Berroco Ima Cowl Knitting Pattern

Berroco Ima Knit Cowl

What Is Being Made

The Ima is a seamless knit cowl designed by Emily Nora O'Neil. This finished cowl measures approximately 10 inches wide by 34 inches around, making it an ideal neckwear accessory. The cowl is worked in one continuous piece using the bottom-up construction method, resulting in a garment with no seams to weave together.

Skill Level and Construction

Rated as an Easy skill level project, the Ima cowl is an excellent choice for knitters looking to practice fundamental techniques. The entire cowl is worked in the round on a circular knitting needle, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, professional finish. This seamless, in-the-round approach is a hallmark of modern cowl design and allows knitters to try on the piece as they work.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Ima employs straightforward knitting techniques suitable for beginners and intermediate knitters:

• Bottom-up construction: The cowl is cast on and worked upward toward the bind-off edge, allowing knitters to easily adjust length as needed
• Seamless, in-the-round knitting: Using a circular needle, the pattern eliminates seaming steps and creates a continuous tube of fabric
• Ribbed stitch pattern: The cowl features a simple knit and purl combination that creates vertical texture and elasticity

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The Ima cowl is constructed entirely in k1, p3 ribbing (knit 1 stitch, purl 3 stitches, repeated around). This classic ribbed stitch pattern creates vertical lines of texture and provides natural stretch and recovery, ensuring the cowl fits comfortably around the neck without sagging. The ribbing pattern is repeated for the entire 10-inch length of the cowl, creating a consistent, reversible fabric that looks polished on both sides.

Materials and Tools

The Ima cowl requires minimal materials, making it an economical project:

• Yarn: 1 hank of Berroco Macro in colorway #6763 Narwhal (250 grams total)
• Needles: 29-inch circular knitting needle, size 17 (12.75 mm), or the size needed to obtain proper gauge
• Notions: 1 stitch marker for tracking round beginnings

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 6 stitches and 9 rounds over 4 inches when working in k1, p3 ribbing. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished cowl meets the intended measurements. After completing the knitting, finishing involves weaving in all yarn ends and blocking the cowl as desired to even out the ribbed texture and set the final dimensions.