Noro Tamarind Cowl Knitting Pattern

Noro Tamarind Cowl

What is Being Made

The Noro Tamarind Cowl is a knitted neck accessory designed to provide warmth and style. With finished measurements of 19 inches (48.5 cm) neck circumference and a depth of 11 inches (28 cm) at the longest point, this cowl reaches a maximum width of 15½ inches (39.5 cm), making it a substantial layering piece suitable for various neckline styles.

Techniques Used

This cowl is constructed using a combination of knitting techniques that create visual interest and structural integrity. The piece is worked flat on straight needles, then seamed to create the finished tube shape. After the flat sections are complete, stitches are picked up and knit along the edges to add additional fabric. The cowl is also worked in the round using circular needles during certain sections, allowing for seamless construction in those areas. The bottom-up construction method means the cowl is begun at the lower edge and worked toward the top, giving the maker control over the final fit and length.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is brioche stitch, which creates a luxurious, textured fabric with excellent drape and elasticity. This stitch is worked using fundamental knitting techniques including:

• Knit stitches for basic fabric construction
• Purl stitches, often worked purlwise to maintain stitch orientation
• Yarn overs to create new stitches and contribute to the brioche pattern's characteristic texture
• Decreases including slip, slip, knit (ssk) and knit three together (k3tog) for shaping
• Slip stitches used as selvage stitches along edges to facilitate seaming and create clean finishing

The pattern notes that when working decreases like k3tog or sssk, any yarn overs should be worked together with their accompanying stitches to maintain pattern integrity.

Materials

The Noro Tamarind Cowl is crafted using 1 x 200g ball of Noro Ito in colorway #27. The pattern requires dividing this single ball into two separate balls so that colors will be staggered throughout the design, designated as color A and color B for clarity during construction.

Needles required include one size US 8/5mm circular needle measuring 16 inches (40 cm) long, used for working sections in the round, and one set of three size US 8/5mm double-pointed needles, which provide flexibility for transitioning between flat and circular knitting as needed throughout the project.

The recommended gauge is 15 stitches and 21 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) over brioche stitch using size US 8/5mm needles. Achieving this gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements, and the pattern emphasizes taking time to check gauge before beginning.

Pattern Complexity

This cowl is rated as Complex, indicating it is suitable for experienced knitters who are comfortable with advanced techniques, multiple construction methods, and pattern reading. The combination of brioche stitch, color staggering, seaming, and transitioning between flat and circular knitting requires solid foundational skills and attention to detail.