Jody Long Darcie Cowl Knitting Pattern

Jody Long Darcie Cowl and Hat

What is Being Made

The Jody Long Darcie is a two-project pattern from the Alpamayo Collection featuring both a cowl and a matching hat. The cowl is a substantial accessory measuring 27 cm (10½ inches) deep and 116 cm (45¾ inches) long when completed, designed to provide generous coverage and drape. The hat is sized to fit an average adult head. Both projects are created using the same yarn and complementary techniques, making them ideal companion pieces.

Techniques Used

This pattern is designed for experienced knitters and introduces various shaping techniques throughout the construction. The cowl employs multiple construction methods:

• Bottom-up construction: The cowl is cast on using waste yarn and worked upward in rows
• Worked flat: The main cowl fabric is knitted flat on straight needles before seaming
• Seamed construction: The cowl is finished by grafting together the centre back seam, joining the final row to the cast-on edge
• Worked in the round: The hat is constructed using double-pointed needles in circular knitting

The pattern emphasizes straightforward knitting with intentional shaping elements, making it accessible for experienced knitters seeking to develop their technical skills.

Stitches Used

The Darcie pattern incorporates several key stitch techniques:

• Cable stitches: The primary pattern feature, creating textured vertical lines throughout the cowl
• Lace stitches: Delicate openwork elements are integrated into the design
• Moss stitch: A textured stitch used in sections, creating a bumpy, reversible fabric
• Ribbing: Knit and purl combinations (K1, P1) used for edge definition and shaping

The cowl pattern repeats chart rows 1 to 20 throughout the entire 18-row repeat sequence, with specific beginning and ending rows indicated to maintain pattern continuity. The combination of cables and moss stitch creates visual interest and structural integrity in the finished piece.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The pattern uses Jody Long Alpamayo yarn. For the cowl, three 100g balls are required (shown in Snow 002). The hat requires one 100g ball in the same colorway. Alpamayo is a premium yarn choice that works beautifully with the cable and lace techniques featured in this design.

Needles: The cowl is worked on 4 mm (US 6) straight needles for the flat knitting sections. The hat is constructed using a set of four double-pointed 4 mm (US 6) needles for in-the-round knitting. A cable needle is required for managing the cable stitches. Additionally, a set of 4 double-pointed 3.75 mm (US 5) needles is listed, likely for ribbed edging or specific shaping sections of the hat.

Additional supplies: Waste yarn is needed for the cowl's provisional cast-on method, which allows for the seamless grafting of the centre back seam.

Tension and Finishing

Achieving correct tension is critical for this project. The pattern specifies 26 stitches and 31 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over the cabled pattern using 4 mm needles, and 18 stitches and 33 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over moss stitch using the same needles. Tension swatches should be checked before beginning, as incorrect tension will affect the finished dimensions and may result in running out of yarn.

The cowl is finished by pinning to the specified measurements, covering with damp cloths, and allowing to dry to set the shape. The grafting seam creates a seamless join that maintains the pattern continuity across the centre back.