Star Stitch Cowl

Star Stitch Cowl

So, my local yarn store is having a huge sale on a bunch of discontinued yarns, which is great because some of them are super nice and cheap, and terrible because I know that they won't be available for long. However, the yarn I chose for this piece has a texture that I think would be best replicated by Berroco Comfort DK, if you're looking to duplicate the look and texture of this piece but can't find the yarn. And I'm sure this cowl would also be lovely in any number of cottons, linens, bamboos, acrylics or wools, if the fancy strikes you. Either way, let's get started.

The eyelet design of the front panel

Yarn: Plymouth Yarn VITA (85% Recycled Cotton, 15% Recycled Cashmere; 136 yards [124 meters]/50 grams); #301 Grey (color A) - one skein & #117 Pink Carnation (color B) - 1 skein

Needles: One 24" circular needle in size 7

Notions: Tapestry needle, five stitch markers or scraps of yarn to mark stitches

Gauge: 20 stitches = 4 inches 

Please note: I have updated these instructions as of 2/03/14 for clarity.

Using color A, cast on 123 stitches, place marker, and join in round. Purl 4 rows, placing one of your two additional stitch markers after 60 stitches, and your second additional marker after 63 (so these two markers will be three stitches apart, and centered in middle of piece). Slip stitch markers when you come to them during these purl rows. And once they're done, it's time to begin the pattern, which is Two-Color Star Stitch from page 92 of Barbara G. Walker's A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns.

Row 1: using color B, knit until first stitch marker; slip marker, k1, yo, knit until you're one stitch before next stitch marker, yo, k1, slip marker, knit until end of row

Cat's Eye Cowl

Cat's Eye Cowl

I know this yarn is discontinued, but I loved the Arrowhead Lace Cowl I knit out of it so much that I couldn't resist picking up another couple of skeins when I saw it in the store again. Of course, this voluminously draped cowl would look just as nice in another worsted-weight cotton or linen or bamboo or whatnot, and knits up relatively quickly, even with the very wide middle panel (the width is what gives it that drape).

The back

Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Sweet Caroline (100% Cotton; 76 yards [69 meters]/50 grams); #32 Pale Yellow - two to three skeins (I squeaked by with two, but had about 8 inches of yarn left at the end)

Needles: One set of straight needles in size 7

Notions: Tapestry needle

Gauge: 20 stitches = 4 inches

So let's get started! Begin by casting on 8 stitches. Then, we'll go to the set-up pattern, which starts as follows (and whose two rows we'll knit multiple times, until we've increased our stitch count from 8 to 31):

Set-up Row 1 (right side): k1, yo, knit until there are three stitches left in row; p1, k1, p1

Striped for Spring Cowl

Striped for Spring Cowl

Considering this is the... fourth? cowl I've knit in this yarn, you've probably gotten the impression that I dig me some Ultra Pima. And I do. Which is why I thought it would be super fun to knit a wide color change piece with some nice drape. And I have to say, I like the way it turned out... 

Yarn: Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima (100% Pima Cotton; 220 yards [200 meters]/100 grams); #3777 African Violet - 1 skein (Color A), #3705 Heathered Pansy - 1 skein (Color B)

The back.

Needles: One 32" circular needle in size 6, one 24" circular needle, also in size 6

Notions: Tapestry needle, three stitch markers or yarn scraps to mark stitches

Gauge: 22 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette

Using your 32" circular needle and whichever color you've designated as color A (for us, it's African Violet), cast on 210 stitches loosely, place marker, and join in round. Then, purl four rows, placing one marker after 35 stitches, and the second marker when you're 35 stitches away from your row marker on the other side. For now, slip both extra markers when you come to them.

Now that the set-up is complete, let's move on to the pattern. And it goes as follows:

Starry Night Cowl

Starry Night Cowl

I fell in love with this yarn as soon as I touched it; the bamboo and superwash wool give it a very nice feel, and it knits up really nicely, giving the finished fabric a beautiful drape. And as far as my design goes, I started with a cables and lace pattern and then dropped the cables towards the top, so it would drape more gently around the neck. Ultimately, I'm sure a solid color would show off the pattern better than this variegated one does, but this delicate cowl still feels super-good on.

The shoulder. Here, you can see the transition
of the cable into the "starry night" eyelets
above it.

