Brandi-Lee Cabled Cowl

Brandi-Lee Cabled Cowl by Elyse Foxxe

What Is Being Made

The Brandi-Lee Cabled Cowl is a knitted neck accessory designed for cable enthusiasts. This intermediate-level project creates a squishy, snuggly cowl that provides full neck coverage to keep you warm and cozy. The design combines decorative braided borders with a cable-detailed main body, making it both functional and visually interesting.

Design Structure and Construction Techniques

This cowl uses a thoughtful construction method that begins with braided borders for both the top and bottom edges. The pattern employs a pick-up stitch technique to create the main body directly from the bottom border, eliminating the need for seaming. The top border is then grafted to the main piece using Kitchener stitch, creating a seamless, professional finish. This grafting technique ensures the cowl maintains its elasticity and comfort around the neck.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Brandi-Lee Cabled Cowl features cable stitches as its primary decorative element, with braided borders framing the top and bottom of the piece. The gauge is worked in stockinette stitch at 18 stitches by 22 rows over 11 inches by 8 inches (28 centimeters by 20.3 centimeters). The pattern includes Chart A for the braided border construction, which is worked twice to create both the bottom and top borders of the cowl.

Materials and Tools

This pattern is designed to work best with natural fiber yarns. The recommended yarn is MadelineTosh Tosh Vintage in the colorway Dr. Zhivago's Sky, with 2 skeins required to complete the project. The pattern calls for US 9 (5.5 millimeter) circular needles in 24-inch (60-centimeter) length and double-pointed needles for finishing work. Additional materials include one stitch marker, one yarn needle for grafting and weaving in ends, and waste yarn in a contrasting color for the provisional cast-on method.

Yarn Weight Options

The Brandi-Lee Cabled Cowl pattern accommodates multiple yarn weights, offering flexibility for crafters with different yarn stashes. The pattern works with DK weight, worsted weight, heavy worsted weight, and aran weight yarns, allowing you to customize the finished cowl's drape and warmth level based on your fiber choice and personal preference.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Brandi-Lee Cabled Cowl requires familiarity with cable stitches, picking up stitches, and grafting techniques. Knitters should be comfortable reading charts and working in the round before beginning this pattern.