Cabled Cowl Knitting Pattern

Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool Cabled Cowl Knitting Pattern

Project Overview

The Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool Cabled Cowl (Pattern Number 90589AD) is an intermediate-level knitting project designed to create a lightly felted, unisex cowl accessory. This aran-inspired design features beautiful cable stitches that provide both visual interest and textural depth. The finished cowl measures approximately 26 inches in circumference and 15 inches in height after the felting process, making it a versatile neckwear piece suitable for various body sizes.

Techniques and Construction Method

This cowl is constructed using circular knitting techniques, worked in the round to create a seamless tubular garment. The pattern incorporates felting as a finishing technique, which slightly reduces the dimensions and creates a denser, more structured fabric. The construction begins with casting on stitches, establishing a ribbed foundation, and then transitioning into the cable pattern sections that define the cowl's visual character.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Cabled Cowl employs several specialized knitting stitches and techniques:

• K2, p2 Rib: A foundational pattern stitch worked in the round using a multiple of 4 stitches, alternating knit and purl stitches to create an elastic, textured base
• Cable Stitches: The pattern features multiple cable crossing techniques, including 3/3 LC (3 over 3 left cross), 2/2 LC (2 over 2 left cross), and 2/2 RC (2 over 2 right cross), which create the signature twisted rope-like textures characteristic of aran knitting
• Knit Front and Back (kfb): An increase stitch used to add stitches within the pattern
• Purl Two Together (p2tog): A decrease stitch used to adjust stitch counts as needed during construction

Materials and Tools

The pattern calls for Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool Yarn in the Natural colorway, requiring only 1 ball of yarn (150-098). Essential tools include a circular knitting needle in size 9 (5.5 mm) measuring 24 inches long for working in the round, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and the beginning of rounds, and large-eye blunt needles for weaving in yarn ends. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches over 4 inches (10 cm) measured over the pattern before felting, which is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions.

Skill Level and Pattern Details

Classified as an Intermediate skill level project, this cowl is suitable for knitters with experience in basic techniques who are ready to tackle cable work and circular knitting. The pattern accommodates one size, with the cast-on of 152 stitches providing the foundation for the finished circumference. The initial ribbed section establishes structure before the cable pattern sections are introduced, with strategic decreases used to refine the stitch count as the pattern progresses.