Rachel Brown Moen Cowl Knitting Pattern

Nordlándda MOEN Cowl by Rachel Brown

What is Being Made

The Nordlándda MOEN is a knitted cowl designed by Rachel Brown. This project creates a seamless, tubular neckwear piece worked continuously in the round from the bottom up. The cowl features an intricate cable pattern that wraps around the entire circumference, making it a sophisticated accessory suitable for layering over winter clothing.

Construction Method

This cowl is worked seamlessly in the round, eliminating the need for seaming after completion. The construction begins with casting on stitches and joining to work continuously in circular rows. The pattern is worked from the bottom edge upward, with the cable motifs repeating around the full circumference of the piece. This seamless, in-the-round technique creates a polished, professional finish without visible seams.

Cable Techniques

The Nordlándda MOEN showcases cable work as its primary decorative element. The pattern employs several cable crossing techniques throughout the 32-round repeat, including:

• 2/2 RC (Right Cross): A four-stitch cable that crosses to the right, creating diagonal lines in the fabric
• 2/2 LC (Left Cross): A four-stitch cable that crosses to the left, balancing the right-crossing cables
• 2/1 RPC (Right Purl Cross): A three-stitch cable with a purl component, adding textural variation
• 2/1 LPC (Left Purl Cross): A three-stitch cable crossing left with purl stitches, creating asymmetrical cable details
• Cluster stitch: A decorative element using multiple knit stitches grouped together (k2, p2, k2 cluster), adding dimensional texture

Stitch Patterns

The pattern combines knit and purl stitches to create textural contrast and definition around the cables. The stitch pattern includes:

• Knit stitches (k): Form the cable columns and create smooth vertical lines
• Purl stitches (p): Provide background texture and frame the cable motifs, creating visual separation between design elements
• Reverse stockinette sections: Created by purl stitches, these recessed areas make the cables appear to float on the surface

The 32-round repeat pattern alternates between rounds featuring cable crosses and rounds of stockinette and reverse stockinette, allowing the cables to develop their three-dimensional appearance. Rows 1 through 5 establish the base pattern, which repeats with variations through round 13. Rounds 14 through 32 introduce directional cable crosses and cluster stitches that create visual movement and complexity.

Sizing and Gauge

The pattern is offered in two sizes, indicated by stitch counts of 96 stitches and 216 stitches. The smaller size (96 stitches) creates a fitted cowl, while the larger size (216 stitches) produces a more generous, wrap-style cowl suitable for multiple wraps around the neck.

Materials Required

While specific yarn weight and yardage are not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt, the Nordlándda MOEN requires yarn suitable for cable knitting and circular needles appropriate to the chosen yarn weight. The cable pattern and stitch definition work best with yarn that has good stitch definition and elasticity to showcase the intricate crossings and texture.

Pattern Format

The Nordlándda MOEN is provided as a downloadable PDF pattern, making it convenient for digital access and printing. The pattern includes both row-by-row written instructions and stitch pattern charts, allowing knitters to follow either format based on their preference. The written instructions provide detailed round-by-round guidance with clear abbreviations for all cable techniques and stitch manipulations.