Puzzlewood

Puzzlewood Cowl by Katya Frankel

What is Being Made

Puzzlewood is a reversible knit cowl designed by independent designer Katya Frankel. This intermediate-level project creates a neck accessory inspired by ancient woodland walks, featuring a unique upside-down reversible construction that eliminates the need to worry about proper orientation when wearing. The cowl is worked in the round using worsted weight yarn, resulting in a finished piece with each pattern repeat measuring 6 inches.

Knitting Techniques Used

This project employs several core knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The cowl is knitted in the round, a fundamental technique for creating seamless tubular garments. Cable knitting forms the primary design element, with a clever twist: the cables are worked upside-down, creating the reversible quality that makes this cowl distinctive. The pattern also incorporates simple finishing techniques to complete the project professionally.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Puzzlewood cowl utilizes fundamental knitting stitches including knit and purl stitches as the foundation. The standout feature is the cable stitch work, which takes a non-traditional approach by being worked in reverse. This creates visual interest while maintaining the reversible quality of the finished cowl. Stockinette stitch (St stitch) is referenced for gauge purposes, helping knitters achieve proper tension and finished measurements.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The pattern calls for approximately 220 yards of worsted weight yarn. The recommended yarn is Cascade Yarns 220, a 100% wool option offering 220 yards per 100-gram skein. One skein is required to complete the project. Knitters may substitute with any worsted weight yarn of similar yardage, though yardage may vary slightly depending on fiber choice.

For needles and notions, the pattern requires:

• 5 mm (US 8) circular needle, 16 inches / 40 cm long, or alternatively a set of double pointed needles of the same size
• Stitch markers to track pattern repeats and round beginnings
• Cable needle for manipulating stitches during cable crossings
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends during finishing

Needle size should be adjusted as necessary to obtain the correct gauge of 18 stitches and 22 rounds per 4 inches in stockinette stitch using 5 mm needles, though this measurement is used as a reference only.

Difficulty Level

Puzzlewood is rated as an intermediate difficulty project, requiring knitters to be comfortable with knit and purl stitches, cable techniques, knitting in the round, and basic finishing methods. This makes it an excellent project for knitters looking to expand their skills beyond beginner-level work while not requiring advanced techniques.