Cowl in Plymouth Yarn Chunky Merino Superwash & Arequipa Aventura & Fur

Cowl in Plymouth Yarn Chunky Merino Superwash & Arequipa Aventura & Fur

What Is Being Made

This is a circular cowl knitting pattern (Pattern No. 101) designed by Bonnie Lively and published by Plymouth Yarn Company. The finished cowl measures approximately 25 ½ inches in circumference, making it a versatile neckwear piece suitable for layering or wearing as a single-loop cowl. The design features a striking color-blocked construction created through strategic yarn changes throughout the project.

Yarn Materials

The pattern offers flexibility in yarn selection, allowing knitters to choose from three distinct Plymouth Yarn options:

• Chunky Merino Superwash (Yarn A): One 100g skein in color 104, used as the primary yarn throughout the project
• Arequipa Aventura (Yarn B): One 100g skein in color 2, incorporated for color-blocking sections
• Arequipa Fur (Yarn C): One 50g ball in color 202, used sparingly for textural contrast

The gauge is 15 stitches over 4 inches in stockinette stitch using Chunky Merino Superwash on US size 10 (6mm) needles after blocking, indicating a bulky-weight yarn project that works up quickly.

Needles and Notions

This cowl is worked in the round using a US Size 10 (6mm) circular needle in either 16-inch or 24-inch length, depending on your preferred working method. You will also need one stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This beginner-friendly pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques that introduce knitters to working in the round and managing multiple yarn colors:

• Circular knitting: The entire cowl is worked in continuous rounds rather than flat rows, eliminating the need for seaming
• Yarn carrying: Chunky Merino Superwash (Yarn A) is carried loosely up the inside of the work when not in active use, rather than being cut and rejoined, reducing finishing work
• Stockinette stitch in the round (st st): Created by knitting every round, forming the smooth, V-patterned fabric base
• Garter stitch welts: Textural sections created by purling 5 consecutive rounds, producing horizontal ridges that provide visual and tactile interest
• Knit wedges: Smooth sections created by knitting 6 consecutive rounds, contrasting with the textured welts
• Yarn color changes: Strategic transitions between Yarn A, Yarn B, and Yarn C create a sophisticated striped effect throughout the cowl
• Cast-on and bind-off: The pattern begins with 96 stitches cast on with Yarn A, joined carefully in the round without twisting, and concludes with a loose bind-off in knit stitch

Pattern Structure and Construction

The cowl follows a methodical sequence of color blocks and stitch variations. After casting on 96 stitches and knitting 10 initial rounds with Chunky Merino Superwash, the pattern alternates between welts (purl sections) and wedges (knit sections) while introducing Arequipa Aventura and Arequipa Fur at specific intervals. This creates a visually dynamic striped cowl with both smooth and textured elements. The pattern concludes with 9 rounds of knitting in Chunky Merino Superwash before binding off loosely, ensuring a comfortable edge that won't restrict the neckline.

Skill Level and Finishing

Rated as a beginner project, this cowl is accessible to knitters new to circular needle work and color changes. The straightforward stitch vocabulary—limited to knit and purl stitches—makes it an ideal introduction to working in the round. Finishing involves weaving in loose yarn ends and blocking the cowl to the specified finished measurements to ensure proper drape and shape.