Jo Sharp Tartan Thatch Cowl Knitting Pattern

Jo Sharp Tartan Thatch Cowl

What Is Being Made

The Jo Sharp Tartan Thatch Cowl is a soft, pliable cowl scarf designed to be worn around the neck. This knitted accessory measures 77cm in length when worn and 20cm in width, offering a generous, comfortable fit. The cowl features a distinctive twisted construction that is permanently incorporated into the knitting itself, creating visual interest and texture throughout the piece.

Techniques Used

This cowl is worked using two alternative construction methods, allowing knitters to choose their preferred approach. The primary method involves working in the round on circular needles, which creates a seamless twisted effect naturally as the work progresses. An alternative method uses straight needles with a seam, providing flexibility for knitters who prefer flat construction. The pattern incorporates a clever cast-on technique that secures the circle of stitches without gaps, using a pass-over stitch similar to casting off to anchor the first round. A stitch marker is placed on the first stitch using contrasting thread or a plastic marker to track pattern repeats.

Stitches Used

The Tartan Thatch Cowl features a Basket Weave stitch pattern as its primary textural element. This classic stitch is created through alternating knit and purl stitches worked in blocks. The pattern begins with four rounds of K4, P4 ribbing, followed by eight rounds that form the complete Basket Weave pattern: four rounds of K4, P4 alternating with four rounds of P4, K4. These eight rounds are repeated four times throughout the cowl, creating a balanced, reversible texture. The Basket Weave pattern is worked over 192 stitches when using circular needles, or 40 stitches per row when using straight needles.

Materials

The Tartan Thatch Cowl is knitted using Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed yarn in the Tartan colorway. The pattern requires three 50-gram balls of this yarn, totaling 150 grams. The yarn is described as super soft tweed, providing both warmth and a refined texture suitable for a cowl worn close to the face and neck.

Needles required depend on the construction method chosen. For the in-the-round method, knitters need one pair of 8.00mm (USA size 11, UK size 0) circular needles measuring 40cm in length. For the flat seamed method, one pair of 8.00mm straight needles is required instead. The needle size is consistent across both techniques, ensuring the same gauge and finished dimensions regardless of construction method chosen.