Yarn: Crystal Palace Yarns Panda Superwash (51% Bamboo, 39% Superwash Wool, 10% Nylon; 186 yards [172 meters]/50 grams); #2004 Mint Print - 2 skeins

Needles: One 24" circular needle in size 2, cable needle (cn) or double pointed needle (dpn) for cabling

Notions: Tapestry needle and 3 stitch markers, or scraps of yarn to mark your stitches (this is probably the better option, given the gauge)

Gauge: 31 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette

So let's get started! First, cast on 248 stitches loosely, place marker or yarn scrap, and join in round. Then, knit 24, place another marker, and knit until you have 24 stitches left in your row and place another. Finish the row knitting. And before we get started on the main pattern, let's complete the following rows:

Row 1: purl, slipping extra markers when you come to them

Row 2: knit, slipping extra markers when you come to them

Black & White & Cabled-All-Over Cowl

Black & White & Cabled-All-Over Cowl

First, I apologize for the word play. It's genetic. And seems to get worse with age (sorry, mom, but it's true)... And second, let me introduce this cowl, which I think is one of my most versatile so far. After all, I knit it with a dk weight yarn, but on size 10 needles, to give it a little bit of extra loft. You could just as easily knit it with worsted, however, which would make it that much wider, or even a bulky yarn, if you wanted something super robust. Basically, you can play with this pattern as much as you want, and I think it will still be pretty. This design also changes widths, from a thicker band to be worn closer to the neck, to a thinner band that drapes further down. The sizes of both loops are adjustable, which adds yet another layer of versatility. And finally, the unique seaming method of this cowl means that you won't have any twisted loops to deal with!

Yarn: Rozetti Polaris (65% Dralon, 31% Wool, 4% Ripped Off By Tag Removal; 191 yards [175 meters]/50 grams); #92002 Zenith – two skeins

The first, wider, pattern.
Yes, those are eyelets in the middle of
those cables.

Needles: Straight needles in size 10, cable needle (cn)

Notions: Tapestry needle

Gauge: 21 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette on size 6 needles

We're going to begin this piece with the wider band, which, as you'll see, whittles down when you're about two feet in. To begin with, however, cast on 54 stitches, and then knit three set-up rows, which go as follows:

Set-up Rows 1 & 3 (wrong side): * p4, k4, p4, k2; rep from *, omitting final k2 in last repeat

Set-up Row 2: * k4, p4, k4, p2 *, omitting final p2 from last repeat

And now that that's done, let's pick up a little notation to complete the pattern:

Rustic Lace Cowl

Rustic Lace Cowl

My mom sent me a bunch of yarn for Christmas, and this one stood out to me mostly because it's so OPPOSITE the -45 degree with wind chill weather we're having right now. And yet, it's still nice and pepperminty, for the season. The only thing I should note before we get to it is that you'll probably have to block this cowl, as the scallops curl a bit. If you're as lazy as me, however, you may be able to stretch it into place instead...

Yarn: Kraemer Yarns Tatamy Tweed Worsted (40% Cotton, 60% Acrylic; 180 yards [165 meters]/100 grams); It's A Girl – one skein

The pattern. A feather lace and some
twisted stitches.

Needles: 24" circular needle in size 8

Notions: Tapestry needle, 3 stitch markers

Gauge: 18 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette 

Cast on 156 stitches loosely, place marker, and join in round. Then we'll knit a set-up row or two before we get to the main pattern, which you'll find below. Note that knitting the optional row is a pain in the butt, but creates a pretty design so it might be worth it.

Kids' Bowknot Cowl

Kids' Bowknot Cowl

Naturally, as soon as I had finished the Kids' Star Cowl for my four-year-old, my two-year-old wanted his own "garf" as well. And this bowknot pattern creates a near-perfect cowl slouch and texture. My only word of warning is to be careful about your yarn choice; I had a ton of Superwash wool on hand, and my two-year-old loved this color. It is not, however, as soft as he would prefer, and if you're knitting this for a child who's picky about textures, you may want to go for a light worsted-weight cotton or bamboo instead.

Sizes: Ages 2 - 3 (Ages 4 - 6, Ages 7 - 12)

Bowknot Pattern

Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash (100% Superwash Wool; 220 yards [200 meters]/100 grams); #812 Turquoise – one skein (one skein, one skein)

Needles: 16" circular needle in size 6 (16" circular needle in size 7, 20" circular needle in size 6)

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker

Gauge: 22 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette on size 6 needles

Cast on 90 (90, 108) stitches loosely using your 16" circular needle in size 6 (16" circular needle in size 7, 20" circular needle in size 6), place marker, and join in round. Knit three rows in a k1, p1 ribbing, and then knit one row around. And now that these four rows are complete, let's move on to the main pattern, which is Bowknot Stitch from page 133 of Barbara G. Walker's A Treasury of Knitting Patterns, except adapted for the round. So let's get started!

