AMANO Caraz Cowl Knitting Pattern

AMANO Caraz Cowl

What is Being Made

The AMANO Caraz Cowl is a knitted neck accessory designed by Martha Wissing for the Fall Winter 16/17 collection. This cowl is constructed as a flat rectangular piece that measures 48 inches in length before being seamed into a continuous loop, creating a versatile layering piece suitable for cold weather wear.

Construction Method

The cowl is knit flat on straight needles rather than in the round, which allows for a specific stitch pattern to be worked across rows. After the flat piece reaches the desired length of 48 inches, it is seamed using the three needle bind off technique. This finishing method joins the two ends of the cowl by binding off stitches from both edges simultaneously with right sides together, creating a strong, neat seam that is characteristic of professional garment construction.

Primary Stitch: Pearl Brioche Stitch

The Caraz Cowl features the pearl brioche stitch as its main decorative element. This stitch pattern is created by repeating a four-row sequence:

• Row 1 (Wrong Side): Slip 1 stitch purlwise, then work (knit 1, yarn forward-slip 1-yarn over) across to the last stitch, knit 1
• Row 2 (Right Side): Slip 1 stitch purlwise, then work (brioche knit, knit 1) across to the last stitch, knit 1
• Row 3: Slip 1 stitch purlwise, then work (yarn forward-slip 1-yarn over, knit 1) across to the last stitch, knit 1
• Row 4: Slip 1 stitch purlwise, then work (knit 1, brioche knit) across to the last stitch, knit 1

The brioche knit stitch (brk) involves knitting a stitch and its yarn over together in a single motion, creating the characteristic textured appearance of brioche knitting. This stitch pattern is repeated until the piece reaches 48 inches in length, ending on row 4 before proceeding to finishing.

Casting On and Stitch Count

The cowl begins with 42 stitches cast on using the long tail method, a foundational casting technique that creates a sturdy, elastic edge suitable for neckwear. This stitch count is maintained throughout the pattern and provides the appropriate width for a comfortable cowl.

Finishing Techniques

After the knitted piece is complete, steam blocking is applied to set the stitches to the specified measurements, ensuring even tension and a professional appearance. The cast on edge stitches are then picked up on a spare needle, and with right sides of the work facing together, a three needle bind off joins the two ends. This technique simultaneously binds off and seams the cowl into its final tubular form. All yarn ends are woven in to complete the garment.

Materials

This pattern is designed to be worked with yarn and needles appropriate for the stitch gauge specified in the original AMANO pattern documentation. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF from AMANO Yarns, allowing crafters to access the complete instructions including specific yarn recommendations and needle size requirements.

Designer and Source

The AMANO Caraz Cowl was designed by Martha Wissing and is part of the AMANO Fall Winter 16/17 collection. Additional pattern information and yarn options are available through amanoyarns.com.