Berroco Martyn Cowl Knitting Pattern

Berroco Martyn Knit Cowl

What is Being Made

The Martyn is a knitted cowl designed as a versatile neck accessory with approximately 8½ inches in width and 84 inches in circumference. This intermediate-level project creates a substantial, wearable piece suitable for layering and everyday wear.

Techniques Used

This cowl is worked flat on straight needles, meaning it is knitted in rows rather than in the round, and then seamed together to form the circular cowl shape. The construction method allows knitters to work with lace and ribbed stitch patterns across a flat surface before joining the ends.

Stitches Used

The Martyn features two primary stitch patterns that create visual interest and texture:

• Rib Pattern: A multiple of 2 stitches plus 1, alternating between purl and knit stitches (K1, P1 ribbing). This creates vertical lines and provides stretch and structure to the fabric.
• Lace Pattern: A more complex 10-row repeat with a multiple of 8 stitches plus 1. This pattern incorporates yarn overs (yo), slip-slip-knit decreases (SSK), and knit-2-together (k2tog) decreases, along with a slip-2-knit-1-pass-slipped-stitches-over (sl 2, k1, p2sso) decrease. The lace pattern creates openwork sections with decorative holes and flowing lines throughout the cowl.

Materials

The Martyn is worked in Berroco Boboli Lace, a delicate lace-weight yarn. The pattern calls for 1 ball each of two colorways: #4326 Wading Pool (A) and #4369 Poppyseed (B), with each ball weighing 100 grams. Knitters will need straight knitting needles in size 7 (4.50 mm) or the size required to obtain proper gauge.

Gauge and Specifications

Achieving correct gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 26 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in the Rib Pattern with yarn A, and 23 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in the Lace Pattern with yarn B. The pattern emphasizes checking gauge before beginning to ensure the finished cowl meets the intended dimensions.

Skill Level

Rated as Intermediate, this project is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are comfortable working with lace stitches, managing yarn overs and decreases, and seaming pieces together.