Pilot Cowl
by Dominique Trad
For those who might want to use a heavier weight yarn than Fingering but don't want the bulk of Worsted/Aran, the Pilot cowl is the way to go. It is virtually the same as the Copilot cowl but I've written it up separately to provide the specifics for a single skein of DK or Sport yarn and to make it easy to find in a search for that yardage and yarn weight. A good length for the single looped drape of a warmer day and with enough length for a comfortable second loop, one skein of DK or Sport and you're off! Just like the Copilot, it is simple and features a garter stitch section separating the mesh. It may be adjusted in both length and width according to your taste. The sample goes around the neck 2 times.
Materials & Tools
1 skein of 100g DK or Sport weight (8 - 5ply) yarn. I used 210m of Sport for the sample. 5mm/US8 & 6mm/US10 circular needles (I used 80cm long) 1 marker to show start of new row.
Gauge
Not important (as you like it). I used 6mm needles on a Sport yarn because I like a loose soft drape. Go with what is comfortable for you but adjust your yarn expectations accordingly.
Size
Sample is 16cm wide with a circumference of 120cm (unblocked because I don't think it needs it).
Abbreviations
K = Knit. YO = Yarn over needle to create a stitch. P = Purl. K2tog = Knit 2 stitches together to dec 1.
Instructions
If you want to work to the yarn amount you have, weigh your yarn before you begin. Using 6mm/US10 needles , cast on 180sts (or any multiple of 2) and join making sure not to twist. Place marker. Change to 5mm/Us8 needles and knit garter edge as follows:
14 Round Pattern (2st repeat)
1: Purl 2: Knit 3: Purl 4: Knit 5: Purl 6: Knit (Weigh here for indication of how much to leave for other end and cast off. This used amount should be no more than about 1/8 your total starting weight in order not to run out of yarn). 7: (YO, K2TOG) repeat to end. 8: Knit. Repeat the last 2 rounds 4 times (14 rounds worked from cast on). (Weigh here for indication of how much yarn is required per 14 round repeat). Repeat the last 14 rounds twice more and then the first 6 rows once more. Cast off loosely using larger needles or using a stretchy bind off method (link on pattern page) or any method that works for you!
Blocking
There is no need to block this cowl. Happy knitting! ① Dominique Trad 2015 Ravelry: Domknit
