Valley Yarns Cabello Cowl Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Cabello Cowl

What is Being Made

The Cabello Cowl is a sophisticated neck accessory designed by Lori Wagner. This cowl measures 10 inches in height with a finished circumference of 23.5 inches, making it an ideal layering piece for cool weather. The design combines functional warmth with visual interest through its carefully constructed stitch patterns.

Construction Method

This cowl is knit in the round from the bottom up using a circular needle, which creates a seamless, tubular construction. The bottom-up approach allows knitters to try on the piece as it grows and adjust the fit if needed. Working in the round eliminates the need for seaming and creates a polished, professional finish.

Stitch Patterns and Techniques

The Cabello Cowl features a sophisticated combination of stitch patterns that frame the main design element. The construction includes:

• Bottom Border: A garter stitch border worked over 5 rounds, alternating purl and knit rounds to create a textured, reversible edge
• Body Section: A seeded texture chevron pattern that forms the visual centerpiece of the cowl, worked over a 12-round repeat that is repeated four times for the full height
• Top Border: A matching garter stitch border that frames the top of the cowl in the same manner as the bottom

The body pattern employs several advanced techniques including yarn overs (yo) for decorative eyelet details, decreases worked as both knit two together (k2tog) and slip-slip-knit (ssk) to create balanced shaping, and the sk2p (slip, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over) decrease for additional stitch manipulation. The pattern combines stockinette stitch with purl stitches to create the seeded texture that adds depth and visual complexity to the chevron motif.

The pattern is presented in both charted and written formats, allowing knitters to choose their preferred method. When working from the chart, all rounds are read right to left, as is standard for circular knitting.

Materials Required

The Cabello Cowl is designed to be worked in a single skein of Valley Yarns Northampton, a 100% wool yarn in the colorway Stratosphere (color 53). One skein provides 100 grams and 247 yards of yarn, which is sufficient for the complete cowl.

Needles required include a US size 8 (5.00 mm) circular needle measuring 24 inches in length, or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge. A stitch marker is essential for denoting the beginning of the round and tracking pattern repeats.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern is designed to be worked at a gauge of 17.5 stitches and 25 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, measured after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements and ensuring the cowl fits as intended. The pattern begins with a cast on of 98 stitches, which divides evenly into seven 14-stitch repeats around the circumference.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as advanced beginner, indicating it is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle more complex stitch patterns and shaping. Familiarity with circular knitting, yarn overs, and various decrease techniques is expected.