Cascade Yarns W Ric Rac Cowl Knitting Pattern

Cascade Yarns W Ric Rac Cowl

What Is Being Made

The Cascade Yarns W Ric Rac Cowl is a beginner-friendly knitted cowl designed by Shannon Dunbabin. This circular neckwear piece measures approximately 21 inches in circumference and 8.5 inches in length from the cast-on edge, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering and everyday wear.

Knitting Techniques Used

This cowl employs fundamental circular knitting techniques worked in the round using a stitch marker to denote the beginning of each round. The pattern combines basic ribbed knit and purl stitches with a decorative lace element created through yarn overs and centered double decreases. The construction begins with casting on stitches, joining them in the round without twisting, and progresses through repeating pattern rounds before binding off and finishing with weaving in yarn ends.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) – The fundamental stitch forming the primary fabric
• Purl (P) – Used in alternating columns to create ribbed texture
• Yarn Over (YO) – Creates decorative openings in the lace pattern
• Slip 1, Knit 2 Together, Pass Slip Stitch Over (Sl1-K2tog-psso) – A centered double decrease that reduces stitches while creating a directional lace element
• Knit 2 Together (K2tog) – Used as part of the decrease technique
• Slip Stitch (Sl) – Used within the decrease sequence

Pattern Structure

The cowl features a repeating four-round pattern worked in the round. The first two rounds and the final four rounds consist of a simple ribbed pattern alternating three knit stitches with one purl stitch. The signature ric rac element appears in round three, where yarn overs and centered double decreases create a decorative lace motif, followed by a purl stitch to maintain the rib structure. This four-round sequence repeats until the cowl reaches the desired length.

Materials and Tools

This project requires Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash, a 100% superwash wool yarn available in 100-gram skeins yielding 220 yards (200 meters). One skein in colorway #810 (Teal) provides sufficient yardage for the complete cowl. Knitting needles in US size 6 are required for the project. Additional tools include a stitch marker for tracking round beginnings, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and basic knitting supplies. The pattern notes that gauge is unimportant for this project, making it accessible for knitters of varying experience levels.

Skill Level

Rated as an easy beginner project, this cowl introduces knitters to circular knitting, basic ribbed stitch patterns, and simple lace techniques through yarn overs and centered decreases. The straightforward construction and forgiving nature of cowl shaping make it an ideal first project for developing essential knitting skills.