Thorpeness + Lowestoft Cowl Knitting Pattern

Thorpeness + Lowestoft Knit Hats and Cowls by Quail Studio

What Is Being Made

This downloadable knitting pattern from Mode at Rowan features two coordinating designs: the Thorpeness Hat and the Lowestoft design (cowl). Both pieces showcase cable knit construction and are suitable for intermediate knitters seeking to expand their cable work skills. The pattern offers flexibility in construction methods, allowing knitters to choose between flat and in-the-round techniques depending on their preference and available needles.

Thorpeness Hat Overview

The Thorpeness Hat is designed to fit an average-sized adult woman's head with an approximate circumference of 45.5cm (18 inches). The hat begins with a ribbed cuff that folds back to create a turned brim, providing both structure and a polished finish. The main body features an intricate cable pattern worked over the knit fabric, creating visual interest and texture throughout the piece.

Knitting Techniques Used

Both designs employ several intermediate to advanced-beginner knitting techniques:

• Cable knitting: The primary decorative technique, requiring the use of a cable needle to create twisted rope-like textures across the fabric
• Ribbed edging: Used for the hat's cuff to create elasticity and a neat finish
• Increases (Make 1): Strategic increases shape the hat from the ribbed cuff to the wider cable pattern section
• Circular knitting: An optional method for knitters who prefer seamless construction using circular needles or double-pointed needles
• Flat knitting: An alternative method for those who prefer traditional flat construction followed by seaming
• Seaming: Mattress stitch or back stitch techniques join the hat pieces when worked flat

Stitches and Cable Abbreviations

The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations with specialized cable stitch instructions:

• K (Knit) and P (Purl): Basic stitches forming the foundation of the pattern
• C4B (Cable 4 Back): Slip 2 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the back of work, knit the next 2 stitches, then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle. This creates a cable that twists to the right.
• C4F (Cable 4 Front): Slip 2 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the front of work, knit the next 2 stitches, then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle. This creates a cable that twists to the left.
• C6B (Cable 6 Back): Slip 3 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the back of work, knit the next 3 stitches, then knit the 3 stitches from the cable needle. This creates a larger, more dramatic cable twist.
• M1 (Make 1): An increase stitch that adds new stitches to shape the garment

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Thorpeness Hat is designed to be worked in Rowan Chunky Wool, a substantial yarn weight that creates a warm, durable finished garment. The pattern requires 100 grams of yarn for completion. The Chunky Wool weight produces a fabric with good stitch definition, making the cable patterns clearly visible and visually striking.

Needle Requirements

The pattern provides flexibility in needle choice based on the preferred construction method:

• For flat construction: One pair of 6mm (US 10½) needles for the ribbed cuff section, and one pair of 7mm (US 10½) needles for the main cable pattern
• For in-the-round construction: 6mm (US 10½) circular needles (40cm length) for casting on and working the ribbed cuff, 7mm (US 10½) circular needles (40cm length) for the main pattern, and 7mm (US 10½) double-pointed needles for the crown decreases

Additional Notions and Finishing

Beyond yarn and needles, the pattern requires a cable needle for executing the cable stitches, a stitch marker for those working in the round, and optional finishing touches. A Ro