Tupelo - 100% of sales donated

Tupelo Colorwork Cowl by Crystal

What Is Being Made

Tupelo is a DK weight colorwork cowl designed by independent designer Crystal and inspired by family gatherings at a winter home in Arizona. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a finished cowl measuring 9.25 inches high by 11.75 inches wide (23.5cm x 30cm). The design celebrates moments of togetherness and gratitude, making it a meaningful project for knitters seeking to create a personal accessory with sentimental inspiration.

Techniques and Construction

Tupelo is worked in the round, a fundamental technique for creating seamless cylindrical garments like cowls. The pattern employs colorwork techniques, incorporating multiple yarn colors to create visual interest and pattern definition. This intermediate-level project requires knitters to manage color changes while maintaining consistent tension and stitch quality throughout the circular construction.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches worked in the round. The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a defined right side. The gauge for this project is 18.5 stitches and 23 rows over 3 inches in stockinette stitch, providing a standard reference for achieving proper fit and drape. The colorwork is integrated into this stockinette base, allowing the contrast colors to stand out clearly against the main color background.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Tupelo is designed for DK weight yarn and uses a total of 238 yards (218 meters) of yarn. The pattern was created using Magpie Fibers Swanky DK, a premium blend consisting of 80% superwash merino, 10% cashmere, and 10% nylon with 250 yards per 229 meters per skein. The color breakdown is as follows:

• Main Color (MC) - Cinder: 170 yards (156 meters)
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1) - Ashe: 26 yards (24 meters)
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2) - Tupelo Honey: 42 yards (38 meters)

Needles and Tools

This pattern requires US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles in either 16-inch (41cm) or 20-inch (51cm) length. Circular needles are essential for working in the round and allow for even distribution of stitches around the cowl's circumference. The pattern notes that knitters who tend toward tighter tension may need to adjust their needle size accordingly to achieve the specified gauge.

Difficulty Level

Tupelo is rated as an intermediate-level knitting project. This difficulty classification reflects the combination of circular knitting, colorwork management, and the need to maintain consistent gauge throughout the project. Knitters should be comfortable with basic knitting techniques and have experience working in the round before attempting this pattern.

Designer Information and Charitable Impact

This pattern is designed by Crystal, an independent designer. Notably, 100% of sales from this pattern are donated, making each purchase a contribution to a charitable cause while acquiring a beautiful, meaningful knitting project.