Marquam Cowl & Cowlette

Marquam Cowl & Cowlette by The Rebellious Knitter

What Is Being Made

The Marquam pattern by designer Anna Manayan offers instructions for two distinct knitted cowl designs. The Cowl is a standard neck-sized accessory measuring 28 inches (71 cm) in circumference and 12 inches (30.5 cm) in height, designed to sit close to the neck without shaping. The Cowlette is a larger, tapered variation that grows progressively wider from top to bottom, measuring 32 inches (81 cm) at the top circumference and expanding to 40 inches (101.5 cm) at the bottom, with a total height of 16 inches (40.5 cm). The Cowlette is specifically designed to wear over the shoulders for extended coverage.

Techniques Used

This pattern is specifically designed as an educational project for knitters looking to develop intermediate-level skills. It introduces simple cable knitting, with the added bonus that cables can be worked without a cable needle, making this an accessible entry point for knitters new to texture work. The pattern also teaches stranded knitting, the technique of knitting with two colors simultaneously to create colorwork patterns. Because the floats (the yarn strands carried across the back of the work) are kept short throughout the design, they do not require anchoring or weaving in, simplifying the colorwork process for learners.

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates cable stitches worked in a simplified manner without requiring a cable needle. Stranded knitting stitches are featured throughout, allowing knitters to practice carrying and working with multiple yarn colors in a single row. The combination of these stitch techniques creates textural interest while remaining manageable for intermediate-level knitters.

Materials

For the Cowl: The pattern calls for sport weight yarn totaling approximately 498 yards. The sample was worked in Abstract Fiber Merino Nylon, a blend of 80% superwash merino and 20% nylon. Three colors are used: Color A (Amethyst) requiring 205 yards, Color B (Lichen) requiring 101 yards, and Color C (multi-color) requiring 192 yards. One 4-ounce skein of 434-yard yarn in Color A provides sufficient yardage.

For the Cowlette: This larger design requires a full 4-ounce skein (434 yards) of sport weight yarn in Color A, with the sample photographed in Cloudborn Highland Sport Wool.

The pattern is compatible with sport weight, DK weight, worsted weight, 3-ply, and 4-ply yarns, offering flexibility for yarn substitution. Appropriate needles for the chosen yarn weight are required to complete either design.

Pattern Format

This pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, edited by Meaghan Schmaltz, and published by independent designer The Rebellious Knitter.