Kids' Star Cowl

Kids' Star Cowl

The last time I went to the knitting store, my four-year-old got on my case about wanting a new scarf (it's been like two months since I knit him anything, so he's getting antsy). And after an agonizingly long twenty minutes during which he attempted to pick out every novelty yarn in the store (including some sort of weird, Packers-colored ribbon stuff), he finally settled on this green cotton. So it's a bit dark to show off the pattern well, but it's better than the alternatives (I promise!). Of course, the next fight involved getting him to agree to a relatively simple pattern ("no, dear, I can't knit a zebra"), and after about four trial runs on the design itself, this star was born. As you can probably tell from the picture, many of the increases and decreases are embedded in the purl fabric, which disrupts it slightly. Stay tuned for a more adult version of this same star riff, as I'm working out a more elegant way to incorporate those same increases and decreases.

Sizes: Ages 2 - 6 (Ages 6 - 12)

Yarn: Lily Sugar 'n Cream (100% Cotton; 120 yards [109 meters]/70.9 grams); #16 Dark Pine – one skein (two skeins)

The star.
Once again, I apologize for the picture quality.
Children were involved.

Needles: 16" circular needle in size 8 (20" circular needle in size 8)

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker

Gauge: 18 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette 

Cast on 90 (105) stitches loosely, place marker, and join in round. Knit three rows in a k1, p1 ribbing and then we'll move on to the main pattern, for which you'll need the following notation:

rt (right twist): knit two together, leaving stitches on left-hand needle; next, insert right-hand needle from the front between the two stitches just knitted together, and knit the first stitch again. Finally, slip both stitches from left-hand needle together

lt (left twist): with right-hand needle behind left-hand needle, skip one stitch and knit the second stitch in back loop; then insert right-hand needle into the backs of both stitches and k2tog-b (knit two together through back loops, inserting right needle from the right)

Rib & Cable Cowl

Rib & Cable Cowl

With this cowl, I figured it was high time for something simple that sat close to the neck, but still had a striking design. Hence the rib & cable cowl was born. And yeah, that's about it...

A terrible picture of the pattern.
Sorry, my two-year-old was tugging on me.

Yarn: Universal Yarn Classic Shades Sequins Lite (74% Acrylic, 22% Wool, 4% Payette; 264 yards [240 meters]/100 grams); #402 Diamond Mine – one skein

Needles: 24" circular needle in size 7, cable needle (cn) or double pointed needle for cabling

Notions: Tapestry needle

Gauge: 20 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette on size 7 needles

Cast on 135 stitches loosely, place marker, and join in round. And now it's time to begin the pattern, which goes as follows:

Row 1 & 3: * k4, p5; rep from *

Row 2: * k4, yo, p2tog, p1, p2tog, yo *

Ribbed Shell Cowl

Ribbed Shell Cowl

I've been in love with this yarn since the minute I saw it, which must have been a while ago considering it seems to be discontinued. Nevertheless, any similar-weight yarn with a decent drape to it should knit up in this pattern nicely. And this pattern also has a few nice features, like the fan-like drape of the corner of it, as well as the large ribs.

And another picture, this time from
the other side!

Yarn: Misti Alpaca Suri Silk (80% Baby Suri Alpaca, 20% Silk; 218 yards [200 meters]/100 grams); color #20 – one skein

Needles: Straight needles in size 6 (or a circular needle in size 6, but worked back and forth), cable needle (cn) or double-pointed needle for cabling

Notions: Tapestry needle

Gauge: 24 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette on size 6 needles

So let's get started! First, cast on 33 stitches loosely. And then we’ll begin the pattern, although we’ll need the following notation to continue:

bc (back cross): slide three stitches to cn and hold in back; knit three, knit three from cn

So let’s do this thing!

Braid-Edged Cowl

Braid-Edged Cowl

Here's a fairly simply cowl that relies on cabling, ribbing, and garter stitch to create a crisp design. And yeah, that's all I've got...

