Reversable Chevron Cowl Knitting Pattern

Reversible Chevron Cowl in Plymouth Yarn Cashmere Passion

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern creates a luxurious reversible chevron cowl crafted from Plymouth Yarn Cashmere Passion. The finished cowl measures approximately 20 inches in circumference and 10 inches in height, making it an elegant neckwear piece suitable for intermediate knitters. The reversible design means both sides of the cowl display the attractive chevron stitch pattern, offering versatility in styling.

Materials and Tools Required

• Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Cashmere Passion in color 17 (one 50-gram skein)
• Needles: US size 8 (5 mm) 16-inch circular needle
• Accessories: One stitch marker and a tapestry needle for finishing

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 20 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches using US size 8 (5 mm) needles. This gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements of the cowl.

Stitches and Techniques

The cowl features a chevron stitch pattern worked in the round on circular needles. The pattern is based on multiples of 22 stitches and incorporates several fundamental knitting techniques:

• Knit (k): Basic knit stitch
• Purl (p): Purl stitch used in alternating rounds
• Yarn over (yo): Creates decorative eyelets that are central to the chevron design
• Knit 2 together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk): A left-leaning decrease that balances the k2tog decreases
• Cast on (CO): 110 stitches are cast on to begin the project
• Bind off (BO): Stitches are bound off loosely at the completion

Construction Method

The cowl is constructed in the round using a 16-inch circular needle, which eliminates the need for seaming. A stitch marker is placed to denote the beginning of each round. The pattern consists of two main sections:

Eyelet Rounds: The chevron pattern begins with seven eyelet rounds total. These decorative rounds feature the characteristic yarn overs and decreases that create the chevron texture and the reversible quality of the design. The pattern repeats the two-round chevron sequence six times, followed by one additional round of the first pattern row.

Body Section: After the initial eyelet rounds, the cowl body is worked in stockinette stitch (knit rounds alternating with purl rounds) to the desired height, typically 5 inches. The chevron pattern is then repeated for six complete cycles, with one final eyelet round to create a symmetrical, reversible design.

Finishing

Once all stitches have been bound off loosely, all yarn ends are woven in using the tapestry needle. The finished cowl is lightly steamed to set the stitches and enhance the appearance of the chevron pattern.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, requiring familiarity with circular needle techniques, decreases, yarn overs, and working in the round. The chevron stitch pattern involves coordinating multiple stitch techniques within each round, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic projects.