Terms of Use: This design is the property of Heidi Kirrmaier. It is copyrighted, and is for personal and non-profit use only, meaning you may knit it for yourself, for a gift, or for charity. You may not sell an item made from this pattern. You may not reproduce the pattern on, or distribute it from a website. It may not be translated, reproduced or circulated in another language without the express written consent of Heidi Kirrmaier. Downloading, or printing the pattern constitutes agreement within these terms. Thank you!
NOTES:
The instructions are written for 2 different gauges: heavy dk (Option 1) and medium dk (Option 2) yarn. Instructions for Option 2 are given in brackets. Select your yarn and gauge so your knit fabric, after blocking, is just a little drapey but stillfirm and warm! To modify the instructions for a smaller or larger cowl, or for another gauge, simply adjust the number of CO sts by a multiple of 10, and adjust the number of rows to achieve the desired size. For a Men's version, consider making it a bit smaller, e.g. reduce the number of CO sts by about 20-30 sts (which will require about 1 5% less yarn). Worked in the round, from top to bottom. It begins with a provisional cast on, so the live CO sts can be knit together with working sts to form the casing for the drawstring. You can make a drawstring by crocheting a chain, making a twisted cord, or knitting an i-cord. Alternatively, you can use a ready made, purchased or re-purposed cord.
SIZE:
top circumference: approximately 75 cm (30 inches) bottom circumference: approximately 90 cm (35 inches) height: approximately 27 cm (11 inches) drawstring length: approximately 100 cm (40 inches)
MATERIALS & GAUGE:
| Option 1 (heavy dk) | Option 2 (medium dk) | |
| Gauge / 10 cm (4 inches): | 20 sts x 28 rows | 22stsx 31 rows |
| Suggestedneedle size: | 3.75 mm (US 5) | 3.5 mm (US 4) |
| Sample Yarn MC: | LionessArtsSilkyMerino | Rowan RYC Cashsoft DK |
| Sample Colour MC: | 'Irene Adler' | #518 |
| YarnamountMC: | 300 m (335 yds) | 320 m (355 yds) |
| Sample Yarn CC: | SMCSelectExtraSoftMerinoAlpaca | |
| Sample Colour CC: | 'Fire' | |
| Yarn amount CC: | 50 m (55 yds) |
TOOLS:
60 cm (24 inches) long circular needle of size to obtain gauge = working needle spare circular needle of any length and the same or smaller size as working needle crochet hook for provisional cast on, approx. 4 mm (US 6) (Size is not critical.) approx. 5 metres (yards) of waste yarn for provisional crochet cast on 1 stitchmarker tapestry needle for weaving in ends safety pin for pulling drawstring through casing
LINKS that may be helpful:
Provisional crochet cast on: https:/www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3J-sUx whE Knit i-cord: http:/ /www.purlbee.com/2006/09 /29 /i-cord / Twisted cord: http:/ /www.knittingdaily.com/media/p/63164.aspx Tassels: http:/ /www.fiber-images.com/Free Things/How Tos/free how to make tassel twisted cord.html
INSTRUCTIONS:
With waste yarn, crochet cast on 150 [170] sts onto working needle. With MC yarn and working needle, knit across crochet cast on sts. ( This completes the provisional cast on.) Join in the round, being careful not to twist the sts. Place marker for beginning of rounds. First 10 [1 1] rounds: k. Next round: k71 [81], yo, ssk, k4, k2tog, yo, k to end. ( This makes the holes for the ends of the drawstring. Note: If you changed the number of CO sts, the number of k sts before the first yo = CO sts/2 - 4). Next 3 rounds:k. waste yarn and place live CO sts onto spare needle, starting at the beg of the round Next round: fold the CO sts being held on the spare needle under your work, to align with working needle from behind. Using working needle in right hand, k tog one working st on main needle with one CO st on spare needle, until all sts are used up. (This completes the casing for the drawstring.)
Next 22 [25] rounds: k. Next round: \*k10, mll; repeat from \* to end. (15 [17] sts inc'd) Next 23 [26] rounds p. (Note: For the 2 colour version, work the first 8 [9] rounds in MC, the next 7 [8] rounds in CC, and the next 8 [9] rounds in MC). Next round: k. Next round: k5, m1l, \*k11, m1l; repeat from \* to last 6 sts, k to end. (15 [17] sts inc'd) Next 21 [24] rounds: k Next round: p. Next round: k. Next round: p. Next round: k. Next round: p. BO loosely, knitwise. (You may wish to use a larger needle to ensure a loose BO.)
FINISHING:
Weave in ends. Wash and dry as instructed on yarn label. Select or make a drawstring (see Notes) approximately 100 cm (40 inches) long. Attach safety pin to one end and pull through casing, starting by entering one of the 'yo' holes, and ending by exiting the other. Remove safety pin. Tie a knot at each end of the drawstring, or get creative and attach pom-poms, tassels, beads or whatever you like to match the personality of the person who will wear it! (The pink sample has a 2 stitch i-cord; the grey and red sample has a crochet chain made from a double strand of CC yarn using a 4.5 mm (US 7) hook.)
ABBREVIATIONS:
| BO=bindoff | MC=maincolour |
| CC=contrastcolour | nd = d |
| CO = cast on | st(s) = stitch(es) |
| inc(s)=increase(s) | tog = together |
| k = knit | yo =yarn over |
| mll = make one left: with right needle lift bar between needles onto the left needle so the right side of it is at the front, then knit into the back of it | |
| ssk = slip 2 sts individually as if to knit, then knit through backs of loops | |
Nick - Copyright Heidi Kirrmaier Update December 6, 2014
