The autumn stone

The Autumn Stone Cowl by Reiko Kuwamura

What Is Being Made

The Autumn Stone is a downloadable knitting pattern for a sophisticated cowl design created by independent designer Reiko Kuwamura. This project produces a circular neckwear piece available in two finished sizes: Small measuring 4.5 inches (11cm) in depth with an 18-inch (45cm) circumference, or Medium at 6 inches (15cm) in depth with a 20-inch (50cm) circumference. The cowl is worked seamlessly in the round, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking intermediate-level construction techniques.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This cowl employs several intermediate knitting techniques that create visual interest and texture. The pattern uses in-the-round knitting on circular needles, requiring the knitter to cast on stitches and join them into a circle using a stitch marker. The construction involves strategic stitch marker placement and manipulation, including a deliberate marker shift at Round 9 (or Round 12 for the larger size) to create pattern alignment. The design incorporates slip stitch techniques for seamless transitions and pattern continuity throughout the piece.

Stitches Used

The Autumn Stone pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined to create textured patterning:

• Knit stitch (k) – the primary structural stitch
• Purl stitch (p) – used to create contrast and dimensional texture
• Slip stitch (slip1) – employed for marker repositioning and pattern transitions
• Ribbing patterns – alternating knit and purl stitches in repeating sequences, such as k3, p3 and p1, k1, p3, k1 combinations
• Stitch abbreviations [A] and [B] – special stitch techniques integrated into the pattern at specific rounds for decorative detail

The stitch pattern repeats across a multiple of 6 stitches, with 120 stitches cast on for the Small size and 138 stitches for the Medium size. The pattern alternates between sections of ribbed texture and more complex stitch combinations, creating visual rhythm and depth throughout the finished cowl.

Materials and Gauge

The Autumn Stone pattern calls for worsted-weight yarn, specifically Lotus Yarns Tibetan Cloud Worsted in the photographed colorway #08 October. This yarn is composed of 100% Tibetan yak fiber, offering luxurious softness and warmth suitable for neckwear. Each skein provides 300 meters of yardage per 100 grams of fiber. The pattern is worked on US 6 (4.0mm) needles, equivalent to Japanese size 6 (3.9mm), which are appropriately sized for worsted-weight yarn. Additional notions required include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points. The recommended gauge is 6 stitches and 10 rows per 1 inch (2.5cm) when worked in the pattern stitches, which is essential for achieving the specified finished dimensions.

Difficulty Level

Classified as an intermediate project, The Autumn Stone requires knitters to be comfortable with circular needle techniques, reading multi-round pattern instructions, and managing stitch markers during in-the-round construction. The pattern involves pattern repeats that shift and evolve across multiple rounds, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to explore more complex stitch combinations and shaping techniques.