Yarn: Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima (100% Pima Cotton; 220 yards [200 meters]/100 grams); #3777 African Violet - 1 skein

Needles: Straight needles in size 6 (or a circular needle, but worked back and forth)

Notions: Tapestry needle, cable needle (cn) or extra double-pointed needle for cabling, two stitch markers

Gauge: 22 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette

First, cast on 25 stitches loosely. Also, you'll need the following notation to do the pattern:

fc (front cross): slide three stitches to cn, hold in front, and knit three. Then, knit the three stitches from your cn.

bc (back cross): slide three stitches to cn, hold in back, and knit three. Then, knit the three stitches from your cn.

Zigzag Cowl

Zigzag Cowl

Okay, last year I knit my mother a cowl out of a different color of this same yarn, and I was very impressed by its airy texture and attractive folding. So when I saw another color, especially one with such nice earth tones, I had to get it and try again. This particular cowl is really dang wide (roughly 15" - which makes it layer so nicely), and this variegated yarn suits it perfectly, creating delicate and even stripes. I chose to knit it on the shorter side so that it would sit close to the neck and keep a person warm, but with a few more inches of length it would suit warmer temperatures as well. And it's just so pretty!

The pattern

Yarn: Berroco Comfort Sock (50% Super Fine Nylon, 50% Super Fine Acrylic; 447 yards [412 meters]/100 grams); #1814 Dunedin - one skein

Needles: One set of straight needles in size 3 (fine, I knit it on a 16" circular needle, but that's because I can't stand straights. It's a back-and-forth knit either way)

Notions: Tapestry needle

Gauge: 30 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette

Cast on 80 stitches (you can cast on less, as long as you cast on an even number, if you don't want your piece to be quite as wide. you will lose volume, however). And now, let's begin the pattern, which is Zigzag Lace Trellis from page 190 of Barbara G. Walker's A Treasury of Knitting Patterns.

Row 1 (wrong side) & all other odd rows: purl

Rows 2, 4, and 6: k1, * yo, k2tog; rep from *, end k1

Rows 8, 10, and 12: k1, * ssk, yo *, end k1

V-Neck Cowl

V-Neck Cowl

Okay, so I began this cowl with the idea that it would be more roundish, but I ended up really loving the V-shape, especially when I embellished the bottom (close-up pictures later). I also love the way this yarn knits, drapes, and feels, and this pattern ended up being a good statement piece. If, you know, you're trying to say, "I like to knit V-neck cowls."

Yarn: Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima (100% Pima Cotton; 220 yards [200 meters]/100 grams); #3705 Heathered Pansy - one skein

Needles: Straight or longish circular needle(s) in size 6 and two double-pointed needles (dpns), also in size 6 (or 5, or whatever's close that you've got hanging around).

Notions: Tapestry needle and stitch marker

Notions for optional embellishment: enough beads to do what you want to do, a needle small enough to fit through their little holes, and thread in a color that works with your piece

Gauge: 22 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette

Okay, so let's get started! First, cast on 162 stitches. Next, knit one set-up row (this will be the wrong side of your piece), placing your marker after 81 stitches. And now it's time to begin the pattern, which goes as follows:

Swiss Fan Cowl

Swiss Fan Cowl

Okay, here's another basic cowl, with a bit of added interest due to the scalloped cast-on edge (yes, it looks better upside down). And yeah, that's all I've got in the way of introduction...

Yarn: Cascade 220 Heathers (100% Peruvian Highland Wool; 220 yards [200 meters]/100 grams); #9442 Baby Rose - one skein

A close-up of the pattern.

Needles: One 24" circular needle in size 7

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker or yarn scrap to mark end of round 

Gauge: 20 stitches = 4 inches on size 7 needles

Loosely cast on 126 stitches, place marker, and join in round. The design we'll be knitting is a variation of the Swiss Fan pattern, from page 324 of Barbara G. Walker's A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns, and goes as follows:

Row 1: * p1, k7, p1; rep from *

Rows 2 & 6: * p1, ssk, (yo, k1) 3 times, yo, k2tog, p1 *

Rows 3 & 7: * p1, k9, p1 *

Rows 4 & 8: * p1, ssk, k5, k2tog, p1 *

Rows 5 & 9: * p1, k7, p1 *

Rows 10 & 11: purl

Knit Rows 1 - 11 four times through, and then knit Rows 1 - 8 once more. Bind off loosely. Finally, tuck in ends, 'cause you're done.

Dewdrop Cowl

Dewdrop Cowl

If you've looked at a few of my patterns, you've probably already figured out that I love a cowl (so efficient! good for bicycling! less yarn! etc). So here's a basic but interesting design, worked with worsted weight yarn and a pattern that never gets more complicated than a sl1-k2tog-psso. Overall, I think it's a decent design for a variegated yarn, and easy to work.

