Clowder is an archaic term for a group, or cluster, of cats. This cowl pattern is named such, as it uses a repeating gathered stitch that looks like a cat's nose and whiskers!
This pattern was designed to use small amounts of handspun yarn from hand painted top. The surface pattern will be more obvious when using yarns with shorter colour runs, and subtle when worked in yarns with a more gradual colour change. Be sure to choose a fibre for this that is "next to the skin" soft. Either the short or tall cowl may be worked with under 2 oz (6og) of yarn. It can also be worked in finer yarn, and will then yield a fabric with more drape. If a looser fitting cowl is preferred, increase the cast on number to 84 stitches, keeping in mind that greater yardage will be needed. FINISHED MEASUREMENTS Circumference: 18 inches Height: 5.5 /7.5 inches
MATERIALS
Samples shown have been knit in the following handspun yarn: Southern Cross Fibre [S. American Merino/Corriedale]; colour: Buccaneer; 2 oz (55g), 3-ply, 9wpi. http://shop.southerncrossfibre.com/ Spunky Eclectic [BFL top]; colour: Thermograph; 2 oz (55g), Navajo plied, 9wpi. http://www.spunkyeclectic.com/ Hello Yarn [Corriedale Top];colour: Seasick; 2 oz (55g), low-twist singles, 12wpi. http: //shop.helloyarn.com/ Commercial alternative: Any non-scratchy worsted weight yarn, approx. 1oo yds for full sized pattern. 1-16"length US #8/5mm circular needle Notions required: stitch marker (optional), darning needle
GAUGE
16 sts/24rows $=$ 4" in stockinette stitch (washed and blocked), but exact gauge is not crucial for this pattern. This pattern is worked in the round using a $\mathbf{16}^{\mathfrak{s}}$ circular needle. You may use two circular needles, or one long circular needle (magic loop), but it may be challenging to use double pointed needles due to the many yarn floats on the right side of the work. All stitches are slipped purlwise.
When working the stitches that are slipped with the yarn in front, be sure to spread out the seven slipped stitches along the right needle before working the next knit stitch. This will help to make the float long enough so that the resulting fabric will not pucker. Gathering Stitch: Insert the tip of the right needle from below under the four loose strands, reverse YO (clockwise), then pull needle back down and through. Slip the YO loop to the left needle purlwise, then knit this and the next stitch together through the back loop. Be sure to work this k2tog stitch snugly so that the floats are gathered up.
PATTERN
Cast on 70 stitches, using long-tail cast on, or your preferred stretchy method. Rows 1: Knit Row 2: Purl Row 3: Knit Row 4: Purl Rows 5 & 6: Knit Row 7: \*Knit 7 st, slip the next 7 st with yarn held in front\*, repeat from \*to \*. Row 8, 10 & 12: Knit Rows 9, 11, 13: Same as row 7. Row 14: Knit 10, Gathering stitch(see notes),\* knit 13, gathering stitch\*, repeat from \*to \*, knit 3. Row 15: \*Slip the next 7 st with yarn held in front, knit $7^{*}$ , repeat from \*to \*. Rows 16, 18, & 20: Knit Rows 17, 19 & 21: Same as row 15. Row 22: Knit 3, \*Gathering stitch, knit $13^{*}$ , repeat from \*to \*. Repeat rows 7-22 one more time for the short cowl (or twice for the high cowl). Rows 39(55) & 40(56): Knit Row 41(57): Purl Row 42(58): Knit Row 42(59): Purl Row 44(60): Knit Cast off using EZ's sewn bind off (leaving a generous tail of 4x circumference for sewing), or other very stretchy bind off of choice. Repeat rows 7 through 22 once for the shorter cowl, and twice for the taller version.
FINISHING
Sew in ends, then soak/wash and block. While blocking, stretch horizontally to block out “whiskers", and shape top and bottom to accentuate the scalloped edges.
This pattern is offered free for use. Please consider making a small donation to your local animal shelter in support of the many cats in need of a loving home.
