Portobello Cowl

Portobello Cowl by Amanda Kaffka

What is Being Made

The Portobello Cowl is a knitted cowl designed by Amanda Kaffka, featured in The Crafty Jackalope: Vol. 01. This is a wearable accessory that combines color blocking with striped patterning to create a visually striking neckwear piece. The cowl is designed to be versatile in color application, allowing crafters to customize the finished piece through thoughtful yarn color selection.

Knitting Techniques

This cowl is knit flat on the bias, which creates an interesting diagonal orientation to the fabric. The bias construction method allows for dynamic visual effects, particularly when combined with the striping technique. The cowl features a two-row repeat stripe pattern that incorporates three distinct colors of Georgia Superwash Worsted yarn. Two colors are worked together in the striping sequence to establish the primary graphic design, while a third color is introduced as an accent for additional visual interest.

The design offers flexibility in color coordination. Crafters can choose soft, harmonious hues for a calm aesthetic, select contrasting colors for a bold statement, or combine neutrals with a bright accent color for subtle interest. The pattern notes that color combinations are virtually infinite, encouraging creative customization.

The cowl uses the Provisional Cast On method, which allows live stitches to be grafted together at the conclusion of the project. This technique creates a seamless, finished edge and requires the use of scrap yarn and a tapestry needle for the Kitchener Stitch grafting process.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is garter stitch, which is worked in a two-row repeat. Garter stitch creates a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges and is one of the most fundamental knitting stitches. This stitch choice provides excellent drape and flexibility suitable for a cowl garment.

Materials and Tools

• Yarn: Georgia Superwash Worsted weight yarn, totaling 3 skeins (approximately 600 yards/546 meters combined). The pattern specifies three colors: Birch (Color A), Bison (Color B), and At the Ballet (Color C), with 1 skein of each color.
• Needles: 5mm (US Size 8) circular or straight needles, 24 inches/60 centimeters in length for the main knitting.
• Additional Tools: 4mm (Size 6/G) crochet hook for executing the Provisional Cast On (optional method). A spare circular needle of the same size or smaller for holding live stitches from the Provisional Cast On during the grafting process (optional). Approximately 3 yards of scrap yarn for the Provisional Cast On technique. A tapestry needle for both the Kitchener Stitch grafting and weaving in yarn ends.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have progressed beyond basic skills and are comfortable with techniques such as bias knitting, color work, and the Kitchener Stitch grafting method.