Twist Collective Cabrillo Cowl Knitting Pattern

Twist Collective Cabrillo by Juliana Lustenader

Project Overview

The Cabrillo collection is a coordinated set of three seamless knit accessories designed to be worked in the round from the bottom up. This downloadable PDF pattern includes instructions for a cowl, hat, and mittens, all featuring stranded colorwork techniques using only two colors per round, making it an excellent introduction to colorwork for knitters new to the technique.

Garments Included

Cowl

The cowl is worked seamlessly in the round using a bottom-up construction method. It features a finished circumference of 22 ¾ inches (58 cm) and a height of 10 ¼ inches (26 cm). The cowl begins with a 1x1 twisted rib ribbing worked over 80 cast-on stitches, which provides a stretchy, finished edge. After the ribbing measures 1 ½ inches (4 cm), the knitter transitions to the main colorwork section and works 25 rounds following the Cowl Chart, which presents the stranded colorwork pattern in chart form.

Hat

The hat is also constructed seamless and in the round from the bottom up. It has a finished brim circumference of 18 ¼ inches (46.5 cm) and a total height of 8 ½ inches (21.5 cm). Like the cowl, the hat begins with 64 cast-on stitches worked in 1x1 twisted rib ribbing for 1 ½ inches (4 cm). The colorwork section consists of 19 rounds worked from the Hat Chart, followed by crown shaping worked in the main color only.

Mittens

The mittens are worked in the round with a hand circumference of 8 inches (20.5 cm) and a finished length of 9 ½ inches (24 cm). Like the other pieces in the set, they feature seamless, bottom-up construction and incorporate stranded colorwork elements.

Techniques and Stitches

Construction Method: All three garments in the Cabrillo set are worked seamlessly in the round from the bottom up, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a continuous, tubular fabric.

Colorwork Technique: The collection uses stranded colorwork, also known as fair isle knitting, with only two colors worked per round. This simplified approach makes the pattern ideal for beginners learning stranded colorwork techniques. All colorwork patterns are presented in chart form, allowing knitters to follow visual representations of the color sequences.

Primary Stitch: The 1x1 Twisted Rib is used for the ribbed cuffs and edges on all three garments. This stitch is worked by knitting one stitch through the back loop (K1 tbl) and purling one stitch alternately across each round, creating a twisted, elastic ribbing that provides structure and recovery to the finished edges.

Yarn and Materials

Recommended Yarn: The Fibre Company Tundra is the suggested yarn for this pattern. This yarn is composed of 60% Baby Alpaca, 30% Merino Wool, and 10% Silk, offering a soft, luxurious blend with excellent drape and warmth. Each hank contains 120 yards (109 meters) and weighs 3 ½ ounces (100 grams).

Yarn Quantities: To complete the entire set as pictured, knitters will need 3 skeins of the main color (MC) and 2 skeins each of two contrasting colors (CC1 and CC2). Alternatively, 1 skein of each color is sufficient to complete any single garment—either the cowl, hat, or mittens alone.

Color Options: The pattern specifies The Fibre Company Tundra in three colorways: Petrel (main color), Snowdrift (contrast color 1), and Taiga (contrast color 2).

Needles

The pattern requires circular needles in two sizes to accommodate the different gauges and circumferences of the ribbed and colorwork sections:

• Cowl: Size 10 US (6 mm) circular needle, 16 inches (60 cm) long for ribbing; Size 11 US (8 mm) circular needle, 16 inches (60 cm) long for colorwork
• Hat: Size 10 US (6 mm) circular needle, 16 inches (60 cm) long for ribbing; Size