Naarden Cowl by Mieka John

Naarden Cowl

Knitting
December 2020
Sport (12 wpi) ?
34 stitches and 39 rows = 4 inches
in Stranded Colorwork
US 3 - 3.25 mm
US 2 - 2.75 mm
2.75 mm (C)
4 sizes: Baby (Child, Adult S-M, Adult L-XL), 2 versions: Single wrap and double wrap
English
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Winding upward like tendrils of ivy on a chain-link fence, floats are front-and-center on the Naarden Cowl. Celebrate colorwork’s ever-present companion by bringing it to the front of this simple and charming cowl.

Both stylish and cozy, the Naarden cowl can be made to either a single or double wrap length. Pair it with the matching hat and mittens for extra warmth during those chilly winter months.


NAARDEN COLLECTION

Knitters spend a lot of time thinking about floats - the ever-present companions to colorwork. We focus so much on tension and color dominance to make sure that the building blocks of the pattern remain invisible.

But what would happen if the float was allowed to come forward?

The Naarden Collection celebrates floats by making them the focal point of the design. The result is a panel of spirals that, like intricate brickwork, create visual richness through the repetition of a simple detail. It’s a pleasure to give this rarely-seen but frequently admired aspect of knitting its time to shine.

This pattern is part of a collection of 3 patterns: a hat (slouchy or fitted), a cowl (single or double wrap) and mittens (full or fingerless).

If you love this unique stitch as much as I do, get the full collection here and get all three patterns for 20!


SIZES

4 sizes: Baby (Child, Adult S-M, Adult L-XL)
2 versions: Single wrap and double wrap

See photos for measurement details.

CONSTRUCTION

The Naarden Cowl features a panel of contrasting floats framed between stockinette edges that are folded over for extra depth and comfort. Twisted stitches paired with an offset round create a unique, sloping motif.

It’s knit in the round and is a great way to use up that special pair of singles you’ve been saving. This pattern is an ideal stashbuster and with the versatility of both a single and double wrap length, you’ll be sure to make the most of your yarn.

PATTERN TECHNIQUES

  • Provisional cast-on (using waste yarn and crochet hook)
  • Knitting in the round
  • Simple colorwork with floats behind and in front of the work
  • Twisted stitches (knitting through the back loop)
  • Increases: make 1 left
  • Decreases: knit 2 together
  • Grafting stockinette (to create a folded hem)

GAUGE (per 4” / 10cm)

Stockinette: 30 sts by 40 rnds on Needle A
Colorwork: 34 sts by 39 rnds on Needle B

YARN

Heavy fingering to sport (~330-385 yd / 300-350 m per 3.5oz / 100g) merino (or other soft wool with high definition) in 2 colors.
The sample was knit in Rauma Garn, Finull pt2 in size Adult S-M, Single Wrap version.

See photos for yardage details.

NEEDLES

You will need 3 sets of circular needles, cable length depends on selected version and size:

Single wrap: 16 / 40 cm circular needles
Double wrap: 24-32 / 60-80 cm circular needles

Needle A: Either two sets in this size or one extra set in a smaller size.
Suggested Size: US 2 / 2.75 mm

Needle B: One set.
Suggested Size: US 3 / 3.25 mm

NOTIONS

Waste yarn in same weight and contrasting color (choose a smooth yarn that is easy to unravel), crochet hook C-2 / 2.75 mm, 1 regular stitch marker, 1 locking stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors.


I would love to see your versions of the Naarden Cowl! Feel free to tag me (@saltandstoneknits) and add these hashtags to your photos on Instagram! #naardencowl #saltandstoneknits

If you have any questions about the pattern, please contact me at mieka@saltandstoneknits.com.


Pattern tech edited by Olga Barshai

Ravelry: GingerHandcrafts
IG: @Ginger_handcrafts
Email: olga.barshai@gmail.com

Copywriting by Katherine Majka

Raverly: Kasia-Knits
IG: @kasiaknits