String Naomi Cowl Knitting Pattern

String Naomi Cowl: Seamless Striped Knit Cowl

What Is Being Made

The Naomi Cowl is an easy-level knitted cowl designed by Lisa Hoffman. This versatile neckwear piece features a finished circumference of 32 inches (81 cm) and a height of 21 inches (53.5 cm), making it a generous, comfortable cowl suitable for layering and everyday wear. The design is worked seamlessly in the round, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a polished, professional finish.

Techniques Used

This cowl employs several key knitting techniques that contribute to its refined appearance and construction:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The cowl is knitted from the cast-on edge upward, allowing knitters to easily adjust the final length if desired before binding off.
• Seamless, In-the-Round Knitting: Worked continuously on a circular needle, this method creates a tube without side seams, resulting in a smooth, comfortable fit around the neck.
• Jogless Stripes: A special technique employed when changing colors that eliminates the characteristic jog that typically appears at the beginning of each new color round. This is achieved by slipping the first stitch as if to purl on the second round of each new color, then knitting the remainder of the round normally.
• Striping: The cowl features alternating color blocks created by working 12 rounds with one yarn combination, then switching to a different pairing for the next 12 rounds. This pattern repeats multiple times throughout the piece.

Stitches Used

The Naomi Cowl is constructed using a single, straightforward stitch pattern:

• K1/P1 Rib: This classic ribbed stitch alternates knit and purl stitches in every round, creating vertical columns that provide elasticity and structure. The ribbed texture is worked consistently throughout the entire cowl, contributing to its stretchy, form-fitting quality and elegant appearance.

Materials and Specifications

The Naomi Cowl pattern calls for a sophisticated blend of premium yarns in three complementary colors:

• Yarn A (Main Color): 4 balls of Sesia BLUEBELL, a luxurious blend of 42% mohair, 40% polyester, and 18% silk. Each ball contains 0.88 oz (25 g) and provides 136 yards (125 m). The color used is 5875 sand, a warm neutral tone.
• Yarn B (First Accent Color): 2 balls of String TURIN, a premium cashmere-blend yarn composed of 95% cashmere and 5% wool. Each ball weighs 1.75 oz (50 g) and yields 122 yards (112 m). The color is 214 sunset, a warm peachy-orange hue.
• Yarn C (Second Accent Color): 2 balls of String DOLCETTO, a Merino and cashmere blend containing 70% Merino wool and 30% cashmere. Each ball provides 1.75 oz (50 g) and 136 yards (125 m). The color is 200007 almond, a soft neutral shade.
• Needles: US size 9 (5.5 mm) circular needle, 32 inches (80 cm) long, or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge.
• Notions: A stitch marker to denote the beginning of each round, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 15½ stitches and 18 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in K1/P1 Rib. The cowl is designed in one size, with the finished measurements of 32 inches (81 cm) in circumference and 21 inches (53.5 cm) in height. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished dimensions and ensuring proper fit.

Construction Overview

The cowl is constructed by casting on 124 stitches using a stretchy cast-on method, then joining to work in the round. The pattern alternates between two yarn pairings: Yarns A and B held together for 12 rounds, followed by Yarns A and C held together for 12 rounds. This two-color-pairing sequence repeats four times, creating a