Tytonidae Cowl

Tytonidae Cowl by Shannon Squire

What is Being Made

The Tytonidae Cowl is a versatile knitted cowl design that offers multiple construction options. Knitters can create a single-loop cowl using two pattern repeats, a two-loop cowl with three repeats, or a three-loop cowl featuring five repeats. This flexibility allows crafters to customize the finished piece based on their preferred style and yarn availability. The cowl is designed as a downloadable PDF pattern for independent use.

Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level knitting project employs colorwork techniques, requiring knitters to work with two contrasting yarn colors throughout the pattern. The design uses a repeating pattern structure that allows for customization based on the number of loops desired. Knitters will need to manage multiple yarn colors while maintaining consistent tension and stitch quality. The pattern requires careful attention to gauge, particularly when working with different yarn fiber contents, as some yarns may shift significantly before and after washing.

Stitches Used

The Tytonidae Cowl is constructed primarily in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The gauge is measured at 20 stitches over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch after washing, making this an important reference point for achieving proper fit and drape.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

This pattern is designed to work with sport or DK-weight yarn. For each pattern repeat, knitters need approximately 100 yards of color A and 25 yards of color B. The pattern provides three fully worked examples using different yarn brands and colorways:

• Two Repeats/One Loop version: Lang Seta Tweed in colorway 05 Grey (color A) and colorway 59 Orange (color B)
• Three Repeats/Two Loops version: Louet Euroflax Sport in colorway Pewter (color A) and colorway Seafoam Green (color B)
• Five Repeats/Three Loops version: Elsebeth Lavold Hempathy in colorway 28 Blue Pine (color A) and colorway 34 Pale Silver (color B)

Knitters should note that Louet Euroflax Sport exhibits significant gauge change after washing. Before washing, the gauge measures closer to 18 stitches over 4 inches (10 centimeters), which is noticeably larger than the post-wash gauge of 20 stitches. This characteristic makes blocking and washing essential steps for achieving the intended finished dimensions.

Needles and Notions

The pattern calls for US 5 (3.75mm) needles, or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge. Additional supplies include waste yarn for managing stitches during construction and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends after completion.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are comfortable working with colorwork and managing multiple yarn colors simultaneously. The straightforward stockinette stitch base makes it accessible, while the colorwork elements and gauge considerations add moderate complexity.