Goldie Collar

Goldie Collar by Kari-Helene Rane

What is Being Made

The Goldie Collar is a sophisticated knitted cowl designed by independent designer Kari-Helene Rane. This elegant neckwear piece functions as both a collar and scarf, offering versatile styling options for everyday wear. The finished garment measures 58 cm in width and 37 cm in depth, providing generous coverage and a luxurious drape around the neck and shoulders.

Craft and Construction Method

This project is created using the knitting craft, classified as an advanced difficulty level. The Goldie Collar employs a sophisticated construction technique that combines multiple stitch patterns and finishing details to create a polished, professional-looking accessory. The design incorporates functional buttonhole closures, demonstrating intermediate to advanced knitting skills including shaping, stitch manipulation, and garment finishing.

Stitch Patterns and Techniques

The Goldie Collar utilizes several key knitting techniques:

• Moss Stitch - The primary stitch pattern, created by alternating knit and purl stitches (k1, p1) across each row, then alternating the opposite stitch on the following row. This creates a textured, dimensional fabric with excellent drape and visual interest.
• Slip Stitch - Used on the back of the work to create neat, finished edges and maintain stitch definition throughout the piece.
• One-Row Buttonhole - A refined buttonhole technique worked in a single row using knit 2 together (k2tog), purl 2 together (p2tog), and slip stitch manipulations. This creates secure, functional closures positioned at three points along the collar.
• Knit 2 Together (k2tog) and Purl 2 Together (p2tog) - Decrease stitches used within the buttonhole construction and throughout the garment shaping.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Goldie Collar is designed to be worked in Purl Alpaca Medium, a luxurious yarn composed of 100% English Alpaca. This premium natural fiber provides exceptional softness, warmth, and a beautiful lustrous finish. The yarn is supplied in 50-gram balls with approximately 77 meters of yardage per ball. The project requires 3 balls of yarn, photographed in the shade Alpaca Copper, which provides a warm, sophisticated tone ideal for the collar's elegant aesthetic.

Needles and Tools

The Goldie Collar is worked using 4.5 mm and 5 mm knitting needles, available in straight or circular configurations. Circular needles are recommended due to the substantial number of stitches required for the finished width. Needle size adjustments may be necessary to achieve the correct gauge. Additional notions include 3 medium-sized buttons for the functional closures and a blunt tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and securing buttons.

Gauge and Tension

The specified tension for the Goldie Collar is 19 stitches and 26 rows to a 10 cm square when measured over stocking stitch using 4.5 mm needles. The gauge swatch should be measured after light steaming to account for the alpaca fiber's blocking characteristics. Achieving correct tension is essential for obtaining the specified finished measurements and ensuring proper drape of the completed collar.

Yarn Weight and Project Classification

This project utilizes worsted weight yarn, a medium-weight classification that provides excellent stitch definition for the moss stitch pattern while maintaining comfortable wear and appropriate drape for a collar garment. The worsted weight combined with the luxurious alpaca fiber creates a garment that is both visually striking and comfortable for extended wear.