Cassia Cowl + Beanie in MODE at Rowan Alpaca Haze and Alpaca Wool

Cassia Cowl + Beanie by Quail Studio

What is Being Made

The Cassia Cowl + Beanie is a two-piece knitted set designed by Quail Studio for MODE at Rowan. This downloadable PDF pattern includes instructions for creating both a seamless cowl and a coordinating beanie, allowing crafters to complete a matching accessory collection. The cowl is worked in the round from the hem upwards, creating a tubular garment suitable for layering and warmth.

Cowl Specifications

The Cassia Cowl is a seamless, in-the-round construction that finishes with dimensions of 89.5 cm (35¼ inches) in circumference and 33 cm (13 inches) in depth. This generous circumference allows the cowl to be worn as a versatile neck accessory or layered for additional warmth.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level pattern features brioche knitting, an advanced ribbed technique that creates a distinctive textured and elastic fabric. The brioche method involves slipping stitches with yarn overs and then working those wrapped stitches together in subsequent rows, producing a reversible, dimensional fabric with excellent recovery and drape. The cowl is constructed using circular needle knitting worked continuously in the round, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a polished, professional finish.

Stitches Used

• Sl1yo (Slip 1 with Yarn Over) – The working yarn is brought under the needle to the front of the work, the next stitch is slipped purlwise, then the yarn is brought over the needle and the slipped stitch to the back, positioning the yarn to work the following knit stitch. This creates the characteristic wrapped stitch foundation of brioche knitting.
• Brk1 (Brioche Knit) – The stitch that was slipped in the previous row is knit together with its yarn over, creating a single consolidated stitch that forms the raised texture characteristic of brioche fabric.
• Brp1 (Brioche Purl) – The stitch that was slipped in the previous row is purled together with its yarn over, providing the complementary purl element in the brioche rib pattern.
• Brioche Rib Pattern – Established through alternating rounds of Brk1 and sl1yo stitches, then Sl1yo and Brp1 stitches, creating a reversible, textured ribbed fabric.

Materials and Gauge

The pattern calls for Rowan Alpaca Wool and Alpaca Haze yarns held together as a single strand. Specifically, the cowl uses 50 grams of Alpaca Wool in Currant 020 (A) and 25 grams of Alpaca Haze in Merlot 020 (B), combining two complementary yarn types for enhanced texture and warmth. The 4.5mm (US 7) circular needles measuring 80 cm are used throughout the pattern. The tension is established at 17 stitches and 44 rounds to 10 cm measured over the brioche rib pattern using 4.5mm needles unstretched while holding one strand of each yarn together. Achieving proper tension is essential for the cowl to reach its intended finished dimensions and for the brioche rib to display its characteristic elasticity and recovery.

Pattern Construction Details

The cowl begins with a cast-on of 152 stitches using the circular needles, with careful attention paid to avoiding twisting the cast-on stitches before joining in the round. A stitch marker is placed to denote the start of the round. A set-up round establishes the brioche rib pattern foundation, after which Rounds 1 and 2 set the repeating brioche rib pattern that continues until the cowl reaches its full 33 cm depth. The pattern includes 4 stitch markers as extras to assist with tracking pattern repeats and round progression.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic knitting techniques and are ready to explore more advanced stitch work. The brioche knitting technique requires understanding yarn overs, slip stitches, and the coordination of working wrapped stitches together, skills that elevate this project beyond beginner level while remaining achievable for dedicated crafters.