Deco Fans Cowl Knitting Pattern

Deco Fans Cowl in Malabrigo Mecha

What is Being Made

The Deco Fans Cowl is an advanced-level knitted cowl designed by Sara Burch. This is a sophisticated neckwear accessory featuring a decorative fan stitch pattern that creates visual interest through textured stitchwork. The finished cowl measures 22 inches in length and 10 inches in height when laid flat and unbuttoned, making it a substantial neck accessory suitable for layering over winter clothing or wearing as a statement piece.

Design Features and Construction

This cowl incorporates functional button closures, with four 7/8-inch diameter buttons sewn along one edge to allow the wearer to adjust fit and styling. The pattern uses a two-color colorwork approach with contrasting Malabrigo Mecha yarn shades, creating visual depth and highlighting the intricate stitch patterns. The cowl is constructed with garter stitch edges that provide stability and a finished appearance, while the main body showcases the decorative fan motif through repeated chart rows.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Cable knitting: Multiple cable stitches create the dimensional fan pattern, including C2B (cable 2 back), C2F (cable 2 front), 1/2 C2B, 1/2 C2F, and 1/3 C2F variations that twist stitches to form the decorative design
• One-row buttonholes: Functional buttonholes are incorporated into the ribbed edge for button closure
• Picking up stitches: Stitches are picked up along garter stitch edges to create the ribbed button bands on both sides of the cowl
• Ribbing: Knit-purl ribbing (k1, p1) is worked along the edges to frame the main pattern and provide elasticity
• Chart reading: The pattern uses a stitch chart that is repeated four times across each row, requiring intermediate to advanced chart interpretation skills

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The Deco Fans Cowl employs a combination of fundamental and intermediate knitting stitches to achieve its sophisticated appearance. The main body utilizes knit and purl stitches arranged in a structured pattern that includes cable twists. The setup row establishes the pattern repeat with a sequence of knit, purl, and groups of knit stitches (k, p, k, p, k3, p, k4, p3, k4, p, k3, p, k, p) repeated four times across the 99 cast-on stitches. The stitch pattern chart is worked for 32 rows, repeated twice, then partially repeated for 16 additional rows, creating a balanced visual composition. The ribbed edges use alternating knit and purl stitches for a classic finished look.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

This pattern requires Malabrigo Mecha yarn in two contrasting colors: shade #878 Tabacos (main color) and shade #879 Chuy (base color). Two skeins total are needed to complete the cowl. Malabrigo Mecha is a merino wool blend known for its vibrant color palette and soft hand-feel, making it ideal for a cowl worn close to the neck.

The pattern calls for US 10.5 / 6.5 mm straight needles, or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. The recommended gauge is 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in the stitch pattern, though the pattern notes that gauge is not critical—variations will primarily affect yarn usage. Additional notions include a cable needle for managing cable stitches, a yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing buttons, and four buttons measuring 7/8 inches in diameter.

Skill Level and Pattern Format

Classified as an advanced knitting pattern, the Deco Fans Cowl is best suited for experienced knitters comfortable with cable work, chart reading, and picking up stitches. The pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF file for personal, non-commercial use only. One size is offered, with finished measurements of 22 inches long by 10 inches tall.