Dunya Cowl Knitting Pattern

Dunya Cowl in Berroco Topaz and Aerial

What Is Being Made

The Dunya Cowl is a beginner-friendly knitted cowl designed by Amy Christoffers. This circular neckwear piece measures approximately 9 inches wide by 58 inches around, making it a versatile accessory suitable for various occasions and styling preferences. The cowl is worked in the round using a two-color stranded knitting technique that creates visual interest through color contrast.

Finished Measurements and Sizing

The completed cowl measures approximately 9 inches (23 cm) wide and 58 inches (147.5 cm) around, providing a generous circumference that allows for comfortable wearing and styling options such as wrapping or layering.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for two distinct Berroco yarns that work together to create the finished design:

• Berroco Topaz (100 grams): 1 ball in colorway #1221 Mural (designated as C1)
• Berroco Aerial (25 grams): 2 balls in colorway #3438 Emerald (designated as C2)

The combination of these two yarn weights creates textural variation and visual depth in the finished cowl. Berroco Topaz provides a substantial base yarn, while Berroco Aerial adds a lighter, more delicate element to the color work.

Needles and Notions

• Knitting needles, size 8 (5 mm) or size required to obtain proper gauge
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends

Gauge and Blocking

The pattern gauge is 24 stitches and 36 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in Pattern Stitch. This gauge measurement is taken after blocking, which is an important step for achieving accurate finished measurements. Knitters are strongly encouraged to knit a gauge swatch and block it before beginning the project to ensure the cowl will be the correct size.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Dunya Cowl employs several fundamental knitting stitches and techniques appropriate for beginner-level knitters:

• Knit Stitch (k): The primary stitch used throughout the pattern
• Purl Stitch (p): Used in specific rows to create textural variation
• Slip Stitch (sl): Stitches are slipped with yarn in back (wyib) on right-side rows and with yarn in front (wyif) on wrong-side rows to create the stranded color-work effect
• Two-Color Stranded Knitting: The pattern alternates between two yarn colors (C1 and C2) to create a geometric pattern. Yarn not in use is carried loosely along the side of the work, and yarns are twisted at the beginning of every right-side row to prevent long loops from forming.
• Cast-On: The cowl begins with casting on 51 stitches using the lighter Berroco Aerial yarn
• Joining Yarn: After the initial purl row, the heavier Berroco Topaz yarn is joined to begin the pattern

Pattern Structure

The Dunya Cowl is worked using an 8-row repeating pattern that combines knit and purl rows with strategic slip stitches to create the visual design. The pattern alternates between rows worked in Berroco Topaz (C1) featuring slip-stitch color work and rows worked in Berroco Aerial (C2) in solid knit and purl. This 8-row repeat is worked continuously until the piece reaches the desired length of approximately 58 inches from the cast-on edge.

Skill Level

Rated as an Easy project, the Dunya Cowl is suitable for knitters with basic skills. The pattern uses fundamental stitches and straightforward techniques, making it an excellent project for those new to two-color stranded knitting or looking to practice essential knitting fundamentals.