Printed knitting cowl pattern
The main colorwork motif of the Taimana Cowl (Te Reo Maori for “Diamond”), like the Kumura Cowl, is heavily influenced by traditional Maori tāniko designs, geometric patterning woven onto borders of cloaks and dresses. This particular geometric formation is called “Patikitiki”, easily identifiable through the singular diamond as the dominant motif. The Patikitiki motif is meant to resemble the flounder fish, which used to be a common food source for the Maori.
According to the Ngati Porou iwi (tribe), which my mother hails from, the Patikitiki acknowledges the hard work that the women contributed to the iwi through supplementing the food supplies and even hunting the fish at night, when everyone else was fast asleep.
In addition to the intriguing cultural history behind the design, you’ll find that working up this pattern hits the sweet spot between mindless and engaging knitting. The colorwork motif is both addicting and intuitive, and the stripe sections knit up fairly quickly. Use a merino/silk blend for warmth, softness and an attractive sheen, and this cowl will quickly make itself a welcome addition to your handmade wardrobe.
Pattern is intended for intermediate to advanced knitters. For those wanting to learn new techniques, written and video tutorials are provided in pattern.
76cm circumference x 20 width
4ply: 730m/200g
recommended from our yarn range: Keld fingering or Milburn 4ply (Eden Cottage Yarns) Or Devonia 4ply (John Arbon Textiles)
3.5mm circular needles (40cm length)
3.75mm circular needles (40cm length)
stitch markers
tapestry needle
scrap yarn
crochet hook
needle stoppers
32 sts & 40 rows
Printed knitting cowl pattern
The main colorwork motif of the Taimana Cowl (Te Reo Maori for “Diamond”), like the Kumura Cowl, is heavily influenced by traditional Maori tāniko designs, geometric patterning woven onto borders of cloaks and dresses. This particular geometric formation is called “Patikitiki”, easily identifiable through the singular diamond as the dominant motif. The Patikitiki motif is meant to resemble the flounder fish, which used to be a common food source for the Maori.
According to the Ngati Porou iwi (tribe), which my mother hails from, the Patikitiki acknowledges the hard work that the women contributed to the iwi through supplementing the food supplies and even hunting the fish at night, when everyone else was fast asleep.
In addition to the intriguing cultural history behind the design, you’ll find that working up this pattern hits the sweet spot between mindless and engaging knitting. The colorwork motif is both addicting and intuitive, and the stripe sections knit up fairly quickly. Use a merino/silk blend for warmth, softness and an attractive sheen, and this cowl will quickly make itself a welcome addition to your handmade wardrobe.
Pattern is intended for intermediate to advanced knitters. For those wanting to learn new techniques, written and video tutorials are provided in pattern.
76cm circumference x 20 width
4ply: 730m/200g
recommended from our yarn range: Keld fingering or Milburn 4ply (Eden Cottage Yarns) Or Devonia 4ply (John Arbon Textiles)
3.5mm circular needles (40cm length)
3.75mm circular needles (40cm length)
stitch markers
tapestry needle
scrap yarn
crochet hook
needle stoppers
32 sts & 40 rows
