Splatter 3-D Cowl in Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Aran - Free

Splatter 3-D Cowl in Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Aran

What is Being Made

This is a knitted cowl designed by Betty Balcomb, measuring approximately 26 inches around by 15 inches tall when worn. The cowl is worked in the round on circular needles and features a distinctive textured stitch pattern that creates visual depth and dimension, giving the finished piece an almost three-dimensional appearance. The cowl is designed as a single-size garment suitable for a variety of wearers.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Splatter 3-D Cowl employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginner to intermediate crafters. The project begins with a cast-on of 100 stitches worked in the round using circular needles, which eliminates the need for seaming. The construction uses ribbing as both an opening and closing element, with K2, P2 (knit 2, purl 2) ribbing worked at the beginning and end of the piece to create finished edges. The main body features a repeating 14-row pattern that alternates between textured rows and stockinette stitch sections. Gauge is critical to this project, with the pattern requiring 4 stitches per 1 inch in stockinette stitch to achieve the intended finished measurements.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern Details

The pattern incorporates both basic and specialized stitches to achieve its distinctive three-dimensional effect. The foundational stitches include knit and purl stitches, which form the basis of the textured fabric. The pattern also features two special twisted stitches that create the visual interest and dimensional quality:

• T2R (Twisted 2 Right) – Knit into the front of the second stitch on the left-hand needle, then knit the first stitch, slipping both stitches off together. This creates a twisted stitch that crosses to the right.
• T2L (Twisted 2 Left) – Knit into the back of the second stitch on the left-hand needle, then knit the first stitch, slipping both stitches off together. This creates a twisted stitch that crosses to the left.

The 14-row repeating pattern alternates between rows featuring these twisted stitches and rows of stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) combined with ribbed sections. This variation in texture creates the depth and dimensional quality that distinguishes this cowl from standard ribbed designs. The pattern is repeated five times to achieve the desired depth, though crafters can adjust the number of repeats based on personal preference.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Splatter 3-D Cowl is designed to be worked in Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Aran, a worsted-weight yarn made from 100% Superwash Merino Wool. Two skeins of the yarn are required, with each skein weighing 100 grams (3.5 ounces) and containing 150 yards (137.5 meters). The pictured cowl shown in the pattern is created in color #02 (Violet Quartz). This yarn choice provides softness, durability, and easy care through machine washing, making it practical for a frequently-worn accessory like a cowl.

Needles and Additional Materials

The project requires US 9 circular knitting needles measuring 24 inches in length, or the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge. Circular needles are essential for this pattern since the cowl is worked in the round without seaming. Additional materials include a stitch marker to denote the beginning of each round, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and careful attention to gauge checking before beginning the main pattern.