Yarn: Berroco Vintage Colors (50% Acrylic, 40% Wool, 10% Nylon; 217 yards [200 meters]/100 grams); #5222 Oasis - one skein

Needles: One 24" circular needle in size 7

The pattern

Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker or yarn scrap to mark end of round 

Gauge: 20 stitches = 4 inches on size 7 needles

So let's get started! Cast on 138 stitches, place marker, and join in round. And now we'll proceed in Dewdrop Pattern, from page 149 of Barbara G. Walker's A Treasury of Knitting Patterns, which I've adapted for the round:

Rows 1 - 3: * k3, p3; rep from * 

Row 4: * yo, sl1-k2tog-psso, yo, k3 *

Rows 5 - 7: * p3, k3 *

Row 8: * k3, yo, sl1-k2tog-psso, yo *

Bear Track Cowl

Bear Track Cowl

Okay, I bought a bunch of skeins of this yarn a loooong time ago, back when I could afford it (also, the local yarn shop was changing hands so it was on sale). And while I've knit it up a couple of different ways, I think that the bear track pattern on this one suits the yarn's variegation and thick-to-thin worsted weight well, although you should note that if you knit it with an unchanging worsted it won't have quite the same funkiness (post pictures if you do, also - I'm curious). Anyway, let's get to it!

Yarn: Misti Alpaca Baby Me Boo (50% Baby Alpaca, 30% Merino, 20% Bamboo; 174 yards [160 meters]/100 grams); #BBH07 Rosario - 1 skein (however, I've developed an uncanny knack for finishing up a skein with little to spare, so if you're a looser knitter, you may want to have two skeins on hand. On the flip side, since this pattern ends with I-cords, you could always use something like ribbon to tie up the cowl if you run out)


Needles: one set of straight needles in size 7, two double-pointed needles (dpns), also in size 7

Close-up of the pattern.
It doesn't pop too much with the
yarn's variegation, but it does add texture.

Notions: tapestry needle

Gauge: 18 stitches = 4 inches

Okay, to knit this piece we're going to start with the center bit (we'll pick up stitches along the edges to do the around-the-neck parts). So, using size 7 needles, cast on 81 stitches. The center piece will be knit in the Bear Track pattern, from page 225 of Barbara G. Walker's A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns, and goes as follows:

Row 1 (right side): k1, * yo, (k1, p1) 7 times, k1, yo, k1; rep from *

Row 2: k1, * p2, (k1, p1) 7 times, p1, k1 *

Row 3: k2, * yo, (k1, p1) 7 times, k1, yo, k3 *, end last repeat k2

Row 4: k2, * p2, (k1, p1) 7 times, p1, k3 *, end last repeat k2

Sunburst Cowl

Sunburst Cowl

If you've poked around my blog at all, you already probably know that I love a good cowl (so efficient! harder for the kids to tug on! never has ends that could dangle in a toilet!, etc). And this is another design, made with sock yarn since that's what I've got hanging around. It's also easy to style in a couple of different shapes, and has a nice, lightweight appearance overall. Well, and yours doesn't have to be yellow...

Oh, and before we get started, I highly recommend you read through the pattern before beginning, just so you know how many repeats of different stitch sets we'll be doing!

Yarn: ShibuiKnits Sock (100% Superwash Merino; 191 yards [175 meters]/50 grams); #1900 Bright Canary Yellow - one skein


Needles: one 24" circular needle in size 4

The ol' pattern close-up.  Notice the holes.

Notions: tapestry needle, three stitch markers or scraps of yarn to mark stitches

Gauge: 26 stitches = 4 inches

To get started, we're going to cast on 198 stitches, place marker, and join in a round. Next, we're going to place the other two markers like so - k30, place another marker, p138, place another marker, and knit to beginning of row (30 stitches).

And now it's time to knit exactly ONE repeat of the main pattern, which goes as follows (we'll return to it later in the piece, although we're gonna do some short rows before we get back to it):

Row 1: p30, slip marker, * k2tog, yo, k1; rep from * until you reach the next marker, slip marker, p30

Rows 2 & 4: k30, slip marker, *k1, p1, k1 * until next marker, slip marker, k30

Row 3: p30, slip marker, * k1, yo, k2tog * until you reach the next marker, slip marker, p30

Handkerchief Cowl

Handkerchief Cowl

Okay, let's be real here.  For some ridiculous reason, I only bought one skein of this yarn, and I bought it on vacation, so I couldn't exactly pop to the store for another.  And that has seriously limited the yarn's utility, although a combination of my small neck and industriousness (I totally had to cut off the cast-on tail and use it to cast off; that's how low on yarn I was) has produced a decent result.  That being said, let's take a moment to talk about sizing!

