Ritz Cowl
​​​Interweave | Urban Knit Collection; 18 City-inspired Knitting Patterns for the Modern Wardrobe, 2016

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This colorwork cowl showcases a bold repeating oval motif connected by seed beads. I am particularly enamored with the way the seed beads sparkle but aren’t noticed right away. They add a touch of magic to this cowl, while the applied I-cord adds structure and stability. Want a bolder look? Consider using a bead in a color complementary to your contrasting-color yarn.

Because beads are added on only a few rounds and in locations clearly indicated by the chart, this is a good project for those just learning how to use beads in their knitting.

Knitting Knowledge | 
The body of this project is worked in the round, and requires:

• Knitting with circular and double-pointed needles
• Casting on
• Reading charts
• Knitting and purling
• Two-color ribbing
• Turned hems
• Crochet hook beading
• Locking floats
• Decreasing
• Finishing

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Finished Size | 24-3/4 (40-3/4)" (63 [103.5] cm) circumference and 11" (28 cm) wide.

Yarn | Sportweight (#2 Fine). Blue Sky Alpacas Sport Weight (100% baby alpaca; 110 yd [100 m]/50 g):
#512 Eggplant (MC), 3 (5) skeins;
#507 Light Gray (CC), 2 (4) skeins.

Needles | Size U.S. 4 (3.5 mm): double-pointed (dpn). Size U.S. 5 (3.75 mm): 24" (60 cm) circular (cir).
U.S. size 11 (0.8 mm) steel crochet hook.
U.S. size E-4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook.Adjust needle and hook sizes if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Notions | Stitch markers (m); tapestry needle, waste yarn.

​Gauge | 29-1/2 sts and 27 rnds = 4" (10 cm) over chart patt with larger needles, blocked.