Rowan Catstye Cowl Knitting Pattern

Rowan Catstye Cowl by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Rowan Catstye Cowl is a twisted loop cowl scarf designed by Lisa Richardson. This knitted accessory is constructed by creating a rectangular scarf that is then twisted 360 degrees and seamed at the edges to form a continuous loop. The finished cowl measures 23 centimeters (9 inches) wide and 172.5 centimeters (68 inches) all around, making it a versatile neckwear piece suitable for layering and styling.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several advanced colorwork and construction techniques. The primary methods include stranded knitting (fairisle) and intarsia techniques, which are combined throughout the design to create the patterned effect. The cowl is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and is seamed together during finishing. The construction follows a bottom-up approach, beginning with a cast-on edge and progressing upward to the cast-off edge. The pattern incorporates a distinctive twisted construction method, where the completed rectangular piece is twisted through a full 360-degree rotation before the cast-on and cast-off edges are joined together, creating the final cowl shape.

Stitches Used

The Catstye Cowl is primarily worked in stockinette stitch (st st), which creates a smooth, classic knitted fabric ideal for displaying colorwork patterns. Three stitches of moss stitch are worked at each end of every row, providing a textured border that helps frame the central patterned section and aids in seaming. The pattern repeats over 106 rows, which is worked four complete times, followed by rows 1 through 25 of the chart again, creating the full length of the cowl.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Rowan Catstye Cowl is knitted using Rowan Moordale yarn in four coordinating colors. The yarn requirements are as follows: Yarn A (Gooseberry 004) – 100 grams, Yarn B (Nutmeg 011) – 100 grams, Yarn C (Feather 001) – 100 grams, and Yarn D (Pepper 002) – 100 grams. The pattern is worked on 4mm (US 6) needles, which are sized to achieve the specified tension of 25 stitches and 26 rows to 10 centimeters when measured over the patterned stockinette stitch. The pattern begins with a cast-on of 59 stitches, providing the width needed for the finished 23-centimeter-wide cowl.