Chunky Gansey Cowl

Chunky Gansey Cowl by Kerry Bullock-Ozkan

What is Being Made

The Chunky Gansey Cowl is a knitted cowl designed by Kerry Bullock-Ozkan that combines traditional gansey patterning with modern bulky yarn construction. This cowl measures approximately 26 ½ inches (67.5 cm) in circumference and 7 ¼ inches (18.5 cm) in height, making it a substantial neckwear piece suitable for layering or wearing as a statement accessory. The finished cowl provides excellent warmth and texture, ideal for cold weather styling.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several specialized techniques that add visual interest and structural integrity to the finished piece. The cowl begins with a Twisted German Cast-on, a method that creates a particularly elastic and neat foundation edge. The lower portion is worked back and forth in garter stitch for four rows before transitioning to circular knitting, which creates a subtle textural contrast. The primary pattern is worked from a Gansey Chart, a traditional Fair Isle-inspired motif pattern that requires reading charted instructions while working in the round. The cowl is finished with an Icelandic Bind-Off, a specialized edge technique that creates a decorative and flexible final edge. This bind-off method involves slipping stitches between needles and working them together in a specific sequence to achieve a refined finish.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K)
• Purl stitch (worked during cast-on and bind-off techniques)
• Garter stitch (flat knitting section)
• Gansey Chart pattern stitches (charted colorwork or textural pattern worked in the round)

Materials and Tools

The Chunky Gansey Cowl requires approximately 180 yards (165 meters) of bulky weight yarn. The sample shown was knitted in Brooklyn Tweed Quarry, which is 100% Targhee-Columbia wool offered at 200 yards (183 meters) per 3.5 ounces (100 grams). The colorway featured in the pattern is moonstone. Knitters will need US #7 (4.5mm) and US #8 (5mm) circular needles measuring 24 inches (60cm), or double-pointed needles of the same sizes if preferred for working in the round. A tapestry needle is required for weaving in yarn ends. The pattern specifies a gauge of 14.5 stitches and 28 rounds equaling 4 inches (10 cm) when working the Gansey Chart pattern on the larger needles, making accurate gauge checking essential for achieving the intended finished dimensions.