Blue Sky Fibers Elizabeth Cowl Knitting Pattern

Blue Sky Fibers Elizabeth Cowl: Beginner Knit Cowl Pattern

What is Being Made

The Elizabeth Cowl is a circular knit cowl designed by Katie Mayer. This finished garment measures 58 inches in circumference and 8 inches in height, making it a versatile neckwear piece suitable for layering and everyday wear. The cowl is worked in the round from a cast-on base, creating a seamless tubular construction that requires no seaming.

Techniques Used

This beginner-level pattern employs fundamental circular knitting techniques. The cowl is worked in the round using a circular needle, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a continuous fabric. The primary stitch pattern alternates between knit and purl rounds to create garter stitch, a classic textured fabric that looks the same on both sides. The pattern includes a straightforward bind-off technique worked in pattern, where stitches are decreased using knit two together or purl two together decreases before being moved back to the left needle, creating a finished edge that matches the body of the cowl.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K): The fundamental stitch worked on alternating rounds
• Purl (P): Worked on alternating rounds to create garter stitch texture
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used during bind-off
• Purl Two Together (P2tog): A decrease used during bind-off on purl rounds
• Garter Stitch: Created by alternating knit and purl rounds, producing a reversible, textured fabric

Materials and Gauge

The Elizabeth Cowl is worked using Blue Sky Alpacas Multi Cotton yarn in a worsted weight. The pattern requires 3 hanks of yarn, providing 67 grams and 100 yards per hank. Knitting is performed on Size 11 (8 mm) circular needles measuring 24 inches in length, or a size adjusted to achieve proper gauge. Additional materials include a stitch marker for marking the beginning of rounds and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends. The pattern is worked to a gauge of 3 stitches and 7 rows per 4 inches in garter stitch. The cowl shown in the pattern photograph is displayed in Punch colorway #6800.

Pattern Overview

Construction begins by casting on 174 stitches, placing a stitch marker, and joining to work in the round. The pattern alternates between knit rounds (rnd 2) and purl rounds (rnd 1) to establish garter stitch texture. These two rounds are repeated until the cowl reaches 8 inches in height or your desired length, using all available yarn while reserving enough for binding off. The bind-off is worked in pattern, maintaining the garter stitch appearance through the edge. This straightforward construction makes the Elizabeth Cowl an excellent beginner project for knitters learning circular knitting techniques.