Everett Cowl

Everett Cowl by Melissa LaBarre

What Is Being Made

The Everett Cowl is a long, loose loop scarf designed to be worn doubled around the neck. This cowl pattern creates an approximately 48 inches around circumference with 8 inches of height, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various neckline styles. The generous dimensions and doubled-wear styling provide both warmth and visual interest.

Yarn and Materials

This project requires 400 yards of worsted weight yarn, which can accommodate both worsted and aran weight yarns. The pattern is shown worked in Madelinetosh Vintage colorway "night bloom" using 2 skeins. Knitters will need one US 7 (4.5mm) circular needle measuring 29 inches to accommodate the cast-on stitches and in-the-round construction.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Everett Cowl is constructed using in-the-round knitting on a circular needle, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a seamless tubular fabric. The pattern begins with a long-tail cast-on method for 240 stitches, with careful attention paid to avoiding twists when joining. The cowl is worked in repeating pattern rows that are cycled three times total before binding off, creating a structured yet flexible garment.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The Everett Cowl features a textured stitch pattern combining knit and purl stitches with lace elements. The pattern repeat includes:

• Knit and purl ribbing (p1, k1 sequences) that create vertical texture
• Yarn overs (yo) paired with knit two together decreases (k2tog) to form lace motifs throughout the fabric
• Stockinette sections created by the knit stitches between textured areas

The 19-row pattern repeat is worked three times consecutively, allowing the lace and texture pattern to develop fully across the cowl's height. The combination of solid and openwork sections creates visual interest while maintaining structural integrity.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in pattern, which should be verified before beginning to ensure proper finished dimensions. After binding off all stitches and weaving in ends, the cowl is finished using blocking with water or steam to even out the stitches and enhance the lace pattern definition.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with circular needles and incorporate lace techniques. The combination of in-the-round construction, yarn overs, and decreases requires comfort with these fundamental techniques, while the straightforward repeat pattern makes it accessible for skill-building.