Tahki Yarns Linden Cowl Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Linden Cowl Pattern Summary

What Is Being Made

The Linden Cowl is a cozy knitted neck accessory designed by Caroline Kaufman. This one-size cowl measures 18 inches in circumference and 7 inches in length, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various seasons and styling preferences. The finished cowl features a distinctive embellishment of eight decorative pompoms attached along the bind-off edge, adding textural interest and visual appeal to the classic ribbed design.

Techniques Used

This pattern is worked in the round using circular needles, which creates a seamless, tubular construction. Working in the round eliminates the need for seaming and ensures consistent stitch definition throughout the cowl. The pattern requires basic circular knitting skills, including casting on, joining stitches without twisting, and binding off. Additionally, the pattern includes pompom construction and attachment, which adds a handmade finishing detail. Blocking is recommended to achieve precise measurements, though it is listed as optional.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is K2, p2 Rib, a classic ribbed texture created by alternating two knit stitches with two purl stitches in each repeat. This rib pattern is worked continuously throughout the 6.5-inch length of the cowl. The ribbed construction provides excellent elasticity and recovery, allowing the cowl to maintain its shape and fit snugly around the neck. The gauge for this pattern is 14 stitches and 16 rounds over 4 inches when worked in K2, p2 Rib on the specified needles.

Materials and Yarn

The Linden Cowl uses two complementary Tahki Yarns products in a two-color design. The main yarn is Tahki Yarns MONTANA, a 100% pure wool yarn available in 3.5-ounce hanks with 130 yards of yardage. The pattern calls for one hank in color #03 stone gray (Yarn A), which forms the body of the cowl. The accent yarn is Tahki Yarns GLACIER, a 100% superfine alpaca yarn in 1.75-ounce skeins containing 35 yards. One skein in color #05 charcoal (Yarn B) is used exclusively for creating the eight pompoms.

The pattern requires one size 13 (9 millimeter) circular needle measuring 16 inches in length, or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge. Additional tools include a stitch marker for tracking round beginnings, a pompom maker or cardboard template measuring approximately 2⅛ inches by 3 inches, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and attaching the finished pompoms.

Pattern Construction Details

The cowl begins with casting on 60 stitches using Yarn A. After placing a stitch marker and joining for working in the round while taking care not to twist the stitches, the knitter works continuously in K2, p2 Rib for 6.5 inches. All stitches are then bound off loosely while maintaining the rib pattern to preserve the fabric's natural stretch and appearance. The eight pompoms are constructed using Yarn B by wrapping yarn around a cardboard template or pompom maker 10 times, then securing the wound yarn with an 8-inch length of yarn tied tightly around the middle. After trimming to even length, the pompoms are attached evenly spaced along the bind-off edge to complete the design.