Koigu Bradley Triple Twist Cowl Knitting Pattern

Koigu Bradley Triple Twist Cowl

What is Being Made

The Bradley Triple Twist Cowl is a seamless, colorwork cowl designed by Marji Lafreniere for Koigu Wool Designs. This finished cowl measures approximately 5 inches wide by 80 inches in circumference, making it a versatile neckwear piece suitable for layering or wearing as a generous loop. The design features two lacy triangles in single colors, with four different colors on each side linking the triangles together, creating a sophisticated color-blocked construction.

Techniques Used

The Bradley Triple Twist Cowl employs several advanced knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance:

• Bottom-up construction: The cowl is worked from the bottom upward, beginning with a garter tab foundation
• Seamless, worked flat: Despite being a cowl, the piece is constructed flat on circular needles rather than in the round, then joined at the completion
• Bias knitting: The design continues on the bias from either side of the starting triangle, creating diagonal lines throughout the piece
• Lace integration: Two lacy triangles serve as focal points, one at the beginning and one at the end of the construction
• Color sequencing: The pattern uses up to ten different yarn colors arranged clockwise, with strategic color placement to create visual interest

Stitches Used

The Bradley Triple Twist Cowl utilizes fundamental yet elegant stitch techniques:

• Garter stitch: Forms the foundation tab and structural sections, creating a textured, reversible fabric
• Yarn overs (YO): Create the lacy, openwork triangles that define the cowl's design
• Knit two together (k2tog): Used in combination with yarn overs to form the lace pattern and manage stitch counts
• Slip stitch: Used to move markers and manage pattern repeats

Materials and Tools

This pattern calls for Koigu KPPPM Pencil Pack Bradley, which consists of ten 25-gram demi skeins, each yielding 87 yards (80 meters), for a total of 870 yards of yarn. The yarn is 100% Merino wool, offering softness and breathability ideal for a cowl worn close to the neck. The specific color pack includes shades P725, P335, P801, P489, P488, P458, P742, P756B, P883, and P872, though knitters may substitute any Pencil Pack of their choice.

The pattern requires a 3.75mm (US 5) circular needle in 24-inch length, or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge. Knitters who prefer may substitute straight needles for the garter sections. Additional tools include removable stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, two 6-inch stitch holders for managing stitches during construction, and a tapestry needle for finishing and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern specifies a gauge of approximately 23 stitches over 4 inches in garter stitch. The finished cowl measures 5 inches wide and 80 inches in circumference, providing ample length for multiple wraps or generous single-loop wear.