August Cowl Knitting Pattern

August Cowl by Lisa Richardson

What Is Being Made

The August Cowl is a luxurious knitted cowl designed by Lisa Richardson for Rowan. This finished accessory measures 180 cm (71 inches) all around and is 18 cm (7 inches) deep, creating a generous loop that can be worn draped around the neck. The cowl is constructed as a single twisted strip that is joined at the row-end edges to form a continuous loop with a 360-degree twist, adding visual interest and dimension to the finished piece.

Techniques Used

The August Cowl employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The construction begins with casting on a substantial number of stitches—306 stitches in total—which may necessitate the use of a circular needle due to the stitch count. The most distinctive technique featured in this pattern is the creation of a decorative lace motif that repeats throughout the cowl. The twisted join at the end, where one end of the cowl strip is twisted through 360 degrees before joining the row-end edges, creates a Möbius-like effect that adds sophistication to the finished accessory. Pressing is recommended as a finishing technique to set the stitches and enhance the appearance of the lace pattern.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K): The fundamental stitch forming the base structure
• Purl (P): Used on alternate rows to create the reverse stockinette sections
• Yarn Forward (yfwd): Creates decorative eyelet holes essential to the lace pattern
• Slip, Knit Two Together, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (sl 1, K2tog, psso): A centered double decrease that forms the characteristic lace motif
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used in pattern shaping
• Slip, Knit, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (sl 1, K1, psso): A left-leaning decrease used in pattern variations

These stitches combine to create an eight-row repeating pattern that produces an elegant lace fabric with balanced decreases and yarn overs, resulting in a visually striking openwork design.

Materials

The August Cowl is worked using Rowan Four Seasons yarn in the Summer 005 colorway (as shown in the photographed sample). The yarn is supplied in 50-gram balls. The pattern requires one pair of 5mm (US size 8) needles, though a circular needle in the same size is recommended due to the high stitch count of 306 stitches. The recommended tension is 17 stitches and 25 rows to 10 centimeters measured over the lace pattern using 5mm needles, ensuring the finished cowl achieves its intended dimensions and drape.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic stockinette stitch. The intermediate classification reflects the requirement to work a multi-row lace pattern with various decreases and yarn overs, maintain consistent tension over a large number of stitches, and execute the twisted join technique to complete the cowl.