Escher's Dream Cowl

Escher's Dream Cowl by Jenny Faifel

What Is Being Made

Escher's Dream Cowl is a sophisticated knitted cowl designed by Jenny Faifel. This intermediate-level project creates a luxurious neck accessory featuring two-color mosaic patterning inspired by geometric design principles. The cowl is available in two finished sizes: a larger circumference of 24 inches with 9.5 inches of height, or a more compact 21.5 inches circumference with 12.5 inches of height. The sample shown features a striking color combination of Graphite and Light Sand, demonstrating how the two-color technique creates visual depth and movement.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive aesthetic. The cowl begins with a ribbed foundation using a knit-two, purl-two (k2, p2) ribbing pattern worked flat for eight rounds, which provides structure and elasticity at the lower edge. The primary construction technique involves working in the round on circular needles, which is essential for creating a seamless tubular cowl. The pattern incorporates Stockinette stitch for crown shaping elements and features mosaic colorwork throughout the main body. The two-color Houndstooth mosaic pattern is worked repeatedly across the rounds, creating a geometric texture without the complexity of traditional stranded colorwork. Post-blocking is recommended to achieve the correct gauge and set the pattern definition.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k): The foundational stitch used throughout the ribbed cuff and Stockinette sections
• Purl stitch (p): Used in the k2, p2 ribbing pattern to create texture and stretch
• Houndstooth mosaic stitch: The signature stitch pattern that forms the main body of the cowl, worked from a provided chart or written instructions. Each repeat measures 1.25 inches wide by 1.50 inches long and is repeated 20 to 22 times across the rounds depending on size
• Stockinette stitch: Employed for crown shaping details

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for Clinton Hill Cashmere Company Bespoke DK weight yarn in 100% cashmere fiber. Two skeins are required—one skein each of two coordinating colors (color A and color B). Each skein contains 125 yards (114 meters) per 50 grams (1.76 ounces). The yarn weight is DK, with approximately 120 yards per 50-gram skein.

Needles: Two sizes of 16-inch circular needles are needed. US#4 (3.50mm) needles are used for the ribbed cuff, and US#5 (3.75mm) needles are used for the main body and mosaic pattern work. The gauge is 22 stitches and 32 rows per 4 inches when worked in Houndstooth mosaic stitch on US#5 needles after blocking.

Additional Tools: One stitch marker is needed to mark the beginning of rounds, and a tapestry needle is required for weaving in yarn ends and finishing.