Blue Sky Fibers Fletcher Cowl Knitting Pattern

Blue Sky Fibers Fletcher Cowl

What is Being Made

The Fletcher Cowl is a unisex neck cowl designed by Michael Vloedman, featuring a distinctive trapezoid silhouette that provides versatile styling options. This quick-knit accessory is crafted from three hanks of super bulky yarn and measures 84 inches in circumference at the bottom, tapering to 62 inches at the top, with an 8-inch height. The trapezoid shape allows wearers to style the cowl in multiple ways, making it a flexible addition to any wardrobe.

Techniques Used

This cowl is worked seamlessly in the round from the bottom up, eliminating the need for seaming. The construction begins with a cast-on of 190 stitches divided between two stitch markers to establish the circular foundation. The pattern employs strategic decreasing throughout the body to create the signature trapezoid shaping, with each decrease round reducing the stitch count by 4 stitches. The decreases are worked symmetrically on both sides of the marked sections to maintain balanced proportions as the cowl tapers from bottom to top.

Stitches Used

The Fletcher Cowl features a primary stitch pattern of 1x1 ribbing, which creates vertical columns of alternating knit and purl stitches. This ribbed texture provides elasticity and structure to the finished cowl. The pattern incorporates slip stitches worked with yarn in back (wyib) to create a polished edge detail. Decreases are accomplished using ssk (slip, slip, knit) and k2tog (knit two together) techniques, which are worked strategically within the ribbed sections to shape the trapezoid form. The cowl concludes with a loose bind-off worked in pattern to maintain the ribbed texture at the top edge.

Striping and Color Work

The design features a three-color striped pattern using Woolstok North in contrasting shades. The cowl begins with Color A (Cast Iron, No. 4300), transitions to Color B (Gravel Road, No. 4302) for the middle section, and finishes with Color C (Cranberry Compote, No. 4310). The color changes occur at strategic points in the pattern, with Color B worked for rounds 9-12 and Color C worked for rounds 21-22, creating distinct horizontal stripes that add visual interest to the finished piece.

Materials and Tools

This project requires Woolstok North Super Bulky yarn in 100% Fine Highland Wool, with one hank each of three coordinating colors. The yarn is worked on size 17 (12mm) needles or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge of 9 stitches and 14 rows over 4 inches in 1x1 ribbing. Additional tools include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends after completion. The super bulky weight yarn and large needle size contribute to the quick-knit nature of this project, making it an efficient accessory to complete.

Difficulty Level and Finishing

Rated as Advanced Beginner, the Fletcher Cowl is accessible to knitters with foundational skills while offering enough shaping and color work to provide engaging challenges. The pattern includes straightforward finishing instructions: weave in all ends, block as desired, and care for the finished cowl by hand washing or dry cleaning in tepid water with mild soap. The cowl should be shaped and dried flat on a towel, then stored folded rather than hung to maintain its structure and appearance.