Sea Breeze Cowl Knitting Pattern

Sea Breeze Cowl in Malabrigo Sock

What Is Being Made

The Sea Breeze is a long cowl designed by Ewelina Murach, worked in a sideways construction method. This cowl features a finished circumference of 50 inches (127 centimeters) and a height of 10 inches (25.5 centimeters), making it a generous neckwear piece suitable for layering and styling versatility. The cowl is constructed by working horizontally across its width, then grafting the cast-on and bind-off edges together to create a seamless, continuous loop.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several essential techniques that build upon fundamental knitting skills. The construction begins with a provisional cast-on, which allows the crafter to later access live stitches for grafting. The cowl is worked sideways, meaning the knitter works across the width of the piece rather than from top to bottom, creating horizontal stripes. The pattern incorporates grafting (also called Kitchener stitch), a technique used to join the two ends of the cowl together invisibly, eliminating the need for a seam and creating a polished, professional finish. Additional techniques required include working with yarn overs for lace pattern creation and executing various decreases to shape the lace elements.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Sea Breeze combines two primary stitch patterns in alternating sections. Garter stitch forms the foundation of the design, created by knitting every row on both right-side and wrong-side rows. This creates a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. Interspersed throughout the garter stitch sections are lace pattern stripes, which introduce openwork elements through the strategic use of yarn overs and decreases. The lace stripes are worked in a specific sequence: Row 1 is knit across, and Row 2 involves knitting the first and last 2 stitches while purling the center stitches. The lace pattern uses centered double decreases (cdd), knit-2-together decreases (k2tog), and slip-slip-knit decreases (ssk) combined with yarn overs to create the openwork design. Each lace stripe measures approximately ½ inch (1.5 centimeters) in height across 4 rows.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Sea Breeze is designed to be worked in Malabrigo Sock, a premium yarn choice that offers both beauty and durability. The pattern calls for 2 skeins total: one skein in Malabrigo Sock #36 Pearl (Color 1) and one skein in Malabrigo Sock #474 Caribeno (Color 2). The two-color combination creates striking stripes throughout the cowl. The pattern is worked on US 5 (3.75 millimeter) straight needles as the primary needles. Additionally, a spare circular needle in a similar size is required to hold stitches during the grafting process. A tapestry needle is needed for weaving in ends and executing the grafting technique, and scrap yarn is used for the provisional cast-on method.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this project. The garter stitch sections should measure 26 stitches and 34 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters). The lace pattern stripes maintain a horizontal gauge of 26 stitches over 4 inches (10 centimeters), with each 4-row lace stripe measuring ½ inch (1.5 centimeters) in height. Working to the specified gauge ensures the finished cowl achieves its intended dimensions of 50 inches in circumference and 10 inches in height.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to expand their skill set. The required techniques—provisional cast-on, yarn overs, multiple decrease methods, and grafting—represent important intermediate-level skills that open doors to more complex knitting projects. While not a beginner pattern, it remains accessible to dedicated knitters willing to learn new techniques.