AMANO Beatriz Cowl Knitting Pattern

AMANO Beatriz Cowl

What is Being Made

The Beatriz Cowl is a versatile neck accessory designed by Martha Wissing for the Fall/Winter 17/18 season. This cowl measures 11 inches high with a 32-inch circumference, making it a one-size-fits-most design suitable for layering over sweaters or wearing as a standalone neck warmer. The finished piece is a seamless, tubular cowl that provides both warmth and style with its distinctive reversible stitch pattern.

Techniques Used

This cowl is constructed using several key knitting techniques that make it an ideal project for knitters of all skill levels:

• Worked in the Round: The cowl is knitted seamlessly in the round using a circular needle, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a continuous tube of fabric.
• Bottom-Up Construction: The cowl is cast on at the bottom edge and worked upward to the top, allowing knitters to try on the piece as it grows and easily adjust the final length if desired.
• Seamless Construction: By working continuously in the round with a stitch marker to denote the beginning of each round, the finished cowl has no seams, resulting in a smooth, professional appearance.

Stitches Used

The Beatriz Cowl features a simple yet visually striking reversible stitch pattern that alternates between knit and purl stitches:

• Primary Pattern: A repeating 8-stitch motif of (P3, K5) and (K5, P3) that creates textured columns of raised knit stitches against recessed purl stitches. This pattern is easy to memorize, making it an excellent take-along project requiring minimal pattern reference.
• Bind-Off: The cowl is bound off in pattern to maintain the textured appearance at the top edge and ensure the bind-off blends seamlessly with the overall design.
• Stockinette Stitch Reference: The gauge is provided for both the pattern stitch and stockinette stitch (St st), which is a foundational knit stitch consisting of alternating knit and purl rows.

Materials and Tools

The Beatriz Cowl is worked using specific materials selected for both quality and performance:

• Yarn: 2 hanks of AMANO Eco Puna (100 grams each) in colorway #9002 Andean Brown. This yarn choice provides a warm, earthy tone suitable for fall and winter wear.
• Needles: A 32-inch circular knitting needle in size 6 (4 mm), or the size needed to obtain the correct gauge. The 32-inch length accommodates the 248 cast-on stitches comfortably while working in the round.
• Notions: A stitch marker is required to mark the beginning of each round and track pattern repeats throughout the project.

Gauge and Finishing

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit. The pattern stitch should measure 27 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10.2 cm), while stockinette stitch should measure 22 stitches and 28 rows over the same measurement. The finished cowl should not be blocked to retain its textured appearance; instead, ends are simply woven in for a clean, polished finish. The reversible nature of the stitch pattern means both sides of the cowl are equally attractive, offering versatility in how the piece is worn.