Berroco Napatree Cowl Knitting Pattern

Berroco Napatree Cowl

What Is Being Made

The Napatree Cowl is a luxurious neck accessory designed by Martha Wissing that combines two sophisticated knitting techniques for a textured, visually striking finished piece. This cowl measures approximately 13 inches wide and 57 inches around, making it a generous, versatile garment suitable for wrapping around the neck multiple times or wearing as a single generous loop. The finished cowl works well as both a functional winter accessory and a fashionable statement piece.

Techniques Used

The Napatree Cowl employs two primary knitting techniques that work together to create its distinctive character:

• Mosaic Knitting: This technique creates intricate colorwork patterns without the complexity of traditional stranded knitting. In mosaic knitting worked in the round, rounds are worked in pairs using the same color. The first round follows the pattern instructions, while the second round uses the same color to purl the same stitches that were knitted in the previous round, while slipping the same stitches that were slipped. This creates a layered, dimensional effect with excellent stitch definition.
• Garter Stitch Stripes: Cushy garter stitch sections are worked in alternating colors to create bold horizontal stripes throughout the cowl. Garter stitch is created by knitting every row (or in the round, alternating knit and purl rounds), producing a reversible, textured fabric with excellent drape and warmth.
• Worked in the Round: The cowl is constructed from a single cast-on edge using circular needles, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a seamless, continuous tube.
• Bottom-Up Construction: The cowl is worked from the cast-on edge upward to the final bind-off, allowing knitters to try on the piece as it grows and adjust the final length if desired.

Stitches Used

• Knit Stitch (K): The fundamental stitch used throughout the garter stitch sections and mosaic pattern rounds.
• Purl Stitch (P): Used in alternating rounds to create garter stitch texture and as part of the mosaic knitting technique.
• Slip Stitch (SL 1): Stitches are slipped purlwise with yarn in back to create the mosaic pattern's distinctive visual effect and dimensional colorwork.
• Stitch Markers (SM): Used to mark pattern repeats and the beginning of each round, essential for maintaining pattern accuracy when working in the round.

Materials

Yarn: The pattern calls for Berroco Ultra Wool DK, a durable and soft worsted-weight yarn. Two balls each of two contrasting colors are required: #83104 Driftwood (C1) and #8310 Alyssum (C2). The pattern recommends choosing two colors with lots of contrast for best visual results in the mosaic knitting sections. Each ball weighs 100 grams, providing ample yardage for the finished cowl.

Needles and Notions: A 29-inch circular needle in size 6 (4.00 mm) is required, or whatever size is necessary to obtain the specified gauge. Three stitch markers are needed to track pattern repeats and the round beginning.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies two different gauges depending on the stitch pattern being worked: 20 stitches and 42 rounds equal 4 inches in garter stitch, while 23 stitches and 30 rows equal 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Knitters should take time to check gauge before beginning to ensure accurate finished measurements and proper drape of the completed cowl.

Skill Level

The Napatree Cowl is rated as an intermediate-level project, suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to explore more advanced stitch patterns such as mosaic knitting and color work.