Molly Cowl Knitting Pattern

Molly Cowl in Berroco Talara

What is Being Made

The Molly Cowl is a colorful knitted neck cowl designed by Åsa Buchta. This finished piece measures approximately 11 inches (28 cm) high and 27½ inches (70 cm) around, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering and everyday wear. The cowl is constructed using a distinctive mitered square technique that creates a visually interesting geometric pattern.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Molly Cowl employs a sophisticated construction approach using mitered squares that are joined as you go. This technique involves creating individual squares that are sewn together progressively, eliminating the need for extensive finishing work. The cowl is organized in rows of these mitered squares, with a garter stitch edging added at both the top and bottom edges. The back seam of the cowl is then seamed together to complete the piece.

The mitered square technique creates a three-dimensional effect and allows for strategic color placement throughout the design. Each square is worked from the center outward, with decreases that shape the characteristic diagonal lines of a mitered corner.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch: The primary stitch throughout the cowl, created by knitting every row. This stitch provides a textured, reversible fabric with excellent drape and elasticity.
• Slip Stitch: Used in the mitered square construction to maintain stitch continuity at the center point.
• Knit Two Together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used to shape the mitered corners.
• Pass Slipped Stitch Over (psso): A left-leaning decrease that works in combination with the slip stitch and k2tog to create a centered double decrease at the mitered point.
• Pick Up and Knit: Used to join new squares to previously completed squares along the edges, allowing the squares to be connected seamlessly as construction progresses.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern calls for Berroco Talara yarn, a premium fiber blend. The yarn is worked at a gauge of 17 stitches and 34 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch, measured after blocking. The recommended needle size is US 10 (6 mm), though you should select the size that allows you to achieve the specified gauge.

The yarn requirements include:

• 3 balls of Berroco Talara in color #7301 Lima (Main Color)
• 1 ball each in four coordinating colors: #7328 Puno (CC1), #7333 Tacha (CC2), #7327 San Martin (CC3), and #7315 Callao (CC4)

Each ball of Berroco Talara weighs 50 grams, providing sufficient yardage for this intermediate-level project.

Additional Notions and Tools

Beyond yarn and needles, you will need stitch markers to track pattern repeats and construction points, and a tapestry needle for seaming the back of the cowl and weaving in yarn ends.

Skill Level and Gauge Considerations

This pattern is rated at Intermediate skill level, reflecting the complexity of the mitered square construction and color work coordination. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for proper fit and finished dimensions. The pattern instructions recommend checking gauge after blocking to ensure the cowl will meet the specified measurements.