Kell Cowl Knitting Pattern

Kell Cowl Knitting Pattern by Berroco

Project Overview

The Kell Cowl is an easy-level knitting pattern designed to create a finished cowl measuring approximately 9 inches high by 27 inches around when buttoned. This downloadable PDF pattern from Berroco provides complete instructions for a classic, wearable accessory suitable for knitters of all experience levels.

What Is Being Made

The Kell Cowl is a buttoned cowl neck accessory. The design features a buttoned closure system, allowing the wearer to adjust the fit and style. The finished cowl wraps around the neck with a comfortable circumference of 27 inches when fastened, and stands 9 inches tall for substantial coverage.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Ribbing: The cowl is primarily constructed using k1, p1 ribbing, which creates vertical texture and provides stretch and recovery for a fitted neckwear piece
• Through-the-Back-Loop Knitting (K1TBL): Used in the pattern stitch to create a twisted knit stitch that adds visual interest
• Make One Purl (M1p): An increase technique used to shape the cowl during construction
• Buttonhole Rows: Integrated into the ribbing pattern to accommodate button closures
• Gauge Checking: Critical for proper fit, with specific gauge requirements for both the pattern stitch and ribbing sections

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern features a custom Pattern Stitch worked over a multiple of 5 stitches plus 1. Row 1 (right side) is worked as K1TBL, then repeating p1, k2, p1, k1TBL across. This creates a textured fabric with alternating knit and purl columns. The cowl also uses k1, p1 ribbing as an established stitch pattern, particularly for the beginning and ending sections and the main body of the piece.

Materials Required

Yarn: The pattern calls for 2 balls of Berroco Blackstone Tweed in colorway #2684 Concord Grape. Each ball weighs 50 grams, providing sufficient yardage for the complete cowl.

Needles and Notions: Knitters will need 29-inch circular knitting needles in two sizes—size 6 (4.00 mm) for ribbing and size 7 (4.50 mm) for the pattern stitch, or sizes adjusted to obtain proper gauge. The pattern also requires 2 stitch markers to track pattern repeats and 4 buttons measuring 1¼ inches each for the closure system.

Gauge Information

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The pattern requires 22 stitches and 26 rows to equal 4 inches in the Pattern Stitch when worked on the larger (size 7) needle. For the k1, p1 ribbing worked on the smaller (size 6) needle, the gauge is 26 stitches and 28 rows to equal 4 inches. The pattern emphasizes taking time to check gauge before beginning to ensure the finished cowl meets the specified dimensions.

Construction Method

The Kell Cowl is worked in the round on circular needles, beginning with ribbing and incorporating increases to shape the piece. Buttonhole rows are worked into the ribbing pattern to create openings for the four buttons. The cowl is worked even in ribbing until it reaches the desired height of 9 inches, then bound off in ribbing to create a finished edge. Buttons are sewn on during finishing to complete the closure system.