Shibui Knits Standing Tall Collection Cowl Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Standing Tall Collection: Knitted Cowls, Hats, and Wraps

Project Overview

The Standing Tall Collection by Lucinda Iglesias offers knitters a versatile set of designs featuring cowls and hats that showcase elegant ribbed construction and optional cable details. This downloadable PDF pattern provides two distinct design variations for both the hat and cowl, allowing crafters to choose between a classic ribbed column version or an enhanced design featuring travelling cables. All pieces are designed to stretch comfortably and accommodate most head sizes with adjustable dimensions.

What Is Being Made

• Hat: A one-size-fits-most hat measuring 17.5 inches wide at the ribbing, 18.5 inches at the body, and 9.5 inches high. The height is easily adjustable to suit individual preferences.
• Cowl: A one-size-fits-most cowl measuring 20 inches wide and 11 inches high, also easily adjustable for custom fit.

Knitting Techniques

These projects utilize several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques to create structured, wearable accessories:

• Bottom-Up Construction: Both the hat and cowl are worked from the bottom upward, beginning with a cast-on edge and building toward the crown or top edge.
• Seamless, Worked in the Round: The pieces are knit seamlessly using circular needles, worked continuously in the round to eliminate the need for seaming. This technique creates a smooth, professional finish and allows for even gauge throughout.
• Ribbing: Both designs feature (k2, p2) ribbing sections that provide stretch and recovery, ensuring the finished pieces conform comfortably to the wearer's head.
• Cable Work: The second design variation incorporates travelling cables within the ribbed columns, adding visual interest and textural depth to the basic ribbed structure.
• Crown Shaping: The hat includes crown shaping instructions to create a fitted crown that tapers toward the top.

Stitches Used

The Standing Tall Collection employs a focused set of essential stitches:

• Knit (k): The fundamental stitch used throughout for stockinette sections and ribbing.
• Purl (p): Used in combination with knit stitches to create the (k2, p2) ribbing pattern.
• Knit 2 Together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used during crown shaping to reduce stitch count and create the tapered crown.
• Purl 2 Together (p2tog): A left-leaning decrease used during crown shaping.
• Stockinette Stitch: Created by knitting all stitches on every round, this smooth stitch forms the body of both the hat and cowl.
• Cable Stitches: The cabled variation uses a cable needle to create travelling cable patterns within the ribbed columns.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The Standing Tall Collection is designed to be knit with two yarn strands held together throughout:

• Shibui Knits Nest: Used as one of the two strands in all projects. For the hat, use 1 skein; for the cowl, use 2 skeins.
• Shibui Knits Silk Cloud: Used as the second strand held together with Nest. For the hat, use 1 skein; for the cowl, use 1 skein.

Needles and Notions:

• Circular needles in two sizes: 3.50 mm (US Size 4) for the ribbing sections and 4.00 mm (US Size 6) for the main body
• Cable needle for working the travelling cable pattern in the cabled variation
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• 2 stitch markers to track the beginning of the round and other pattern sections

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 21 stitches by 30 rows over 4 inches when measured in blocked stockinette stitch. Both the hat and cowl are offered in one size with generous stretch to accommodate most