The Maize Cowl

The Maize Cowl by Born & Raised Knits

What Is Being Made

The Maize Cowl is a knitted cowl designed as a one-size-fits-most accessory for adults. This neck warmer features a finished circumference of 30 inches and measures 15 x 12.5 inches when laid flat, making it a versatile piece suitable for layering over various necklines and garment styles.

Techniques and Construction

This cowl is constructed using knitting in the round, a fundamental technique that creates a seamless, tubular fabric. The pattern incorporates tricolor stranded knitting, also known as Fair Isle colorwork, which involves carrying multiple yarn colors across rows to create intricate patterned designs. The colorwork is worked in stockinette stitch, the most common knit fabric, which provides a smooth, refined finish ideal for displaying the color pattern.

The cowl begins with a ribbed edge created by alternating knit and purl rounds, which helps the fabric maintain its shape and prevents rolling. The main body is then worked in stockinette stitch with the tricolor stranded pattern, following a provided color chart.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch (knit in the round)
• Ribbing (knit and purl combination)
• Stranded colorwork stitches

Materials Required

Yarn: This pattern uses three distinct yarns in worsted and DK weights:

• Main Color (MC): Malabrigo Rios in 'Dove' (Worsted weight) – 190 yards
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1): Malabrigo Rios in 'Frank Ocre' (Worsted weight) – 130 yards
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2): Dyed in the Wool Yarn Co in 'Swingle' (DK weight) – 130 yards

Needles and Notions: US 8 circular needles measuring 32 inches in length are required for working in the round. Additional supplies include a darning needle for weaving in ends and stitch markers to track the beginning of each round.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner level, making it an excellent introduction to colorwork knitting and circular needle techniques. While the tricolor stranded knitting adds visual complexity, the straightforward construction and clear guidance make it accessible to knitters developing their skills.

Pattern Format

The Maize Cowl is available as a free, downloadable PDF pattern from Born & Raised Knits, an independent designer. The pattern is intended for personal use only.