This pattern was inspired by the Japanese stitching technique known as kogin. The flowers and other graphics often associated with this method are referenced here in stranded knitting.

The cowl is not double knitted, but rather is comprised of two sets of charts that are worked in the round with detailed instructions for seaming. Two options are offered for the seams: one with an i-cord, the other without. Both choices complement the color play of the stranded color work.

This charted-only pattern offers instructions for two different cowls: a Double Wrapped version and a Pullover option. The sizes are as follows:

Double Wrapped Cowl:
50” (127cm) circumference
5.5” (14cm) height, including the optional i-cord bind-off.

Pullover Cowl:
21” (53cm) circumference
5.5” (14cm) height, including the optional i-cord bind-off.

I chose Fisherman’s Rib Etching Lush, a fingering weight, single ply merino, to make both of my two color samples. Sadly, the dyer behind this label is no longer practicing her art form.

When you consider yarns to make this project, I highly recommend those lovely single skeins we knitters seem to accumulate for “someday”. Any 100 gram/400 yard skein of fingering weight in a dark color and a 100 gram/400 yard skein of fingering weight in a light color will be sufficient to make the double-wrapped cowl. 50 grams/200 yards of each will be enough to make the pullover version. I recommend stark contrast between your colors for maximum visual interest.

Gauge for this project is 28 sts and 40 rows / 4 in (10 cm). Not all fingering weights are equal. Please check your gauge, if you wish to make cowls to fit the measurements above.

You will need these tools to complete the project:
Two 32” US 4 (3.5mm) needles for the Double Wrapped Cowl
Two 24” US 4 (3.5mm) needles for the Pullover Cowl
Marker to indicate beginning of round
Darning needle
3.5mm crochet hook for provisional cast on
Waste yarn or long plastic tube to hold stitches