Dashes and Dots Cowl

Dashes and Dots Cowl by Shannon Squire

What Is Being Made

The Dashes and Dots Cowl is a beginner-friendly knitted cowl designed by Shannon Squire. This project is available in two versions: a single loop cowl and a double loop cowl, allowing crafters to choose their preferred style and warmth level. The cowl features a two-color stranded knitting pattern that creates a visual texture of dashes and dots across the fabric.

Knitting Techniques

This pattern employs stranded colorwork knitting, a technique where two colors of yarn are carried across the back of the work to create a patterned fabric. This method allows the knitter to introduce visual interest through contrasting colors while maintaining the structural integrity of the piece. The cowl is worked in the round using small-circumference knitting methods, which is ideal for creating seamless tubular garments like cowls.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric. Stockinette stitch in the round produces the characteristic V-shaped knit texture on the right side of the fabric. The two-color stranded pattern is integrated into the stockinette base, creating the dash and dot motifs throughout the cowl.

Yarn and Materials

The Dashes and Dots Cowl is designed for fingering-weight yarn, requiring approximately 340 yards for the single loop version or 750 yards for the double loop version, split between two coordinating colors. The pattern specifies 210 to 450 yards of Color A and 130 to 300 yards of Color B, depending on which version you are making.

The single loop version shown in the pattern uses Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light (100% superwash merino wool; 420 yards per 100g skein) in the colorways Twig for Color A and Mineral for Color B. The double loop version is shown in Knitted Wit Single Fingering (100% superwash merino wool; 475 yards per 113g skein) in Silver Lining for Color A and Plump for Color B. Both yarn options feature superwash merino wool, making the finished cowl easy to care for and durable for everyday wear.

Knitting needles required include a US #4/3.5mm circular needle or the appropriate size needed to achieve the specified gauge. Additional notions include a stitch marker for tracking rounds and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 26 stitches over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for the cowl to fit properly and drape as intended. Knitters should swatch before beginning the project to ensure their tension matches the pattern requirements.

Pattern Details

This is a downloadable PDF pattern suitable for beginner knitters, making it an excellent project for those new to stranded colorwork techniques. The pattern was designed by Shannon Squire and is protected by copyright, intended for personal use only.