section features an interesting texture pattern created using combinations of knits and purls, worked from a 14-stitch chart
• Stockinette stitch: The upper section uses simple stockinette stitch, providing a smooth canvas for yarn color and fiber characteristics to shine
• Mattress stitch: Used to seam the two sections together, creating the reversible double-loop structure

Materials and Yarn

Storey's Gate requires two distinct yarn combinations. The base section uses dk weight yarn, while the upper section calls for fingering weight yarn held together with a silk mohair blend. This combination of yarn weights and fiber content creates both visual interest and functional warmth. The pattern accommodates various yarn weights within the fingering and dk categories, allowing knitters to work with their preferred materials while maintaining the intended drape and structure.

Customization Options

The pattern is designed with flexibility in mind. The circumference can be customized by adding or subtracting repeats of the 14-stitch chart, with each repeat measuring approximately 3 inches. The height of the cowl can similarly be adjusted by adding or subtracting rows in the chart, though the pattern notes that the chart must end on round 7 to maintain proper construction.

Difficulty Level

Storey's Gate is rated as an intermediate knitting project. While the individual stitches involved are relatively straightforward, the pattern requires familiarity with knitting in the round, reading stitch charts, managing multiple yarn weights simultaneously, and executing mattress stitch seaming. The combination of these techniques makes it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond the absolute beginner level.