Taimana Cowl

Taimana Cowl by Francoise Danoy

A tubular cowl with an intricate geometric motif that holds a great cultural significance.

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.

Special techniques:

• Provisional cast-on
• Kitchener stitch
• Stranded knitting
• Knitting in the round
• Reading color charts

Needle: US size 4 (3.5mm) and US size 5 (3.75mm) 16” (40cm) circular needles or size to obtain gauge. Two sets of needles are required, especially if your gauge differs from non-stranded knitting to stranded.

Yarns Used: Shibui Knits Staccato (Fingering / 4 ply; 70% Merino, 30% Silk ;191 yards / 50 grams). Special thank you to Shibui Knits for the yarn support.

• 2 skeins in Ash (background color)
• 1 skein in Pollen (stripe color)
• 1 skein in Fjord (motif color)

Yardage:

• Background color: 310 - 380 yards / 280 - 345 meters
• Stripe color: 150 - 190 yards / 135 - 175 meters
• Motif color: 150 - 190 yards / 135 - 175 meters

Gauge: 32 sts and 40 rows per 4” / 10cm

Other Notions: Stitch markers, darning needle, scrap yarn, crochet hook, needle stoppers

Final Measurements: Width 8” (20cm) ; Length / Circumference (after seaming) approx. 30” (76cm)