Textured Cowl in 2 Colors

Textured Cowl in 2 Colors by Kennita Tully

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern creates a textured cowl designed by Kennita Tully, suitable for knitters with beginning to intermediate skill levels. The finished cowl measures approximately 17 inches by 7 inches, making it a versatile accessory that combines two contrasting yarns for visual interest and dimension.

What Is Being Made

A two-color cowl that showcases texture through stitch pattern variation. The design incorporates a blind buttonhole stitch pattern worked over multiple color changes, creating a sophisticated cowl that can be worn as a neck accessory. The pattern includes functional buttonhole details, adding both aesthetic and practical elements to the finished piece.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Long Tail Cast On: The foundation method used to cast on 37 stitches to begin the cowl
• Slip Stitch Technique: Slipping stitches with yarn in back (wyib) creates textured columns throughout the design
• Eyelet Buttonhole Rows: Decorative and functional buttonholes worked using yarn overs and decreases to create openings for buttons
• Color Work: Two distinct yarns worked in sequence to create color blocking and textural contrast
• Tapestry Needle Finishing: Used for weaving in ends and securing the final construction

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The cowl features the Blind Buttonhole Stitch Pattern, worked over a multiple of 10 plus 7 stitches. This pattern alternates between knit rows on the wrong side and textured rows on the right side. The stitch pattern includes slip stitches with yarn in back, knit stitches, knit 2 together decreases, and yarn overs to create both texture and functional buttonholes. The pattern repeats are worked until six complete repeats have been finished, then continues through row 17 of the sequence.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern uses worsted weight yarns from Tahki Stacy Charles in two complementary fibers:

• Tara Tweed: 80% wool, 20% nylon blend; 122 yards per 1.75 ounces; one ball required (sample shown in Color #018 Lilac Tweed)
• Tempo: 51% cotton, 37% acrylic, 12% nylon blend; 114 yards per 1.75 ounces; one ball required (sample shown in Color #36 Cherry Vanilla)

The combination of a wool-nylon blend with a cotton-acrylic-nylon blend creates interesting textural and fiber contrast while maintaining compatibility in weight and yardage requirements.

Tools and Notions

• Size 8 (5mm) Knitting Needles: The appropriate needle size for working worsted weight yarn at the specified gauge
• Gauge: 21 stitches and 28 rows equal 4 inches (10 centimeters) in the blind buttonhole stitch pattern
• Three 5/8-inch Buttons: Functional closures that coordinate with the eyelet buttonhole details
• Tapestry Needle: For finishing, weaving in yarn ends, and securing button attachments

Skill Level and Complexity

Rated as a beginning to intermediate knitting project, this cowl introduces knitters to texture stitch patterns and buttonhole construction without requiring advanced techniques. The repetitive nature of the blind buttonhole stitch pattern makes it accessible for developing knitters while the two-color element and functional buttonholes add sophistication to the finished accessory.