Rowan Dagny Cowl Knitting Pattern

Rowan Dagny Cowl by Arne & Carlos

What is Being Made

The Rowan Dagny is a seamless infinity scarf cowl worked in the round using circular needles. This finished piece measures 23 cm (9 inches) deep and 163 cm (64 inches) all around, creating a versatile neckwear accessory that can be worn as a single loop or doubled for extra warmth and texture.

Construction Techniques

This cowl is constructed using a bottom-up, seamless approach worked entirely in the round, eliminating the need for seaming. The pattern is worked on a 4mm circular needle no longer than 100 cm, allowing for continuous rounds without interruption. The design features bold horizontal stripes created by joining and breaking off different colored yarns at strategic points throughout the knitting process. The cast-on and cast-off edges are worked very loosely to ensure a comfortable, non-restrictive fit around the neck. Finishing involves pressing according to standard blocking instructions to even out the fabric and enhance stitch definition.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The Dagny features a repeating two-round pattern that creates visual interest and texture:

• Round 1 (Right Side): *K2, (K2tog) twice, (yfwd, K1) 3 times, yfwd, (K2tog) twice, K2, rep from * to end. This round combines knit stitches with decreases (K2tog) and yarn forwards (yfwd) to create an openwork lace element.
• Round 2: Knit all stitches. This plain round allows the fabric to settle and provides structure between patterned rounds.

These two rounds repeat throughout the entire cowl, maintaining pattern consistency while colors change. The stitch pattern creates a delicate, lacy texture that balances the bold striping.

Yarn and Materials

The Dagny is designed to be worked with yarn held double, meaning two strands are knitted together simultaneously. This creates a denser, warmer fabric while allowing for interesting color combinations. The pattern calls for Rowan Kidsilk Haze in six different colorways:

• Yarn A: Hurricane 632 – 3 x 25gm (used most frequently as the base color)
• Yarn B: Majestic 589 – 1 x 25gm
• Yarn C: Alhambra 666 – 1 x 25gm
• Yarn D: Golden Poppy 683 – 1 x 25gm
• Yarn E: Heavenly 592 – 1 x 25gm
• Yarn F: Ghost 642 – 1 x 25gm

Kidsilk Haze is a luxurious blend of kid mohair and silk, providing a soft, lightweight, and lustrous finish ideal for delicate cowls and neckwear. The double-stranded construction adds warmth without excessive bulk.

Needles and Tension

The pattern requires a 4mm (US 6) circular needle, with the specific recommendation that it be no longer than 100 cm to accommodate the cast-on stitches comfortably. Working tension is 23 stitches and 26 rows to 10 cm measured over the pattern using 4mm needles with yarn held double. Achieving proper tension is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions and ensuring the cowl drapes appropriately.

Stripe Sequence

The cowl features a carefully planned color progression that uses yarn A (Hurricane) as an anchor color, alternating it with accent colors to create visual rhythm:

• Rounds 3–4: Yarn A
• Rounds 5–8: Yarn B
• Rounds 9–12: Yarn A
• Rounds 13–16: Yarn C
• Rounds 17–20: Yarn A
• Rounds 21–24: Yarn D
• Rounds 25–28: Yarn A
• Rounds 29–32: Yarn E
• Rounds 33–36: Yarn A
• Rounds 37–40