Malabrigo Waterfront Cowl Knitting Pattern

Malabrigo Waterfront Cowl

What is Being Made

The Malabrigo Waterfront is a textured rib cowl designed by Jennifer Dassau. This is a seamless, circular cowl that measures approximately 28½ inches around and 11½ inches in depth. The cowl features a reversible construction, meaning it can be worn with either textured side facing outward, making it a versatile accessory suitable for various styling preferences.

Techniques Used

This cowl is worked entirely in the round using the seamless knitting method, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, continuous fabric. The pattern employs multiple stitch techniques layered throughout the design to create visual and textural interest. The construction begins with a cast-on at the lower edge, followed by sequential pattern sections that alternate between different stitch combinations. The reversible nature of the pattern means knitters can work from either side without compromising the final appearance.

Stitches Used

The Waterfront cowl incorporates three primary stitch patterns that are repeated and layered throughout the design:

• Elongated Broken Rib Pattern: Worked over an even number of stitches in rounds, this pattern consists of knit rounds alternating with rounds of knit one, purl one ribbing. This creates a subtle textured effect that forms the foundation of the cowl's visual interest.
• Knit One, Purl One Rib Pattern: A classic alternating rib worked in rounds, this pattern creates vertical lines of texture and provides structure to the cowl. It is used both as a transition section and as the opening edge ribbing.
• Slip Stitch Pattern: Worked over an even number of stitches, this pattern alternates between knit rounds, purl rounds, and rounds combining knit one with slip one stitch with yarn in front. The slip stitch technique creates a distinctive textured appearance while maintaining the reversible quality of the finished piece.

Materials and Tools

The Waterfront cowl is designed to be worked with Rios by Malabrigo, a superwash merino wool yarn. The pattern calls for 2 hanks in the colorway #27 Bobby Blue, with each hank containing 3½ ounces and approximately 210 yards of yardage. A size 8 (5mm) circular needle measuring 24 inches long is required to work the cowl in the round. Additional notions include a stitch marker for tracking the beginning of rounds and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends during finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The pattern provides two gauge specifications: 18 stitches and 22 rounds equal 4 inches over the elongated broken rib pattern, while 17 stitches and 24 rounds equal 4 inches over the knit one, purl one rib pattern when worked on a size 8 needle after light blocking. The cowl comes in one size with a finished width of 28½ inches around and a depth of 11½ inches.

Skill Level and Construction Notes

This pattern is rated as Easy skill level, making it accessible to knitters with basic experience in working in the round. The pattern is constructed by casting on 128 stitches and joining to work in rounds while taking care not to twist stitches on the needle. The cowl is built through a series of repeating pattern sections: the piece begins with a knit one, purl one rib edge, then progresses through multiple rounds of the slip stitch pattern interspersed with sections of the elongated broken rib pattern and broken rib variations. This layering creates depth and visual complexity while remaining straightforward to execute. Finishing involves weaving in ends on the wrong side and light steam blocking on a wet terry cloth towel to achieve the final measurements and set the stitches.