Rowan Bandana Cowl Knitting Pattern

Rowan Bandana Cowl by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Bandana Cowl is a versatile knitted neck accessory designed as an intermediate-level project. This cowl features an approximate finished circumference of 81 cm (31¾ inches) and a depth of 53 cm (20¾ inches), making it a substantial piece suitable for layering or wearing as a statement accessory. The design combines colorwork and textural slip stitch patterning to create visual interest and dimension.

Techniques Used

Slip stitch colorwork is the primary technique featured in this pattern. This method creates the appearance of stranded colorwork without the bulk of carrying multiple yarns across the entire row. Instead, stitches are slipped with yarn positioned at either the back or front of the work, allowing colors to float strategically and create a sophisticated patterned effect.

Mattress stitch seaming is used to join the back seam, creating an invisible, professional finish that maintains the fabric's integrity and appearance. This technique is ideal for garments where a seamless look is desired.

Ribbed edging frames both the cast-on and cast-off edges, providing structure and elasticity to ensure the cowl maintains its shape and sits comfortably around the neck.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K): Forms the foundation of stockinette sections and ribbed borders
• Purl stitch (P): Creates the reverse side of stockinette and contributes to rib pattern definition
• Slip stitch purlwise with yarn at back (sl1p wyib, sl2p wyib): Used on right-side rows to create the slip stitch colorwork pattern while keeping yarn positioned to avoid loose floats
• Slip stitch purlwise with yarn at front (sl1p wyif, sl2p wyif): Used on wrong-side rows to maintain consistent tension and pattern alignment
• Ribbing (K2, P2): Provides elastic edges that frame the main patterned section

Pattern Structure

The cowl begins with a ribbed cuff worked on 5mm (US 8) needles using yarn B, establishing 122 cast-on stitches. The pattern then transitions to 6mm (US 10) needles for the main body, where a 36-row slip stitch pattern repeat is worked. This repeat combines solid stockinette rows in yarn A with slip stitch colorwork rows in yarn B, creating a balanced visual rhythm. The pattern is repeated three times for adequate length and visual impact before finishing with a final ribbed section and cast-off edge.

Materials

This project utilizes Rowan Brushed Fleece, a luxurious yarn available in three coordinating colorways. The pattern requires 1 × 50g ball each of Crag (color A), Rock (color B), and Cairn (color C). Brushed Fleece provides a soft, tactile finish ideal for a cowl worn close to the neck.

Two needle sizes are required: 5mm (US 8) needles for the ribbed sections and 6mm (US 10) needles for the main patterned body. The pattern is worked to a tension of 15 stitches and 23 rows over 10 cm (4 inches) in pattern stitch using the larger needles, ensuring proper drape and fit.

Skill Considerations

Classified as an intermediate project, this cowl requires competency with basic knitting stitches, color changes, and slip stitch techniques. Knitters should be comfortable reading pattern instructions with special abbreviations and managing multiple yarn colors within a single row. The slip stitch colorwork method is more forgiving than traditional stranded colorwork, as floats are minimized, making this an excellent project for developing colorwork skills.