Bipartisan Cowl

Bipartisan Cowl by Moogly

Project Overview

The Bipartisan Cowl is a creative hybrid design that combines both knitting and crochet techniques in a single wearable project. Designed by Tamara Kelly and published through Knit Stars 2.0, this cowl offers crafters the opportunity to work with two different fiber arts in one garment, making it an engaging intermediate-level project suitable for knitters and crocheters who want to expand their skills.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a cowl—a tubular neckwear accessory that measures 34 inches around and 17 inches tall when finished. The cowl is designed as a two-part construction, with one section worked in knitting and the other in crochet, allowing makers to showcase both techniques in a single, wearable piece. The design is intentionally customizable, encouraging crafters to experiment with color combinations and stitch variations to personalize their finished cowl.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The knitted portion of the Bipartisan Cowl uses garter stitch, one of the most fundamental and versatile knitting stitches. Garter stitch is created by knitting every row, producing a thick, textured fabric with horizontal ridges that look identical on both sides. This stitch is ideal for beginners and intermediate knitters because it requires no complex stitch manipulation and produces a stable, durable fabric. The pattern specifies that the knit section uses a stitch multiple of any multiple of 5 knit stitches, allowing flexibility in how the transition between the knitting and crochet sections is set up.

Crochet Techniques and Stitches

The crochet portion features V stitches, a decorative stitch pattern that creates an open, lacy appearance. V stitches are formed by working multiple stitches into a single stitch or space, typically creating a fan or shell-like texture. This stitch pattern adds visual interest and contrast to the cowl while remaining accessible to intermediate-level crocheters. The combination of a solid knitted section with an openwork crochet section creates dimensional texture and visual appeal.

Materials and Tools Required

• Yarn: 500 yards total of DK weight yarn (yarn symbol 3/light). The pattern is shown in Lion Brand LB Collection Superwash Merino, a machine-washable wool blend. The design uses seven colors: Eggplant (50 yds), Aqua (50 yds), Grass (50 yds), Citron (50 yds), Coral (50 yds), Persimmon (50 yds), and Charcoal (200 yds). The large quantity of Charcoal suggests it forms the primary base or border of the cowl.
• Knitting Needles: 4.5 mm needles in a 24-inch cable length, suitable for working in the round on a cowl-sized circumference
• Crochet Hook: US size I (5.5 mm) crochet hook for the crochet sections

Gauge Information

Gauge is critical for achieving the correct finished size. The knitting gauge is 36 rows by 21 stitches over 4 inches (10 cm) measured in garter stitch. The crochet gauge is 9 rows by 4 V stitches over 4 inches (10 cm) in the V stitch pattern shown. Checking gauge before beginning ensures the finished cowl will be the intended 34 inches in circumference and 17 inches in height.

Design Features and Customization

The Bipartisan Cowl is explicitly designed for customization. Crafters are encouraged to experiment with different color combinations beyond the suggested palette, mix stitch patterns, or adjust the proportions of knitted and crochet sections. This flexibility makes the pattern suitable for various skill levels and creative preferences. The design also has a coordinating Bipartisan Hat pattern available, allowing makers to create a matching set.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty. While garter stitch and V stitches are not advanced techniques, the combination of working with two different tools and methods, managing multiple yarn colors, and transitioning between knitting and crochet sections requires some experience and attention to detail. Crafters should be comfortable with basic knitting and crochet before attempting this project.