Berroco Summit Cowl Knitting Pattern

Berroco Summit Cowl: Knitted Seamless Design

What is Being Made

The Summit is an intermediate-level knitted cowl designed by Åsa Buchta. This garment is a versatile neckwear piece that features a flared silhouette, measuring approximately 26 inches (66 cm) around the top and expanding to 34 inches (86.5 cm) around the bottom, with a finished length of 12½ inches (32 cm). The cowl's graduated shaping creates a distinctive drape that works well for layering over sweaters or worn as a standalone accessory.

Construction Technique

Summit is constructed using a bottom-up, seamless, worked-in-the-round method. This approach eliminates the need for seaming and creates a continuous tube of fabric. The cowl begins at the wider bottom edge and tapers toward the top opening through strategic decreasing. Working in the round ensures consistent stitch definition and allows for even color distribution throughout the piece.

Stitch Work and Special Techniques

The primary stitch used is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric surface. The pattern incorporates a bobble stitch as a decorative special technique. The bobble is created by working multiple stitches (front, back, front, back, front) into a single stitch, then working several rows on those increased stitches before binding them off to create a textured, dimensional embellishment. This technique adds visual interest and tactile appeal to the cowl.

Decreasing is accomplished using SSK (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) methods. The pattern strategically places decreases every fourth round to gradually shape the cowl from its wider base to the narrower top opening. The decrease rounds are evenly distributed across the circumference using stitch markers to maintain symmetry.

Materials and Gauge

The Summit pattern calls for Berroco Dash yarn, requiring 2 balls (200 grams total) in colorway #3853 Rockies. Berroco Dash is a bulky-weight yarn that works quickly and creates substantial fabric.

Needles required include 24-inch circular needles in sizes 11 (8 mm) and 13 (9 mm), allowing for needle size adjustment to achieve proper gauge. The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 23 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch using the larger needles, measured after blocking. Additional notions include stitch markers, with one marker in a contrasting color designated for marking the beginning of round.

Achieving accurate gauge is emphasized as essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring the cowl drapes as intended. The pattern recommends taking time to knit and block a gauge swatch before beginning the project.