What you'll need
| Sizes: | Child | Adult Narrow | Adult Relaxed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circumference, in: | 19 | 22 | 25 |
| Height, in: | 8 | 10 | 10 |
Purl Soho Cashmere Merino Blend - Lilac Quartz
|
1 | 1 | 1 |
|
Purl Soho Cashmere Merino Blend - Fresh Fig
|
1 | 1 | 1 |
Product Description
In color work there's something mesmerizing about working multiple threads, and I've been striving to find a pattern that hits that sweet spot of mindful knitting--one that requires my focus, but doesn't force me to be constantly checking a chart. Twin Trails is the answer.
This simple color work cowl is great for beginners or for someone looking to relax into the experience of stranded knitting. It was the perfect project for a busy time when I felt my mind was scattered. The simplicity of pure knitting coupled with the need for concentration cleared my mind and calmed me. I hope it can be the sweet spot for you too!
**Techniques to Indulge In:**2x2 ribbing Knitting in the round Stranded color work
Twin Trails Cowl by Megan Gonzalez
What is Being Made
Twin Trails is a knitted cowl designed by independent designer Megan Gonzalez. This versatile neckwear project is available in three sizes: Child (19"/48 cm circumference), Adult Narrow Fit (22"/56 cm circumference), and Adult Relaxed Fit (25"/64 cm circumference). The cowl heights range from 8 inches for the Child size to 10 inches for both Adult sizes, making it a practical layering piece suitable for various ages and fit preferences.
Techniques Used
Twin Trails employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for an intermediate-level crafter. The pattern utilizes circular needles worked in the round, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a seamless, professional finish. The construction begins with a stretchy cast-on method—either a loose long-tail cast on or another preferred stretchy cast on technique—to ensure the cowl's opening remains elastic and comfortable against the neck. Two-color knitting is incorporated throughout the design, requiring the knitter to manage both a main color (MC) and contrast color (CC) yarn while maintaining consistent tension and stitch definition.
Stitches Used
The primary stitch structure is stockinette stitch, which creates the smooth, classic fabric characteristic of many cowls. Stockinette is achieved by alternating knit and purl rows when working flat, or by knitting every round when working in the round as this pattern does. The pattern also incorporates a bottom band worked in the contrast color, establishing a structured edge. The bind-off technique completes the top edge, securing all stitches and finishing the cowl.
Materials
Twin Trails is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn, a lightweight yarn category that produces a delicate, refined fabric. The total yardage required ranges from 200 yards for the Child size to 250 yards for the Adult Relaxed Fit, divided between main color (140–175 yards) and contrast color (60–75 yards). The suggested yarn is Purl Soho Cashmere Merino Bloom, a luxurious blend composed of 75% Extra Fine Merino Wool and 25% Cashmere, available in 218-yard skeins. The pattern features the colorway pairing of Lilac Quartz for the main color and Fresh Fig for the contrast color, though any DK weight yarn in two complementary colors may be substituted.
The required needles are US 7 (4.50 mm) circular needles measuring 16 inches (40 cm), sized to achieve the specified gauge of 21 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Additional tools include a stitch marker for tracking the beginning of round and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends upon completion.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | DK | Light Worsted |
| Pages: | 4 |
| Designer: | Megan Gonzalez |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your experience.