Shibui Knits Piega Cowl Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Piega Cowl: Seamless Knit Design

What Is Being Made

Piega is a sophisticated cowl pattern designed by Kristin Ford for Shibui Knits. This one-size accessory features a unique construction method where two separate knit strips are created and then braided together to form the finished cowl. The design combines luxurious fibers in an innovative way that creates visual and textural interest through the braiding technique.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques that elevate it beyond basic projects. The cowl is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, making it accessible to knitters who prefer flat construction. The two strips are created using a provisional cast-on, which allows live stitches to be picked up later for assembly. The pattern incorporates color work sections created by working with two different yarn combinations (Yarn A and Yarn B) held together, with strategic yarn drops and pickups to create distinct visual openings within each strip. These openings are essential to the braiding assembly process that transforms two flat strips into a three-dimensional cowl form.

Stitches Used

Piega is constructed primarily using stockinette stitch (St st), the fundamental knit stitch pattern that creates a smooth, classic fabric. The pattern alternates between knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side to build the stockinette base. The opening sections are created by strategically dropping and picking up yarns mid-row, which requires attention to yarn management but uses the same basic knit and purl stitches. A tapestry needle is used for finishing and assembly after the braiding is complete.

Materials and Specifications

The Piega cowl pattern calls for premium natural fibers from Shibui Knits. You will need 2 skeins of Shibui Baby Alpaca (100% baby alpaca, 255 yards per 100 grams) and 1 skein of Shibui Silk Cloud (60% kid mohair and 40% silk, 330 yards per 25 grams). The pattern is shown in the colorway Ash. Knitting is worked on Size 11 (8 mm) needles, with a spare Size 11 needle needed for the provisional cast-on. A stitch holder or waste yarn is required for holding stitches during assembly, and a tapestry needle is essential for finishing.

Yarn Preparation and Gauge

Before beginning, approximately 80 yards (6 grams) of Silk Cloud should be wound off into a separate ball. One strand of this smaller ball of Silk Cloud is held together with one full ball of Baby Alpaca to create Yarn B. The remaining Silk Cloud is held together with the remaining Baby Alpaca to form Yarn A. This two-ply construction using contrasting yarn combinations creates the visual interest in the finished piece. The pattern is designed to achieve a gauge of 14 stitches and 16 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch when working with one strand of Baby Alpaca and one strand of Silk Cloud held together.

Pattern Structure

The cowl consists of two separate strips that are later braided together. Strip 1 measures 24.25 inches by 12 inches before assembly and blocking, while Strip 2 measures 25.75 inches by 12 inches. Each strip begins with a provisional cast-on of 42 stitches and includes multiple sections: initial stockinette sections worked with Yarn A, opening sections where Yarn A and Yarn B are worked alternately across the row to create the braiding channels, and additional stockinette sections. The strips are worked flat in stockinette stitch with carefully placed yarn openings that allow the strips to be interlocked during the braiding assembly process.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as an intermediate project (skill level 3 out of 4), making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic techniques. The provisional cast-on, yarn management with multiple strands, and the unique braiding assembly method require intermediate-level skills and attention to pattern details.