Diagonal Diamonds Mawer Cowl

Diagonal Diamonds Mawer Cowl by Margaret Kendall

What is Being Made

The Diagonal Diamonds Mawer Cowl is a seamless, reversible cowl designed by Margaret Kendall. This knitted neckwear features a finished height of 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) and a circumference of 21 inches (53 cm), making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering and everyday wear. The reversible construction means both sides of the cowl display the textured pattern, allowing for styling flexibility.

Techniques Used

This cowl is worked seamlessly in the round from the bottom up using the circular knitting method. The pattern employs chart-based instructions, with all chart rounds read from right to left. Knitters will use stitch markers to track pattern repeats as they work around the circumference. The pattern includes duplicate stitch as an additional finishing technique. Ends are sewn in using a tapestry needle, and knitters are advised to take care with neatening these seams to maintain the reversible quality of the finished piece.

Stitches Used

The Diagonal Diamonds Mawer Cowl combines two fundamental knitting stitches to create its textured surface:

• Moss Stitch - A textured stitch that creates a bumpy, dimensional fabric
• Stockinette Stitch - The classic smooth knit stitch that provides contrast to the textured areas

These stitches work together to form diagonal diamond motifs that repeat around the cowl. The pattern is worked using even-numbered rounds as specified in the instructions, with the diamond design continuing seamlessly around the entire circumference.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: Worsted weight or Aran weight yarn is required, with yardage between 135 and 155 yards (124 to 142 meters). The pattern was tested using Lion Brand Yarn Wool-Ease Solids in the Avocado colorway, which features a blend of 80% acrylic and 20% wool at 197 yards per 3.0 ounces (85 grams).

Needles and Notions: Size US 8 (5.0 mm) 16-inch circular needles are required for this project. Additional materials include stitch markers to track pattern repeats during the in-the-round construction, and a tapestry needle for finishing and weaving in yarn ends.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with charts and manage the coordination of multiple stitches and techniques. The seamless in-the-round construction and chart reading add complexity beyond beginner projects.