Rowan Torstein Cowl Knitting Pattern

Rowan Torstein Cowl by Arne & Carlos

What Is Being Made

The Rowan Torstein is a knitted cowl scarf designed by the renowned duo Arne & Carlos. This project creates a finished cowl measuring 28 cm (11 inches) deep and 157 cm (61¾ inches) all around, making it a substantial neckwear piece suitable for layering and everyday wear.

Craft and Technique

This is an intermediate-level knitting project that combines multiple techniques to create visual interest and texture. The cowl begins with a ribbed cast-on worked in the round, establishing a sturdy foundation. The main body of the design features Fair Isle colorwork, a traditional technique that incorporates two colors within the same round to create intricate patterned designs. Fair Isle knitting requires careful tension management and attention to carrying yarn colors across the back of the work to prevent loose floats.

The pattern is worked in circular knitting throughout, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a seamless, professional finish. The construction begins with ribbed sections at both the cast-on and cast-off edges, which provide elasticity and help the cowl maintain its shape around the neck.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K) – the fundamental stitch worked on right-side rounds
• Purl stitch (P) – worked on wrong-side rounds to create the ribbed texture
• Ribbing (K2, P2) – a 2x2 rib pattern that forms the elastic top and bottom edges of the cowl
• Fair Isle colorwork – a technique using two colors per round to create the 28-stitch pattern repeat across the body

Pattern Structure

The cowl is constructed in three distinct sections. The first section consists of 10 rounds of 2x2 ribbing worked on 3¼mm needles, establishing the cast-on edge. The main body transitions to 4mm needles and features Fair Isle colorwork, with a 28-stitch pattern repeat worked 14 times across each round. The chart is worked for 40 rounds, then repeated for rounds 1 to 21 an additional time. After completing the Fair Isle section, the pattern returns to the smaller needles and ribbing, finishing with 10 rounds of 2x2 rib before casting off.

Materials and Yarn

The Rowan Torstein is worked using Rowan Felted Tweed yarn, a wool-based yarn known for its soft texture and excellent stitch definition. The project requires two colorways:

• Yarn A: Seafarer (colorway 170) – 3 x 50gm balls
• Yarn B: Seasalter (colorway 178) – 2 x 50gm balls

Needles and Tools

This project requires circular needles in two sizes to accommodate the gauge changes:

• 3¼mm (US 3) circular needle – no more than 150 cm long, used for ribbed sections
• 4mm (US 6) circular needle – no more than 150 cm long, used for the Fair Isle patterned body

Circular needles are essential for working in the round without seams, and the length restriction ensures proper tension and prevents stitches from stretching.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern is worked to a tension of 25 stitches and 28 rows over 10 centimeters, measured over the Fair Isle pattern using 4mm needles. Achieving correct gauge is critical for obtaining the finished dimensions. The completed cowl should be pressed according to the finishing instructions provided in the pattern information pages, which helps set the stitches and enhance the appearance of the Fair Isle colorwork.