Mock Rib Cowl Knitting Pattern

Mock Rib Cowl in Rowan Brushed Fleece

What is Being Made

This is a knitted cowl designed by Katharina von Blumenthal, featuring a finished neck circumference of 48cm and a length of 30cm. The cowl is a versatile accessory that combines comfort with contemporary styling, created using the luxurious Rowan Brushed Fleece yarn. The design transitions from circular knitting to flat construction, creating a unique two-part structure with shaped back and front sections.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Mock Rib Cowl employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques. The project begins with circular knitting in the round, using double-pointed needles or a circular needle to create seamless fabric. After the initial 15cm of circular work, the knitter transitions to flat knitting in rows, which allows for the shaping of the back and front sections. This technique change adds visual interest and structural definition to the finished cowl. The pattern includes cast-on and cast-off techniques worked in pattern to maintain the rib structure at the edges, and stitch marker placement to track the beginning of rounds during circular knitting.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is the broken rib stitch, which creates a textured, elastic fabric. The broken rib is established over two rounds:

• Round 1: Knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches, repeated to the end
• Round 2: Purl 1 stitch, knit 2 stitches, purl 1 stitch, repeated to the end

This offset rib pattern is maintained throughout both the circular and flat sections of the cowl. The broken rib creates a subtle visual texture while maintaining the elasticity essential for a comfortable neck accessory. The pattern includes instructions for slipping the first stitch of each row during the flat knitting sections, which creates neat selvage edges.

Materials and Specifications

The Mock Rib Cowl is knitted using Rowan Brushed Fleece yarn, a soft and luxurious fiber. The pattern requires 2 balls of 50-gram weight, photographed in the colorway Tarn 254. The needles required are 6mm (US 10 size) and include options for different knitting methods: one set of double-pointed needles for circular knitting, or alternatively, a 6mm circular needle no longer than 40cm in length, with the option to switch to straight needles for the flat knitting sections. The pattern calls for a stitch marker to track the beginning of rounds. Working tension is established at 15 stitches and 18 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over the broken rib stitch pattern using 6mm needles. This tension is critical for achieving the correct finished dimensions and ensuring the cowl maintains its intended elasticity and drape.

Construction Overview

The cowl construction begins with casting on 72 stitches and joining in the round, with careful attention to avoid twisting the cast-on edge. The knitter works in the established broken rib stitch pattern for 15 centimeters in the round. The design then splits into two sections: a shaped back and a shaped front, each worked flat for an additional 15 centimeters. Both sections are cast off in pattern to maintain the rib texture at the final edge. The pattern includes pressing instructions to finish the cowl professionally.