Entangled Cowl

Entangled Cowl by Janelle Martin

What is Being Made

The Entangled Cowl is a lightweight, circular cowl designed for warm-weather wear or as an alternative to animal fiber garments. This is the third pattern in a series of linen and hemp cowls, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking breathable, plant-based fiber accessories. The cowl is worked seamlessly in the round, creating a continuous tube of fabric that can be worn draped around the neck.

Techniques and Construction

This cowl is worked in the round on a short circular needle, eliminating the need for seaming. The pattern includes both written and charted instructions, providing flexibility for knitters who prefer to follow text directions or visual stitch charts. The lace pattern creates an openwork design that enhances the breathability of the finished piece, making it particularly suitable for summer layering.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The Entangled Cowl features a lace pattern that forms the primary design element. The stitch pattern is worked at a gauge of 22.5 stitches and 24 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) when blocked, with the lace pattern itself worked at approximately 6 stitches per inch. This combination of gauges creates the characteristic openwork texture typical of lace cowls.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for 125 yards of sport weight yarn in plant fiber content, preferably with linen or hemp fibers for authenticity and performance. The cowl shown in the pattern photograph was created using Classic Elite Allegoro (152 yards per 50 grams, color 5616 Parchment), requiring 1 skein.

Alternative yarn options include a curated selection of plant-based fibers:

• Classic Elite Firefly
• Classic Elite Cotton Bamboo
• Lana Grossa Giava
• Hemp for Knitting Hempton Medium
• Elann Linen Twist
• Elann Camila
• Elann Canapone
• Richmore Kinuasa
• Lana Grossa Lino
• Karen Noe Design Linea Hør
• Berroco NaturLin
• Marks & Kattens Lin
• Lana Gatto Iside
• Hamanaka Paume Cotton Linen

Skill Level and Difficulty

Rated as Advanced Beginner, the Entangled Cowl is accessible to knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle lace patterns. The combination of in-the-round construction and lace work makes this an excellent intermediate project for developing proficiency with circular needles and charted stitch patterns.