Shibui Knits Mix No. 20 Cowl Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Mix No. 20 Cowl

What Is Being Made

Shibui Knits Mix No. 20 is a seamless, striped cowl designed by Antonia Shankland. This lightweight yet warm accessory features narrow stripes that intersect at perpendicular angles, creating a striking visual effect with an unexpected pop of color. The finished cowl measures 15.5 inches in height with a 61-inch circumference, making it a versatile neckwear piece suitable for layering.

Construction and Techniques

This cowl is worked flat using the seamless construction method, despite being a circular garment. The design employs a distinctive stripe sequence technique where two colors are worked alternately throughout the piece. When working the stripe sequence, the color not in use is carried up the side of the work, eliminating the need for weaving in ends as you progress.

The cowl is constructed in three separate panels that are joined together. The first panel is cast on using the long-tail method and worked in garter stitch for 150 rows (75 ridges). The second and third panels are picked up along the edges of the first panel and worked in the same manner, creating the geometric stripe pattern. A bind-off edge worked on the right side provides a finished appearance.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch: The primary stitch throughout the entire cowl, creating horizontal ridges that contribute to the striped texture
• Long-tail Cast-on: Used to begin the first panel with stability
• Pick-up and Knit: Employed to create the second and third panels by picking up stitches along the edges of the first panel
• Bind-off: Worked on the right side using a larger needle size for a polished edge

Stripe Sequence

The stripe pattern repeats throughout the cowl with a simple two-row sequence: 2 rows in Color A followed by 2 rows in Color B. This creates narrow, balanced stripes that form the perpendicular intersections characteristic of the design. The pattern is repeated for 150 rows in each panel.

Materials and Yarn

Shibui Cima: Composed of 70% superbaby alpaca and 30% fine merino, this yarn provides softness and warmth. Each skein contains 328 yards and weighs 50 grams. The pattern requires 2 skeins each of Color A and Color B.

Shibui Silk Cloud: A luxurious blend of 60% kid mohair and 40% silk, this yarn adds elegance and drape. Each skein contains 330 yards and weighs 25 grams. The pattern requires 2 skeins each of Color A and Color B, plus 1 skein of Color C.

Both yarns are held together as a single strand throughout the project, creating a lightweight yet insulating fabric. The sample shown features Ivory (Color A), Caffeine (Color B), and Pool (Color C).

Tools and Gauge

Two Size 6 (4 mm) circular needles measuring 24 inches or longer are used for the main body of the cowl. A Size 7 (4.5 mm) needle is used for the bind-off edge. A tapestry needle is required for finishing.

The gauge is 20 stitches and 40 rows (20 ridges) equal 4 inches in garter stitch on the smaller needles with 1 strand of Cima and 1 strand of Silk Cloud held together. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the finished dimensions.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as Easy, making it accessible to knitters with basic skills. The straightforward garter stitch and simple stripe sequence require minimal shaping or complex techniques.