Flake CowL

Flake Cowl by Claire LE DOLEDEC

What is Being Made

The Flake Cowl is an intermediate-level knitted cowl designed by independent designer Claire LE DOLEDEC. This downloadable PDF pattern produces a finished cowl measuring 9.5 inches (24 cm) in height with a circumference of 13 inches (33 cm) at the bottom and 11.5 inches (29 cm) at the top, making it a versatile neckwear piece suitable for layering and everyday wear.

Techniques Used

The Flake Cowl employs fundamental circular knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The pattern begins with casting on stitches in the round using circular needles, with careful attention paid to avoiding twisted stitches at the join. The cowl is constructed by working in the round continuously, which creates a seamless tubular fabric. The design incorporates color work, utilizing both a main color and a contrasting color yarn to create visual interest and depth in the finished piece.

Stitches Used

The stitch pattern foundation begins with moss stitch, also known as seed stitch, which is worked over two rows by alternating knit and purl stitches. The pattern uses the following abbreviations:

• K : knit stitch
• P : purl stitch
• St(s) : stitch or stitches
• tog : together (for decreases)
• C : color
• R : row

The primary decorative stitch pattern employed is champ fleuri (which translates to "flowering field"), a traditional knitting stitch pattern that creates a textured, dimensional surface. This stitch pattern adds visual complexity and tactile interest to the cowl beyond the foundational moss stitch base.

Materials and Specifications

The Flake Cowl requires circular needles in US 6/4 mm size with a 22-inch (55 cm) length for working the stitches in the round. The pattern calls for DK weight yarn, a lightweight yarn category ideal for creating fabric with good drape and definition of stitch patterns.

Yardage requirements are as follows: the main color requires 175 meters of yarn (shown in the pattern using Katia Mérino Soft in the natural shade "3"), while the contrasting color requires 100 meters (demonstrated using Mercredi & Cie Superfine Alpaga in the mandarine shade "0784"). The pattern also requires one stitch marker to denote the beginning of each round and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends upon completion.

Gauge is specified as 22 stitches and 30 rows measured over 4 inches (10 cm) of stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions. The pattern begins by casting on 144 stitches, which are then joined in the round to begin circular knitting.

The initial construction involves working 0.8 inches (2 cm) of moss stitch in the main color before progressing to the champ fleuri stitch pattern and introducing the contrasting color yarn. This foundation creates a stable, non-rolling edge suitable for a cowl neckline.