Rowan Cosmos Cowl Knitting Pattern

Rowan Cosmos Cowl by Martin Storey

What Is Being Made

The Rowan Cosmos Cowl is a substantial knitted cowl designed as an intermediate-level project. This is a circular, tubular garment measuring approximately 24 cm (9½ inches) wide with a generous circumference of about 143 cm (56¼ inches), making it a versatile accessory suitable for wrapping around the neck multiple times or wearing as a loose, flowing cowl.

Yarn and Materials

This cowl is crafted using Rowan Alpaca Soft DK yarn in a three-color combination:

• A Rainy Day (color 210) – 5 x 50gm
• B Charcoal (color 211) – 3 x 50gm
• C Classic Brown (color 204) – 3 x 50gm

The pattern requires either a set of 4 double-pointed 4mm (US 6) needles or a 4mm (US 6) circular needle no more than 40 cm (16 inches) long. The choice between double-pointed needles and circular needles allows knitters to select their preferred method for working in the round.

Techniques Used

The Cosmos Cowl employs the fairisle technique, a traditional colorwork method that creates intricate patterned designs by carrying multiple yarn colors across rounds and working them into the fabric. This technique allows for the creation of complex, multi-colored patterns while maintaining a consistent fabric structure. The fairisle method used in this cowl adds visual interest and texture through strategic color changes throughout the piece.

Stitches and Construction

The cowl is worked entirely in stockinette stitch (st st), which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric. The pattern is constructed by working in rounds, beginning with a knit round. The design features a 62-round pattern repeat that is repeated throughout the length of the cowl, with a 60-stitch pattern repeat that is worked twice across each round, creating a balanced, symmetrical design.

The cowl begins with 120 stitches cast on using yarn C. When using double-pointed needles, these stitches are distributed evenly across 3 of the 4 needles, with the fourth needle used for working the rounds. A stitch marker is placed to denote the beginning and end of each round. The cowl is worked straight until it reaches approximately 143 cm in length, ending at round 25 of the chart, before casting off using yarn C.

Finishing

Once the knitting is complete, the cowl requires pressing as described in the pattern's information page. The cast-on and cast-off edges are then joined together using either back stitch or mattress stitch, creating a seamless, continuous loop.

Tension and Sizing

The pattern specifies a tension of 25 stitches and 26 rows to 10 cm measured over the fairisle pattern using 4mm (US 6) needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for obtaining the finished dimensions of 24 cm wide by approximately 143 cm in circumference.