Red Moon Cowl

Red Moon Cowl by Born & Raised Knits

What is Being Made

The Red Moon Cowl is a knitted neck accessory designed to fit most teens and adults as a one-size garment. This cowl is inspired by the moon's cycle and celebrates the connection between lunar phases and natural rhythms. The design draws conceptual inspiration from historical perspectives on women whose menstrual cycles align with the full moon, honoring them as healers with mystical significance in ancient times.

Knitting Techniques

This intermediate-level cowl employs two primary knitting techniques that create visual interest and depth:

• Knitting in the Round: The cowl is constructed using circular needles (US 4, 32 inches), allowing the knitter to work continuously in circular rows without seaming. This technique creates a seamless, tubular fabric ideal for neck wear.
• Stranded Colorwork: Also known as Fair Isle knitting, this technique involves carrying two colors of yarn across the back of the work while knitting with the active color. The stranded colorwork method creates the visual pattern by switching between the main color and contrasting color at specific intervals, resulting in a richly patterned fabric.

Stitches and Gauge

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 28 stitches over 4 inches in stockinette stitch when worked in the round. This gauge specification ensures the cowl achieves the intended finished dimensions and drape. Stitch markers are used throughout the project to help track pattern repeats and the beginning of each round.

Materials Required

The Red Moon Cowl calls for specific materials to achieve the designer's intended aesthetic:

• Yarn: Two colors of Sol Sock yarn by Nox Yarn Co are required. The main color (MC) is 'Reverie' in Sol Sock, requiring 200 yards. The contrasting color (CC) is 'Holy Terror' in Sol Sock, requiring 250 yards. Sol Sock is a 4-ply weight yarn, which provides excellent stitch definition for colorwork patterns.
• Needles: US 4 circular needles measuring 32 inches in length accommodate the cowl's circumference while allowing for comfortable in-the-round knitting.
• Notions: A darning needle is used for weaving in yarn ends after the cowl is complete, and stitch markers help organize the colorwork pattern throughout construction.

Pattern Notes

This is a downloadable PDF pattern for personal use only. Finished items created from this pattern may not be resold. Knitters are encouraged to share their completed Red Moon Cowls on Instagram using the hashtag #RedMoonCowl to connect with the designer and other makers in the community. The pattern includes schematics to guide construction and sizing.