Slipstream

Slipstream Lace Cowl by Maria Montzka

What is Being Made

The Slipstream is a lace cowl designed by Maria Montzka and published by Stitched in Sweden. This cowl is a circular neckwear piece with a finished circumference of 40 inches (101 cm), making it a versatile accessory suitable for various wearing styles. The cowl features lace patterning throughout, creating an elegant and airy design that works well as both a functional neck warmer and a decorative fashion piece.

Knitting Techniques and Stitch Work

The Slipstream employs fundamental lace knitting techniques that are accessible to beginner knitters. The pattern incorporates several key decreasing methods to create the openwork characteristic of lace designs. These techniques include:

• Knit 2 together (k2tog) - a basic right-leaning decrease used throughout the pattern
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) - a left-leaning decrease created by slipping 2 stitches knitwise individually, then knitting them together through the back loop
• Knit 3 together (k3tog) - a double decrease that removes two stitches in one stitch
• Slip, slip, slip, knit 3 together (sssk) - an advanced double decrease using three slipped stitches
• Slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over (sl1-k2tog-psso) - a centered double decrease technique
• Lift, knit, yarn over, knit (lift-k-yo-k) - a stitch manipulation that picks up the right leg of the stitch below, creating texture and shaping

The pattern uses standard knit (k) and purl (p) stitches as foundational elements, combined with yarn overs to create the lace openings. The combination of these decreases and yarn overs produces the characteristic lace fabric with its delicate, open appearance.

Materials and Gauge

The Slipstream requires approximately 620 yards (567 meters) of fingering weight yarn, with the sample photographed in Quince and Co. Tern in the Terra Cotta colorway. The pattern calls for 3 skeins of yarn to complete the project. Knitters should use US 5 (3.75mm) circular or straight needles, depending on their preference for working in the round or flat.

The gauge is established at 21 stitches and 28 rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches) in pattern after light blocking. While the pattern notes that gauge is not critical for this particular cowl, achieving the correct gauge will affect both the yarn yardage requirement and the finished size of the completed piece.

Difficulty Level and Project Scope

The Slipstream is rated as a beginner-level knitting project, making it an excellent choice for knitters new to lace work. Despite the variety of decrease techniques employed, the pattern is structured to teach these fundamental lace-making skills in an accessible way. The cowl format provides a manageable project scope—smaller than a full garment but substantial enough to develop lace knitting proficiency.