Sayre Cowl & Mitts Knitting Pattern

Sayre Cowl & Mitts Set

What is Being Made

The Sayre is a coordinating two-piece set consisting of a pair of fitted mitts and a matching cowl, designed by Alison Green. The mitts measure approximately 7 inches around the hand and 10 inches in length, while the cowl measures approximately 11 inches in height and 27 inches in circumference. This intermediate-level knitting project combines two essential cold-weather accessories in complementary colors and stitch patterns.

Techniques and Stitches Used

The Sayre pattern features brioche knitting, an advanced stitch technique that creates a distinctive textured and elastic fabric. The brioche pattern is the primary stitch structure used throughout both the mitts and cowl.

Key techniques employed in this pattern include:

• Brioche knit (Brk): Knitting a slipped stitch together with its accompanying yarn over from the previous round
• Brioche purl (Brp): Purling a slipped stitch together with its accompanying yarn over from the previous round
• Sl1yo (Slip one with yarn over): Creating a yarn over and then slipping the stitch purlwise to set up for the next brioche row
• Brkyobrk (2-stitch increase): A specialized increase technique that creates two stitches from one by working a brioche knit, leaving the stitch on the left needle, creating a yarn over, then brioche knitting into the same stitch again
• Ribbing: Used in the cuff section with alternating knit and purl stitches for a fitted edge
• Working in the round: Both the mitts and cowl are constructed circularly to create seamless, tubular garments

The pattern requires working with double-pointed needles for the mitts to accommodate small circumferences in the round, and circular needles for the larger cowl. Waste yarn is used to hold thumb stitches temporarily during construction.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Sayre pattern calls for two distinct Berroco yarns to create visual interest and color contrast:

• Berroco Ultra Wool (100 grams per ball): 2 balls in color #33108 Frost (C1), providing the primary yarn for the set
• Berroco Artesia (100 grams per hank): 1 hank in color #4805 Peony (C2), used as an accent color

The Ultra Wool component is worked with 2 strands held together for the cuff sections, creating a thicker, more elastic edge.

Needle requirements include:

• For the mitts: One set each of double-pointed needles in sizes 8 (5 mm) and 10 (6 mm), or needles of your preference for working small circumferences in the round
• For the cowl: 24-inch circular needles in sizes 8 (5 mm) and 10 (6 mm)
• One stitch marker for tracking round beginnings

The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 18 rows over 4 inches when working the brioche pattern on the smaller needles. Checking gauge before beginning is recommended to ensure accurate finished measurements.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate skill level, reflecting the complexity of brioche knitting techniques and the need to manage multiple stitch types and increases throughout the project.