Classic Elite Yarns Dawson Cape Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Dawson: Ribbed Cowl Pattern

What Is Being Made

The Dawson is a soft and squishy ribbed cowl designed by Tonia Barry, originally published in Legend 1708A. This versatile neckwear piece features a single split that allows it to be worn in multiple ways. The finished cowl measures approximately 33¼ inches in circumference at the top and stands 18 inches tall when lightly blocked, making it a substantial layering piece suitable for various styling options.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Dawson cowl is worked from the top down using a combination of circular and flat knitting techniques. The pattern begins with a cast-on worked in the round, transitions to flat rows partway through construction, and employs a left lifted increase (LLI) to create the split detail. This hybrid construction approach—starting in the round and finishing worked flat—gives the cowl its distinctive shape and wearability.

The garment is worked across three different needle sizes to create graduated shaping. The smallest needles establish the ribbed cuff at the top, the middle-size needles create the body section, and the largest needles form the wider lower portion. This graduated sizing creates a gentle flare without requiring traditional increases throughout most of the piece.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is 1 x 1 Rib, worked consistently throughout the entire cowl. This fundamental stitch alternates knit and purl stitches in every round and row, creating vertical columns of texture that provide both visual interest and excellent stretch and recovery. The ribbing is maintained even as the piece transitions from circular to flat construction, ensuring consistent stitch definition from top to bottom.

The Left Lifted Increase (LLI) is the only increase technique used in the pattern. This method involves knitting into the back of a stitch two rows below the stitch currently on the right-hand needle, creating an invisible increase that blends seamlessly into the ribbed fabric. The LLI is worked strategically to create the split opening that defines the cowl's unique design.

Materials and Gauge

The Dawson is designed to be worked with Legend yarn by Classic Elite Yarns, a blend of 80 percent merino wool and 20 percent silk. This fiber combination creates the soft, squishy quality characteristic of the finished piece while providing the durability and breathability of merino. The pattern requires 4 hanks of yarn in colorway 3136 Mushroom, with each hank containing 50 grams and 109 yards of yarn.

Circular knitting needles measuring 24 inches in length are required in three sizes: US 8 (5 mm), US 9 (5.5 mm), and US 10 (6 mm), or sizes necessary to obtain the specified gauge. The pattern gauge is 19 stitches and 23 rounds or rows measured over 4 inches in 1 x 1 Rib using the smallest needle size on blocked fabric. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished cowl meets the intended measurements.

Additional materials needed include a stitch marker for joining the initial cast-on round. The pattern recommends loose bind-off and light steam blocking to finished measurements, with care taken not to flatten the ribbed texture during finishing.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as Easy, making it accessible to knitters with basic experience in circular knitting and fundamental stitch techniques. The straightforward 1 x 1 Rib stitch and simple construction method provide an ideal project for developing skills in gauge checking, working in the round, and transitioning between different needle sizes.