Rowan Bailey Cowl Knitting Pattern

Rowan Bailey Cowl by Quail Studio

What is Being Made

The Rowan Bailey is a knitted cowl, also referred to as a snood in the pattern instructions. This is a circular neckwear accessory measuring approximately 40cm wide by 74cm in circumference, designed to be worn draped around the neck and shoulders for warmth and style.

Construction Method

The Bailey cowl is worked flat on straight needles and then seamed to form a closed loop. The construction follows a bottom-up approach, beginning with a cast-on edge and building upward to the final bind-off. After the main body is complete, stitches are picked up along the side edges to create finished edges, and the cast-on and cast-off edges are joined together to complete the circular cowl shape.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Bailey employs several intermediate knitting techniques that create visual interest and texture:

• Garter Stitch: Used for the foundation rows at the beginning and the final rows before binding off, providing a stable, reversible fabric
• Slip Stitches (Sl1): Slipped stitches worked purlwise with yarn in front create selvage edges and contribute to the pattern texture
• Yarn Overs (yo): Single and double yarn overs are used to create openwork and lace-like qualities within the main pattern repeat
• Decrease Stitches (bk3tog): Back knit three together combines a knit stitch with its paired yarn overs to balance the increases and create a cohesive stitch pattern
• Pattern Repeat: A four-row repeat pattern is worked throughout the length of the cowl, creating consistent texture and visual rhythm

Yarn and Materials

The Bailey is knitted using Rowan Brushed Fleece yarn in the shade Hush 270. The pattern requires 3 balls of yarn. The yarn is held double throughout the project, meaning two strands are worked simultaneously to create a thicker, warmer fabric. Knitting needles in sizes 9mm (US 13) and 10mm (US 15) are required, with the 10mm needles used for the main body worked with doubled yarn and the 9mm needles used for picking up edge stitches. The recommended tension is 9 stitches and 11 rows over 10cm when measured in stocking stitch using the 10mm needles with yarn held double.

Skill Level

This pattern is suitable for knitters with intermediate experience who are comfortable working with yarn overs, decreases, and managing double-stranded yarn throughout a project.