SweetGeorgia Bloodwood Cowl Knitting Pattern

SweetGeorgia Bloodwood Cowl: Reversible Colorwork Infinity Cowl

What Is Being Made

The Bloodwood Cowl is a unisex, two-colour infinity cowl designed by Mitenae. This reversible cowl measures approximately 6 inches wide by 52¾ inches long before grafting, making it suitable for looping around the neck. The design is inspired by the Australian bushland landscape, featuring a zig-zag pattern that reflects the unmarked trails weaving through trees and the winter puddles dotting the paths. The cowl showcases two distinct colourways—Oxblood and Charcoal—representing the blood-red sap of the Marri (Red Gum) trees and the burnt bark of trees affected by bush fires. Both sides of the cowl are revealed when worn, making it a truly reversible accessory.

Techniques Used

This cowl employs intarsia and worked in the round techniques to create its distinctive two-colour colorwork pattern. The intarsia method allows for the seamless integration of the two contrasting colours throughout the design, while working in the round ensures a continuous, tubular construction. The reversible nature of the design means both the Oxblood and Charcoal colours are equally prominent on either side of the finished cowl.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The cowl features a charted pattern that guides the knitter through the colourwork design. The zig-zag motif is worked using the charted pattern, which is essential for achieving the correct intarsia construction. The pattern is designed to be worked at a specific gauge to maintain the intended dimensions and appearance of the zig-zag design.

Materials

• Yarn: Two skeins of SweetGeorgia Yarns CashLuxe Fine fingering-weight yarn. The Main Colour (MC) is Oxblood (400 yards / 365 metres per 4 ounces / 115 grams), and the Contrast Colour (CC) is Charcoal (400 yards / 365 metres per 4 ounces / 115 grams). Each skein is composed of 70% Superwash Merino, 20% Cashmere, and 10% Nylon, providing a luxurious, durable blend suitable for a refined accessory.
• Needles: Two Size US 3 / 3.25mm circular needles measuring 16 inches long, or sets of five double-pointed needles in the same size. Needle size may be adjusted as needed to achieve the correct gauge.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern calls for a gauge of 34 stitches by 36 rows over 4 inches (10 centimetres) in the charted pattern using Size US 3 / 3.25mm needles. While an exact gauge is not critical for this project, variations in gauge will result in a different-sized cowl and may require adjusting the yardage needed. The cowl is offered in one size only but is easily adjusted to suit individual preferences.

Skill Level

This project is rated as Intermediate, reflecting the complexity of working intarsia colourwork in the round and managing multiple colours simultaneously. Knitters should be comfortable with circular needle techniques, reading charted patterns, and managing colour changes to successfully complete this cowl.