Bright Star Cowl Knitting Pattern

Bright Star Cowl in Rowan Moordale

What is Being Made

The Bright Star Cowl is a luxurious knitted cowl designed by Martin Storey for Rowan. This finished accessory measures 23 cm (9 inches) deep and wraps around at an impressive 142 cm (56 inches) in circumference, making it a generous, versatile neckwear piece suitable for layering or wearing as a statement accessory.

Knitting Techniques Used

This advanced beginner project employs the fairisle technique, a traditional stranded colorwork method that creates intricate patterned designs by carrying two colors of yarn across the back of the work. The pattern is worked in the round using circular needles, which allows for seamless construction and continuous colorwork. The cowl is constructed by joining the cast-on and cast-off edges together using either mattress stitch or back stitch to form a continuous loop.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The entire cowl is worked in stockinette stitch (knit every round), which provides a smooth, classic fabric base that showcases the fairisle colorwork beautifully. The pattern features a 24-stitch repeat that is repeated 5 times around each round, and a 24-round pattern repeat that is worked 15 times in total, followed by rounds 1 through 23 of the chart once more. This structured repetition creates the distinctive Bright Star motif throughout the entire cowl.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for Rowan Moordale yarn in two colorways: Blue Moor 008 (Color A) and Feather 001 (Color B), with 3 x 100 gram balls of each color required. The project is worked on a 4mm (US 6) circular needle no more than 40 cm long, or alternatively on double-pointed needles if preferred. The recommended tension is 26 stitches and 27 rounds to 10 cm measured over patterned stockinette stitch using 4mm needles, which ensures the finished cowl maintains its intended dimensions and elasticity.

Pattern Construction Details

The cowl begins with casting on 120 stitches, with a marker placed after the final cast-on stitch to denote the beginning and end of rounds. Careful attention is paid to avoid twisting the cast-on edge before joining. The fairisle technique is applied throughout, with guidance to carry stranded yarns over no more than three stitches at a time, catching them under and over the working color to maintain even tension and prevent loose floats. Once the colorwork is complete, the piece is pressed according to finishing instructions and seamed into a loop.