Murray Cowl Knitting Pattern

Murray Cowl in Malabrigo Rasta

What is Being Made

The Murray Cowl is a cozy, neck-warming accessory designed by Kali Sierra Berg. This cowl features a circumference of approximately 21 inches (53.5 cm) when unstretched and measures about 10 inches (25.5 cm) in length, making it an ideal layering piece for cooler weather. The design combines chunky lace and ribbed sections to create visual interest and texture while maintaining a wearable, functional garment.

Techniques and Stitches Used

This beginner-level knitting project employs several fundamental techniques suitable for knitters developing their skills:

• Circular Knitting: The cowl is worked in the round using a circular needle, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a seamless, professional finish.
• Ribbing: The pattern begins and ends with ribbed sections using purl and knit stitches (P2, K3, P1, K3, P2, K4 repeats) that provide structure and elasticity to the cowl.
• Lace Pattern: An eight-round lace motif forms the main design element, featuring yarn overs (yo) and decreases that create openwork sections. The lace pattern includes:
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease
• Slip, Knit, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (SKP): A left-leaning decrease
• Slip, Knit Two Together, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (SK2P): A double decrease used for shaping
• Yarn Overs (yo): Increases that create the lacy, openwork aesthetic

Materials Required

Yarn: One 5.3-ounce (150-gram) hank of Malabrigo Rasta in colorway #708 Cucumber. Malabrigo Rasta is a wool yarn with approximately 90 yards (82 meters) per hank, providing a chunky weight suitable for quick projects and bold stitch definition.

Needles: A size 17 (12.75 mm) circular needle measuring 20 inches (50 cm) in length, or the size needed to obtain proper gauge.

Notions: One stitch marker to denote the beginning of each round.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a gauge of 7 stitches and 13 rounds to 4 inches (10 cm) over stockinette stitch using size 17 (12.75 mm) needles. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished cowl meets the intended measurements and drapes properly when worn.

Pattern Overview

The Murray Cowl begins with casting on 45 stitches and joining for circular knitting. The first three rounds establish the ribbed foundation using the P2, K3, P1, K3, P2, K4 repeat pattern. The main lace pattern then repeats over eight rounds, worked three times to create the desired length. The cowl concludes with three additional rounds of ribbing that echo the opening, providing a balanced, finished appearance. The pattern calls for binding off loosely to maintain the elasticity of the finished edge.