Berroco Mavis Cowl Knitting Pattern

Berroco Mavis Knit Cowl

What Is Being Made

The Berroco Mavis is a knitted cowl designed by Amy Christoffers from the Cotolana Fall 2017 Collection. This is a versatile neckwear accessory with finished measurements of approximately 14½ inches wide by 28 inches around after blocking. The cowl is worked in a single size and is suitable for knitters of all skill levels, classified as an easy project.

Construction Method

This cowl is worked bottom-up and worked flat on straight needles, meaning it is knitted in rows rather than in the round. The construction begins with a provisional cast-on of 66 stitches, allowing the two ends to be seamlessly joined during finishing. After the main body is completed, the provisional cast-on stitches are unpicked and grafted together with the live stitches remaining on the needle, creating a continuous loop without a visible seam.

Knitting Techniques and Stitch Patterns

The Mavis cowl features three distinct stitch patterns that are repeated throughout the garment, creating visual interest and texture:

• Pattern 1: A ribbed texture alternating knit and purl stitches in a 3x3 configuration (knit 3, purl 3 repeat) interspersed with stockinette stitch sections. This pattern is worked over 28 rows and is repeated twice, followed by a partial repeat of rows 1–10.
• Pattern 2: A mixed pattern combining extended stockinette stitch sections with a single row of 3x3 ribbing repeated five times throughout this section. This pattern works over 10 rows and is repeated five times total.
• Pattern 3: A 3x3 ribbed pattern (knit 3, purl 3) repeated ten times, creating a consistent textured finish near the completion of the cowl.

The cowl also incorporates garter stitch (knit every row) as a foundational and transitional element between patterned sections, providing structure and stability to the finished piece.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for Berroco Cotolana yarn, a premium fiber requiring 3 balls of 50 grams each in colorway #3504 Poplar. Knitters will need straight needles in size 8 (5.00 mm) or the size necessary to achieve proper gauge. Additional materials include waste yarn for the provisional cast-on method and a tapestry needle for finishing and grafting the seams.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 32 rows equal 4 inches in pattern stitches after blocking. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished cowl meets the intended dimensions. The finishing process involves unpicking the provisional cast-on and grafting the live stitches together, then blocking the completed cowl to achieve the final measurements and even out the stitch patterns.