Berroco Pilot Cowl Knitting Pattern

The two cowl versions employ different knitting methodologies to achieve their final form:

• Short Version: Worked seamlessly in the round using a circular needle. Stitches are cast on and joined to create a continuous tube, eliminating the need for seaming. This technique produces a smooth, finished edge without visible seams.
• Long Version: Worked flat on straight needles, then seamed. The cast-on and bound-off edges are sewn together with careful attention to prevent twisting, creating the final cowl shape through a seaming technique rather than circular construction.

Stitches and Charted Patterns

Both cowl versions feature charted stitch patterns that provide visual guidance for knitters. The Short Cowl Chart is repeated three complete times, followed by a partial repeat of rows 1 through 6. The Long Cowl Chart is worked over 41 stitches and repeated a total of 16 times across the length of the piece. The patterns incorporate edge stitches (knit through the back loop and purl stitches) that frame the main charted design, creating a polished, finished appearance on the sides of the cowl.

Yarn and Materials

Both cowls are designed to be worked with Berroco Mercado, a yarn that comes in 100-gram hanks. The Short Version requires 2 hanks in color #4133 Azul (C1), while the Long Version requires 4 hanks in color #4103 Playa (C2). Knitters should use size 10 (6.00 mm) needles or the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge of 20 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in the charted patterns. The Short Version requires a 24-inch circular needle and one stitch marker, while the Long Version uses straight needles and two stitch markers for pattern management.

Finishing and Blocking

After completing either cowl version, all yarn ends are woven in securely. The Long Version requires careful seaming of the cast-on and bound-off edges to form the cowl tube, with attention paid to avoiding twists that would distort the finished piece. Both versions benefit from blocking, which helps even out the stitches and set the final dimensions and drape of the cowl.