Quail Studio Ava Cowl Knitting Pattern

Quail Studio Ava Cowl: Knitted Snood Pattern Summary

What is Being Made

The Quail Studio Ava is a knitted cowl, specifically a snood design that creates a generous, wearable loop. The finished snood measures 25cm (10 inches) wide with a circumference of 135cm (53¼ inches), making it a versatile accessory suitable for wrapping around the neck multiple times or wearing as a generous single loop.

Craft and Construction Method

This pattern is designed using knitting as the primary craft. The Ava cowl is constructed using a combination of techniques: the piece is worked flat on straight needles initially, then finished using seamless grafting to join the cast-on and cast-off edges together. While the main body is worked flat, the pattern also accommodates circular needles for those who prefer that method, and the final assembly creates a seamless, continuous loop characteristic of worked-in-the-round construction aesthetics without the traditional circular knitting process. The snood is worked bottom-up, building from the cast-on edge upward to the desired length.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The Ava features a 20-row repeating stitch pattern that combines knit and purl stitches to create texture and visual interest. The pattern structure includes:

• Rows 1 to 8: A foundation pattern sequence establishing the stitch repeat
• Rows 9 to 10: A key pattern row reading K6, (P5, K5) twice, P5, K6, creating alternating blocks of knit and purl stitches
• Rows 11 to 14: Repetition of rows 9 and 10 to build pattern depth
• Rows 15 to 20: Return to the foundation pattern (rows 1 and 2 repeated three times)

This 20-row sequence is repeated throughout the entire length of the snood until the piece reaches approximately 135cm (53¼ inches), with the pattern ending after a complete row 20 to maintain visual consistency.

Finishing Technique: Grafting

The Ava employs a grafting seam to join the two ends together seamlessly. A provisional cast-on is used at the beginning, allowing live stitches to remain on the needle. The detailed grafting instructions ensure that the wrong sides of the work face each other during joining, preventing twisting. The grafting process uses a four-step repetition that alternates between the front and back needles, creating an invisible seam that mimics a continuous knit row. This technique requires a length of yarn long enough to complete the grafting process and results in a professional, seamless finish with no visible seam line.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The pattern specifies Rowan Cocoon yarn for construction. The design requires 3 balls of 100g each (300g total), photographed in the shade Dove 849, which is a neutral, versatile colorway. Rowan Cocoon is a bulky-weight yarn known for its soft, chunky texture, making it ideal for creating a substantial, cozy cowl.

Needles required include 7mm (UK size 2, US size 10.5/11) straight needles for the main flat knitting, and 7mm (UK size 2, US size 10.5/11) circular needles at least 100cm (40 inches) long for those preferring to work in the round. The pattern tension is established at 15 stitches and 19 rows per 10cm (4 inches) measured over the stitch pattern using 7mm needles, ensuring consistent sizing and drape.

Pattern Finishing and Finishing Touches

After completing the knitting, the pattern recommends pressing the snood according to the general information page instructions, which helps even out the stitches and sets the fabric. The provisional cast-on stitches are then transferred back onto a needle to prepare for the grafting seam, which joins the two ends of the snood into a continuous loop. Once grafting is complete, the cowl is ready to wear.