Berroco Sheridan Cowl Knitting Pattern

Berroco Sheridan Knitting Pattern: Cowls and Hats

What Is Being Made

The Berroco Sheridan pattern provides instructions for creating two coordinating projects: an intermediate-level knit hat and a matching cowl. The hat measures approximately 20 inches around and 10½ inches high, while the cowl is a larger accessory measuring approximately 38 inches around and 9½ inches high. Both pieces feature the same stranded colorwork design and can be made using the same yarn in different quantities.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The projects are worked in the round using circular needles, creating seamless garments without side seams. The bottom-up construction method begins at the lower edge and progresses upward. Stranded colorwork, also known as Fair Isle knitting, is the primary decorative technique, requiring knitters to hold multiple yarn colors and pick up new colors from underneath when changing to prevent holes in the fabric. The pattern includes specific instructions for managing yarn floats by twisting colors together when carrying yarn across more than three stitches, preventing long loops on the reverse side.

Stitches Used

• Ribbing: Alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, P1) create the elastic cuff at the hat's base, worked for 1 inch before transitioning to stockinette
• Stockinette stitch: Smooth knit fabric forms the foundation for the stranded colorwork
• Charted pattern: A 6-stitch repeat worked across the rounds creates the stranded design, repeated 10 times around the hat circumference

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The pattern calls for Berroco Lanas Quick yarn, a worsted-weight option. For the hat, knitters need 1 hank each of three colors: #77207 Fuchsia (C1), #77206 Tree Bark (C2), and #77202 Harbor (C3). The cowl requires 2 hanks of each color. The yarn is worked at a gauge of 12 stitches and 16 rows over 4 inches in the charted pattern after blocking.

For the hat, the needle requirements include a 16-inch circular needle in size 11 (8 mm), one set of double-pointed needles in size 11 (8 mm) for the crown shaping, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and a stitch marker for tracking round beginnings. The cowl uses a 32-inch circular needle in size 11 (8 mm), a tapestry needle, and a stitch marker. All needles should be sized to achieve the specified gauge.

Pattern Structure and Construction

The hat begins with a cast-on of 60 stitches using the first color, joined to work in the round. An initial ribbed cuff establishes elasticity, followed by 4 plain knit rounds before introducing the charted stranded colorwork pattern. The design continues through round 28 of the chart, after which two colors are fastened off and the pattern continues with a single color. The transition to double-pointed needles occurs during crown decreases to manage the decreasing stitch count. The cowl follows a similar construction method using the longer 32-inch circular needle to accommodate its larger circumference.