Product Description
The French Braid Cowl combines the elegance of braided cables with the wind-stopping density of ribbed fabric to create a functional and beautiful addition to your winter wardrobe. Side splits allow this cowl to fit comfortably on your shoulders under your coat to keep you nice and toasty. Hidden increases help the cowl gradually grow to hug your body and create cables that mimic the structure of a French braid, in which hair strands are incorporated bit by bit.
With four sizes from Toddler to Adult L, you can make parent-child or sibling matching sets! (Size shown is Adult S on a model with a head circumference of 21.75”/55 cm and a bust of 40”/102 cm. The split sides of the cowl help it to sit comfortably on a wide range of shoulder widths.)
Both written and charted instructions are given for the cable panels.
Due to the nature of PDF patterns, I cannot offer any refunds on them.
French Braid Cowl by Allison Bostrom
What Is Being Made
The French Braid Cowl is a knitted neck accessory designed by Allison Bostrom of Clair de Lune Fiber Art. This cowl features decorative braid-inspired cable work that wraps around the neck, combining both visual interest and warmth in a versatile garment suitable for intermediate knitters.
Craft and Techniques
This project uses the knitting craft, making it ideal for those with some experience in the fiber arts. The design incorporates cable knitting techniques, which involve manipulating stitches to create dimensional, braided patterns across the fabric. Cable work requires the use of a cable needle to temporarily hold stitches while others are worked, creating the characteristic twisted and interlocked appearance that defines this cowl's aesthetic.
Stitches Used
The pattern employs several specialized cable stitches to achieve its French braid effect:
- C2B (Cable 2 Back): Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold in back, knit 1 stitch, then knit 1 from cable needle
- C2F (Cable 2 Front): Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold in front, knit 1 stitch, then knit 1 from cable needle
- 2/1RC (2 over 1 Right Cable): Slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold in back, knit 2 stitches, then knit 1 from cable needle
- 2/1LC (2 over 1 Left Cable): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold in front, knit 1 stitch, then knit the 2 stitches from cable needle
- Knit stitch (k): The fundamental stitch that forms the base fabric
These cable variations work together to create the braided texture characteristic of the design.
Materials and Yarn
The French Braid Cowl is designed for worsted and aran weight yarn (weight category 4). The sample was created using Caron Simply Soft in Off White. Yardage requirements vary by size: the smallest size requires approximately 165 yards (90 grams), while larger sizes need up to 340 yards (185 grams). This yardage range allows crafters to choose their desired finished dimensions.
Needles and Tools
The pattern calls for 3.5 mm circular needles measuring 16 to 20 inches (40 to 51 centimeters), or the size needed to achieve proper gauge. Knitters may wish to switch to longer circular needles as the cowl expands during construction. A cable needle or double-pointed needle is essential for working the cable stitches. Additional notions include a stitch marker, tape measure, scissors, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends.
Difficulty Level
Rated as intermediate, this pattern is best suited for knitters who have mastered basic knitting techniques and have some experience working with cables. The cable stitches require attention and practice, but the pattern provides clear abbreviations and stitch definitions to guide crafters through the construction process.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Aran, Worsted |
| Pages: | 0 |
| Designer: | Allison Bostrom |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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