Inspired by the way the colors danced together on the skein, this cowl was designed to take advantage of the color transitions of the Freia line and uses every last bit of yarn on the skein. The pattern itself is reminiscent of the latticework and detail of a wedding cake as it moves from layer to layer. Knit in the round, this cowl will stand up and be noticed as it graces the neck of the person lucky enough to wear it.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Size: 22½” diameter at shoulder, 19½” at chin, 7¼” high
Gauge: 16 sts and 24 rows = 4” [10 cm] in St st, before blocking.
24 sts and 26 rows = 4” [10 cm] in Stitch Pattern after blocking.
Materials
Yarn:
Freia Fine Handpaints Ombre Grande (100% Wool, 127 yards [115 meters]/75 grams): Dirty Hippie, 1 skein.
Needles: US size 8 (5 mm): 16” circular
Notions: Tapestry needle; point protectors; one stitch marker; cable needle
Special Stiches
C4B – Sl 2 sts to cn, hold in back, k2, k2 from cn.
Pattern Notes
The cowl is worked in the round using a stretchy cast-on and bind off which will make this cowl easier to put on as the pattern itself is designed to stand up along the neck not slouch at the shoulders.
Slip marker as you come to it except as noted.
Pattern
CO 88 sts. PM and join to work in the round.
Rnds 1, 3, 5, and 7: Knit.
Rnd 2: P44, m1, p to end of rnd, m1 – 90 sts.
Rnd 4: *Yo, k3, pass first st of 3 over the last 2; rep from * around.
Rnd 6: K2, *yo, k3, pass first st of 3 over the last 2; rep from * around to 1 st from m, yo, k1, remove marker temporarily, k2, slip first of 3 sts over last 2, replace marker after yo.
Rnds 8-11: Rep Rnds 4-7.
Rnds 12 and 14: Knit.
Rnd 13: Purl.
Rnd 15: *K2tog, yo; rep from * around.
Rnds 16-17: Knit.
Rnd 18: *Yo, k2tog; rep from * around.
Rnds 19-20: Knit.
Rnds 21-23: Rep Rnds 15-17.
Rnd 24: P43, p2tog, p43, p2tog – 88 sts.
Rnds 25-28: *K4, p1, k2, p1; rep from * around.
Rnd 29: *K4, yo, k2tog, k2tog, yo; rep from * around.
Rnd 30: *C4B, k4; rep from * around.
Rnd 31: Rep Rnd 29.
Rnds 32-35: Rep Rnds 25-28.
Rnd 36: Purl.
Rnd 37: *K20, k2tog; rep from * around – 84 sts.
Rnds 38-42: Rep Rnds 15-19
Rnd 43: *K19, k2tog; rep from * around – 80 sts.
Rnds 44-45: Rep Rnds 18-19.
Rnd 46: Purl
Rnd 47: *K38, k2tog; rep from * around – 78 sts.
Rnds 48-51: Rep Rnds 4-7.
BO all sts using a stretchy bind-off method.
Finishing
Weave in ends.
Blocking is accomplished by resting it in a sink of warm water, 110 degrees F. When the cowl sinks into the basin, allow it to sit for approximately 20 minutes; do not agitate the water.
Remove the cowl from the sink, unroll it, place it between two hand towels. Beginning at one edge, roll the three layers and squeeze the rolled-up set of three layers to release some of the water.
Block the cowl and allow to dry. 