As mentioned, I have a small neck.  I also have a healthy stash of scraps, so finding something else to make the I-cord to finish this beast was easy (I used the leftovers from the Arrowhead Lace Cowl).  However, I strongly, STRONGLY suggest having two skeins of yarn on hand to work this piece (or at least 100 yards), especially if your neck is any bigger than mine (12" around, by my husband's measure).  Furthermore, I suggest working the lace portion of this pattern to your neck's circumference, if not larger, for fit and comfort (the overall circumference of the piece is slightly larger, based on the positioning of the eyelets for the I-cord lacing, but not much).  Then you might even have enough yarn to work a matching I-cord!

Yarn: Cascade Luna (100% Peruvian Cotton; 82 yards [75 meters]/50 grams); #727 Coral - 1 - 2 skeins (2 highly recommended), plus some stash scrap yarn in a complimentary color, should you decide to knit the I-cord from a different material

A close-up of the closure

Needles: One set of straight needles in size 7, one cable needle (cn) or double pointed needle (dpn) for cabling, one set of dpns in size 7 for working the I-cord

Notions: Tapestry needle

Gauge: 18 stitches = 4 inches

Let's get this party started!  First, cast on 12 stitches.  Now, we're immediately going to begin working a double cable (from page 243 of Barbara G. Walker's A Treasury of Knitting Patterns), which goes as follows:

Rows 1, 3, 5, & 7 (wrong side): k2, p8, k2

Row 2: p2, slip next 2 stitches to cn and hold in back, k2, k2 from cn, slip next 2 stitches to cn and hold in front, k2, k2 from cn, p2

Rows 4, 6, & 8: p2, k8, p2

Arrowhead Lace Cowl

Arrowhead Lace Cowl

The idea for this cowl has been brewing for some time now, and I finally got a yarn that seemed perfect for it (also, the fact that it's basically a worsted-weight cotton makes it knit up quickly, and have a nice, cozy weight).  Basically, it's buttoned in the back, with a ribbed section to go around the neck, and then it explodes into a wide lace bit for the front.  And it's really fun to knit, if I do say so myself.

Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Sweet Caroline (100% Cotton; 76 yards [69 meters]/50 grams); #4021 White/Yellow - two skeins

Needles: One set of straight needles in size 7

Notions: Tapestry needle, 3 1/2" or 7/16" inch buttons, plus needle and thread if your yarn won't fit through the button holes

The pattern, yo.

Gauge: 20 stitches = 4 inches

So let's get started!  Cast on 21 stitches, and work the first couple of rows to include buttonholes as follows:

Row 1 (right side): * k1, p1; repeat from *

Row 2: * p1, k1 *

Row 3 (buttonhole row): k1, k2tog, yo, (p1, k1) x 3, k2tog, yo, (p1, k1) x 3, p1, yo, ssk, k1

Continue to work fabric in a k1, p1 ribbing until piece measures about 4 inches in length, and you're just about to begin a right-side row.  Now it's time to work some short rows for shaping.

Dimpled Eyelet Cowl

Dimpled Eyelet Cowl

Okay, I hate to sound like an orange-yarn-hating jerk here, but I'm SO GLAD I FINISHED KNITTING THE TWO SKEINS OF THIS STUFF I BOUGHT (since I already knit the Feather Lace Cowl and the Gathered Mesh Cowl out of the same yarn).  Pheee-eeeew.  And now that that's off my chest, let's talk about the pattern.  At heart, this thing is based on an upside-down picot eyelet, and it's knit from the top down with stitches added every other row for shape (this also helps stagger the eyelet pattern).  It's a shape that's been brewing in my head for awhile now too, so I'm glad it's finally come to fruition.  It's also got a very lovely texture!

Yarn: Cascade Yarns Sateen (100% Acrylic; 300.7 yards [275 meters]/100 grams); #24 Orange Poppy - one skein


Ze pattern, mes amis.

Needles: One 24" circular needle in size 4

Notions: two stitch markers or scraps of yarn, tapestry needle

Gauge: 24 stitches = 4 inches

Cast on 161 stitches, place marker, join in round. 

Set-up Row 1: purl 80 stitches, place second marker, purl

Set-up Row 2: knit, slipping second marker when you come to it