The Popular Shift Cowl Knitting Pattern by Andrea Mowry

The Popular Shift Cowl Knitting Pattern

The Shift Cowl designed by Andrea Mowry has become an extremely popular knitting pattern in recent years. This simple, versatile cowl is knit with Rose Hill Yarns DK yarn and can be easily customized to suit your style. Here's an in-depth look at this must-knit accessory.

About the Designer - Andrea Mowry

Andrea Mowry is a renowned knitwear designer based in Canada. She is known for her classic, timeless designs that are both simple to knit yet highly stylish. Mowry's patterns are loved by knitters around the world for being well-written and size inclusive.

The Shift Cowl pattern was released by Mowry in 2018 through her collaborated collection with Rose Hill Yarns. It exemplifies her signature style of effortless, everyday knits. Over the years, this pattern has become one of Mowry's most popular designs.

An Easy Knitting Pattern

The Shift Cowl lives up to its name - it's a simple, easy knitting pattern that shifts between textures beautifully. Knit in the round from start to finish, this cowl requires basic knitting skills like knitting, purling, and simple increases/decreases.

The pattern is suitable for beginner knitters looking to learn something new as well as experienced knitters wanting a relaxing knit. It knits up quickly too - an average knitter can finish it in a few evenings or over a weekend.

Knitting with Rose Hill Yarns

The Shift Cowl was designed specifically to be knit with Rose Hill Yarns DK weight yarn. Rose Hill Yarns is a Canadian yarn company known for their high-quality, hand-dyed yarns.

Their DK weight yarn features a tight twist and smooth texture that works up beautifully for colorwork and textures. The Shift Cowl pattern takes advantage of the yarn's premium quality to create neat, crisp stitch definition.

Rose Hill Yarns offers the Shift Cowl kit with the pattern and hand-dyed yarn together. However, you can use any DK weight yarn in place of Rose Hill Yarns to make this pattern.

Customizable Length and Width

The Shift Cowl is worked flat with gentle decreases on both ends to taper into a slender cowl. It features staggered increases at the center to create subtle, organic shaping.

The pattern is written for two sizes - regular length (32") and extra length (42"). The length can be easily customized longer or shorter as desired. The cowl width can also be adjusted by adding or removing increase/decrease rounds.

These simple modifications make the Shift Cowl design highly customizable for any knitter's needs. Adapt the sizing for a perfect fit!

Textured Stitch Patterns

While using just one yarn color, the Shift Cowl incorporates slipped stitches, slip stitch honeycomb, and mistake rib stitch patterns to create beautiful texture and visual interest.

The varying stitch patterns add lovely depth and dimension to the fabric. The clever colorwork makes this an ideal pattern for hand-dyed variegated yarns, as it shows off the colors magnificently.

The wrong side of the fabric looks nearly as good as the right side too, making the Shift Cowl reversible - a great bonus!

Wear It Year-Round

This cozy cowl can be worn all year round for both fashion and function. The DK weight fabric provides comfortable warmth without bulk. Wear it loosely draped for a relaxed look or wrap it snugly around the neck to keep out chills.

For warmer weather, the Shift Cowl doubles up as a scarf. Twist it into an infinity loop or drape it around your shoulders. The staggered shaping gives beautiful drape and movement to the fabric.

Plus, the neutral colors and simple style make the Shift Cowl effortlessly stylish for any outfit. Dress up plain outfits and add a pop of texture.

Get Knitting This Must-Try Cowl

The Shift Cowl showcases Andrea Mowry's mastery of combining simple stitches for stunning results. It's an excellent pattern for knitters of all skill levels looking for a fun, relaxing project.

Knit it up in luscious hand-dyed yarns ormoiselle solids for a stylish accessory you'll wear for years to come. Check out the Shift Cowl pattern on Ravelry to get started!

FAQs

What yarn weight is used for the Shift Cowl?

The Shift Cowl is designed to be knit with DK weight yarn. The original pattern uses Rose Hill Yarns DK yarn.

What knitting skills are needed for this pattern?

You need to know basic knitting skills like knitting, purling, increases and decreases. More advanced techniques are not required.

Can I adjust the size of the Shift Cowl?

Yes, the length and width can be easily customized by adding/removing increase/decrease rounds in the pattern.

Is the Shift Cowl reversible?

Yes, the Shift Cowl is reversible! The wrong side looks nearly identical to the right side.

Can beginners knit the Shift Cowl?

Yes, the pattern is suitable for ambitious beginner knitters who know the basic techniques. The instructions are clearly written.