Malabrigo Morton Cowl Knitting Pattern

Malabrigo Morton Slip Stitch Cowl

What is Being Made

The Morton is a slip stitch cowl designed by Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton for Malabrigo Yarn. This is a versatile neck accessory that measures approximately 36 inches around and 12 inches in depth, making it a substantial cowl suitable for layering and everyday wear. The finished cowl is created by knitting a flat rectangular piece that is then seamed to form the circular cowl shape.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques to create visual interest and texture:

• Slip stitch technique: The pattern uses slip stitches worked with yarn in back (wyib) on right-side rows and yarn in front (wyif) on wrong-side rows to create a textured surface
• Striping: Two contrasting Malabrigo yarns are alternated throughout the pattern to build a distinctive color pattern
• Worked flat: The cowl is knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, then seamed together at the end
• Seaming: The bound-off edge is sewn to the cast-on edge using a tapestry needle to form the completed cowl
• Finishing: Steam blocking on a wet terry cloth towel is used to set the stitches and even out the fabric

Stitches Used

The Morton features a tweed pattern stitch that repeats over four rows. This stitch combines knit stitches with slip stitches in a structured sequence. The pattern alternates between working with yarn A for two rows (knit and purl rows) and yarn B for two rows (slip stitch rows), creating a subtle textured appearance that resembles tweed fabric. The cast-on and initial setup use a purl row, while the bind-off is worked purlwise to create finished edges.

Materials

The Morton pattern calls for two distinct Malabrigo yarns, both superwash merino wool blends:

• Mechita by Malabrigo: One 3½ ounce/100 gram hank in color #043 Plomo (yarn A), providing approximately 420 yards/384 meters per hank
• Mecha by Malabrigo: One 3½ ounce/100 gram hank in color #005 Aniversario (yarn B), providing approximately 130 yards/199 meters per hank
• Needles: One pair of size 7 (4.5mm) straight needles
• Notions: A tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 20 stitches and 36 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in the tweed pattern stitch using the specified yarn and needle size. The finished cowl measures approximately 36 inches around the circumference and 12 inches in depth. The pattern is rated as Easy skill level, making it accessible to knitters with basic experience.