Rocky Rivulets Cowl Hand Knitting Pattern

Rocky Rivulets Cowl

Fit and flared hand knit cowl – flare achieved by sizing up needles.

Worked top-down in the round on ascending size needles.

May be done as a straight tube.

No blocking necessary. When the time comes to clean it, it will need dry cleaning to retain full dimension - see comparison image for difference with blocking.

Intermediate Skills -

Non Standard: Directional YO Closures.

Standard: k, k2tog, ktbl, p, ssk, yo, shifting repeat boundaries (marker movements).

This stitch pattern is based from rigidly geometric staggered and opposing K&P lace triangles. (See final pic for reference).

I replaced the standard knit or purling into the yarn overs with Direction YO Closures and used tight stitches. The offset k/p triangles combine with the 'tuck behind' factor of the Directional YO Closures to create a deeper dimension. 

It retains a systematic flow but with a much more organic rivulet -ish movement in the tighter portion, slowly opening up into the look of jagged mountains.

Yarn

300 y (275 m) of Sport Weight Yarn

at approximately 304 y (278 m) per 100 g

Sample knit with Wonderland Yarns, Mad Hatter

Down the Rabbit Hole - 5 Mini Skein Pack

#21 Too Much Pepper (gray gradient)

100% Merino Superwash (Plied)

430 y (399 m) in 5 oz (141 g)

Sample usage: 230 y (210 m) 75 g

Needles and Notions

US 4, 5 & 6 (3.5, 3.75 & 4 mm) Circular Needles 

with a 16 – 20” (40 – 50 cm) Cord

Or sizes that get gauge/desired fabric.

Row Counter

Stitch Markers (15, 14 + 1 Different)

Tapestry Needle

Measurements

21.5” (54.6 cm) Upper Circumference – taken just below ribbing.

25.5” (64.75 cm) Lower Circumference – taken at lower edge.

8.33” (21 cm) Tall – to points.

Gauge

Gauge is not critical but will affect size and yarn requirements.

Unblocked Stockinette in the Round on smallest needles =

23 stitches x 32 rounds = 4” (10 cm) square.

This gauge provided for yarn & needle pairing, to get an appropriate fabric density without knitting the entire repeat.

1 repeat in pattern stitch on smallest needles: 

10 stitches by 12 rounds = 1.5” (3.8 cm) by 1.75” (4.45 cm)

Notes and Tips

Repeat multiple is 10 stitches.

Flare is achieved by sizing up needles:

2 repeats on US 4 (3.5 mm) 

2 repeats on US 5 (3.75 mm)

2 repeats (1 Main and 1 Lower Edge) on US 6 (4 mm)

If you want a straight sided cowl, ignore size up instructions.

A firm fabric with snug stitching 

will maximize, and better retain, dimension.