August Moebius Cowl

First published in The Knitter magazine in April 2026, August Moebius Cowl is named after August Ferdinand Moebius, the mathematician who discovered the single-sided and single-edged nature of the moebius shape. This cowl is a true moebius that begins in the centre and grows outwards top and bottom at the same time and has a single cast-off edge.

The textured pattern of knit and purl blocks resembles weaving and is totally reversible which is ideal in a moebius design. Using a yarn with very long colour changes adds to the magic of the moebius construction. The cowl has a relaxed tension to create a fabric suitable for a spring or summer accessory. It can be worn long or twisted double around the neck for a cosier feel.

A second size option has been added for the launch of this design as an individual pattern, with a smaller circumference and a taller height. It uses the same amount of yarn.

Yarn

Schoppel Zauberball 1155 (4ply, 75% Wool, 25% Nylon, 420m per 100g ball), A Bed of Fuchsia 1536; 1 x 100g ball (296m/70.5g used)

Needles

3.75mm (UK 9/US 5) circular, at least 100 (120) cm long

Notions

1 locking/removable stitch marker

Tapestry needle

Tension

23.5 sts and 36.5 rounds to 10cm over Stitch Pattern using 3.75mm needles.

Measurements

25 (16.5) cm / 9¾ (6½)” height x 85.5 (128) cm / 33½ (50½)” circumference (at cast-on centre line)

Note: the cowl shown is the version with the smaller height and wider circumference (300 st cast-on).

Notes

August Moebius Cowl is designed to use Rita Buchanan’s moebius cast-on, which is slightly less well known than Cat Bordhi’s moebius cast-on, but can be easier for those knitting a moebius for the first time. Full instructions for how to work the cast-on are given in the pattern as the second half of the cast-on also forms the first half of the first round. 

When the stitch marker appears on the cable between the needles you are half-way through a rnd. When the marker appears on the needles you have completed a rnd.

Do not worry if there appears to be a small hole by the yarn tail. When you pull the yarn tail tight this will get smaller and is completely removed when you weave the yarn tail in at the end.

If using this cast-on method for other moebius designs, always purl the first st of the second half of the cast-on regardless of the stitch pattern. If you try to knit it, the last previous cast-on st just comes undone.

You can also work this design using Cat Bordhi’s Moebius Cast-on. If doing so, cast on 300 sts (giving 600 working sts), place stitch marker on needle, and work from beginning of Rnd 1.