Moonraker Cowl

Moonraker Cowl by Kourtney Robinson

What is Being Made

The Moonraker Cowl is a reversible lace cowl designed by Kourtney Robinson and presented by Dollybird Workshop. Inspired by the classic James Bond film of the same name, this cowl is a variant of the designer's Spinnaker Capelet. It offers two size options: a smaller version measuring 38 x 60cm (15 x 24 inches) that functions as a snug neck warmer, and a larger version measuring 22 x 133cm (9 x 52 inches) that can be worn as a longer infinity cowl. The design is versatile enough to accommodate different wearing preferences and adventure styles.

Techniques and Construction

The Moonraker Cowl employs a combination of fundamental knitting techniques that work together intuitively. The pattern utilizes stockinette stitch and reverse stockinette stitch as primary construction elements. These contrasting stitches create visual interest while also allowing the fabric to fold and crease beautifully when worn, enhancing the cowl's drape and aesthetic appeal. The fully reversible lace design is a key feature, meaning both sides of the finished cowl are equally attractive and functional. Beadwork is incorporated throughout the design, with seed beads adding sparkle and embellishment to the lace sections.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch – the primary smooth, flat stitch that forms the base of the cowl
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch – used to create contrast and textural variation
• Lace Stitches – incorporated throughout for the reversible lace pattern that sparkles with beads

Materials and Notions

The Moonraker Cowl is knitted using fingering weight yarn with approximately 330 to 440 meters (375 to 483 yards) required depending on size. Each 100-gram skein yields approximately 350 to 400 meters of yardage. The sample shown in coral was created using Madelinetosh "Tosh Sock" yarn in the colorway Grapefruit, which is 100% superwash merino and provides 361 meters per skein. An additional sample in green was created using Wollmeise "Pure" yarn. Beadwork is essential to the design: the pattern calls for approximately 530 to 690 6/0 seed beads depending on size, with the coral version using beads in colorway 6-389A. Standard knitting needles appropriate for fingering weight yarn are required to complete this intermediate-level project.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. While the stockinette and reverse stockinette stitches are foundational techniques, the combination of reversible lace construction and bead integration requires solid knitting skills and attention to pattern detail.