Shibui Knits Wells Cowl Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Wells Reversible Cowl

What is Being Made

The Wells is a reversible cowl designed by Julie Hoover for Shibui Knits. This cowl is available in two sizes: Small with a 24-inch (61 cm) circumference and Large with a 48-inch (122 cm) circumference. Both sizes measure 11½ inches (29 cm) in height. The reversible design means both sides of the finished cowl are visually interesting and wearable, making it a versatile accessory for any wardrobe.

Techniques Used

The Wells cowl is constructed using seamed and worked flat techniques. Rather than being worked in the round, the cowl is knitted flat from end to end as a long rectangular piece, then sewn together to form the circular cowl shape. This flat-working method allows for precise stitch control and the creation of clean selvedge edges. A 1-stitch selvedge is worked at each side edge to facilitate neat seaming. The pattern notes that the fabric appears deceptively long and narrow before blocking, and blocked swatches should be allowed to relax for at least 48 hours before measuring finished gauge for accuracy.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is a 2x1 Half-Twisted Rib, which works over a multiple of 3 stitches plus 1. This stitch pattern is created by alternating twisted knit stitches (knit through the back loop) with purl stitches, combined with slip stitches worked as if to purl through the back loop on the right side and knitwise on the wrong side. The pattern repeats over two rows:

• Row 1 (Right Side): Slip 1 stitch as if to purl through the back loop, then repeat [knit 1 through back loop twice, purl 1] across, ending with knit 1 through back loop twice and knit 1.
• Row 2 (Wrong Side): Slip 1 stitch knitwise, then repeat [purl 2, knit 1 through back loop] across, ending with purl 2 and purl 1.

The twisted rib creates a textured, reversible fabric that looks sophisticated on both sides. The slip stitches add visual interest and help define the pattern edges.

Materials and Yarn

The Wells cowl is knitted using a combination of three different Shibui Knits yarns held together throughout the project. This multi-yarn approach creates depth, texture, and visual interest in the finished cowl.

Yarn A - Shibui Pebble: A luxury blend of 48% recycled silk, 36% fine merino, and 16% cashmere. This yarn provides 224 yards (205 meters) per 25-gram skein. The Small size requires 2 skeins (380 yards / 350 meters total), while the Large size requires 4 skeins (760 yards / 690 meters total). Two strands of Yarn A are held together with the other yarns.

Yarn B - Shibui Twig: A natural fiber blend of 46% linen, 42% recycled silk, and 12% wool. This yarn provides 190 yards (174 meters) per 50-gram skein. The Small size requires 1 skein (190 yards / 175 meters), while the Large size requires 2 skeins (380 yards / 345 meters). One strand of Yarn B is held together with the other yarns.

Yarn C - Shibui Silk Cloud: A delicate blend of 60% kid mohair and 40% silk. This yarn provides 330 yards (300 meters) per 25-gram skein. The Small size requires 1 skein (190 yards / 175 meters), while the Large size requires 2 skeins (380 yards / 345 meters). One strand of Yarn C is held together with the other yarns.

The combination of these three yarns—two strands of Pebble plus one strand each of Twig and Silk Cloud—creates a sophisticated, multi-textured yarn that showcases luxury fibers including recycled silk, fine merino, cashmere, linen, and kid mohair.

Needles and Gauge

The Wells cowl is worked on one pair of US 8 (5 mm) straight or circular needles, or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge. The recommended gauge is