Koigu Color Ramp Cowl/Capelet Knitting Pattern

Koigu Color Ramp Cowl/Capelet

What Is Being Made

The Koigu Color Ramp Cowl/Capelet is a top-down, circular knit garment designed by Kathryn Merrick and featured in the Koigu Journal July 2016. This versatile piece functions as both a cowl and capelet, offering two finished sizes: 28" (70 cm) top circumference with a 40" (100 cm) bottom circumference in the smaller size, or 31" (78 cm) top circumference with a 43" (108 cm) bottom circumference in the larger size. The piece measures 18" (45 cm) to 19" (47.5 cm) in length, making it a substantial layering piece suitable for cool weather wear.

Techniques Used

This design showcases stripes and worked in the round construction as its primary techniques. The cowl is knit from the top down in continuous rounds using circular needles, eliminating the need for seaming. The striping is created through a systematic color progression using the KPPPM Gradient Kit in Denim, which features five coordinated yarn colors (labeled A through E) that transition smoothly from one to the next. The garment incorporates yarn overs (YO) as decorative and structural elements throughout the stitch patterns, creating subtle texture and visual interest. Stockinette stitch is used for the top and bottom borders, providing a smooth, refined finish that contrasts with the textured stitch patterns in the main body.

Stitches Used

The Color Ramp Cowl/Capelet employs three distinct stitch patterns, each repeated multiple times to build the garment's structure and visual rhythm:

• Pattern 1 consists of a 12-round repeat combining knit and purl stitches in varying sequences: rounds 1-4 work *P2, K4* repeating; rounds 5-8 shift to *K2, P2, K2*; and rounds 9-12 work *K4, P2*. This pattern creates a textured, reversible fabric with balanced visual interest.
• Pattern 2 features yarn overs paired with knit and purl stitches across its 12-round repeat, introducing openwork elements that add lightness and drape to the garment.
• Pattern 3 similarly incorporates yarn overs with purl and knit stitches in a 12-round repeat, creating coordinated texture throughout the piece.

The top and bottom borders are worked in stockinette stitch (knit on all rounds when working in the round), which provides a clean, polished edge. Yarn overs are strategically placed throughout to create decorative eyelets and enhance the garment's visual design.

Materials and Gauge

The Color Ramp Cowl/Capelet is designed to be knit with the KPPPM Gradient Kit in Denim, which includes five coordinated colors: P976 (A), P977 (B), P978 (C), P979 (D), and P980 (E). One skein of each color is required to complete the project. The garment is worked on US 3 (3.25 mm) circular needles, with a tapestry needle used for weaving in ends. The recommended gauge is 24 stitches by 36 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in pattern, which should be verified before beginning to ensure proper finished measurements. The pattern notes that the cowl should be steam blocked or wet blocked to the finished measurements for optimal drape and shape.