Cushing Cowl

Cushing Cowl by Mary Jane Mucklestone

What is Being Made

The Cushing Cowl is a circular knit cowl designed by independent fiber artist Mary Jane Mucklestone. This knitted neckwear piece features a finished circumference of 22¾ inches (58 cm) and a height of 1¾ inches (25 cm) after blocking. The cowl is worked circularly from the bottom up in worsted weight yarn, creating a versatile accessory suitable for various skill levels.

Design Inspiration and Colorwork Variations

The Cushing Cowl showcases diagonal lines that zigzag up and down the fabric, inverting to create concentric diamond patterns. This geometric design is inspired by the angled knitting techniques of Maine fiber artist Katharine Cobey. The pattern offers two distinct versions to suit different colorwork preferences and yarn availability.

Version 1 employs a two-color contrast technique using colors of very similar value. This subtle approach creates an optical illusion where the diagonal and diamond lines appear to pop and fade as the eye moves across the fabric, adding visual interest and depth to the piece.

Version 2 simplifies the colorwork by utilizing a single variegated yarn as the contrast color. This approach provides shifting color interest throughout the cowl without requiring multiple yarn colors, making it an excellent choice for those seeking visual complexity from a single skein.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Cushing Cowl is constructed using circular knitting techniques, worked in the round from the bottom edge upward. The primary stitch structure creates the diagonal lines and concentric diamond patterns through strategic increases, decreases, and color changes. The geometric patterning relies on precise stitch placement to achieve the zigzagging effect that inverts throughout the cowl's height.

Yarn and Materials

Version 1 Yarn Requirements:

• Main Color (MC): Quince & Co Lark in Pea Coat (navy), 100% American Wool, 134 yards per 50g skein — 2 skeins required
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1): Quince & Co Lark in Audouin (oatmeal), 100% American Wool, 134 yards per 50g skein — 1 skein required
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2): Quince & Co Lark in Egret (white), 100% American Wool, 134 yards per 50g skein — 1 skein required

Version 2 Yarn Requirements:

• Main Color (MC): Quince & Co Lark in River (blue), 100% American Wool, 134 yards per 50g skein — 2 skeins required
• Contrast Color (CC): Spincycle Dream State in Salty Dog (variegated yellow), 100% superwashed American Wool, 150 yards per 70g skein — 1 skein required

Both versions are worked in worsted weight yarn, which creates a fabric with good stitch definition ideal for showcasing the geometric patterning. The yarn selections feature American wool, providing durability and a soft hand suitable for neckwear.

Skill Level

The Cushing Cowl is rated as a beginner-level project, making it accessible to knitters new to circular knitting and colorwork techniques. The straightforward construction and clear geometric patterning provide an excellent introduction to working in the round while building confidence with multi-color knitting methods.