Lace Front Cowl

Lace Front Cowl by Sharon Slarke

What is Being Made

The Lace Front Cowl is a softly draping, light cotton cowl designed by Sharon Slarke. This cowl features a distinctive lace panel at the front, creating an elegant and delicate accessory. With a circumference of 70cm (27.5 inches) and a width of 30cm (12 inches), this cowl is sized to drape gracefully around the neck and shoulders, making it a versatile piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs circular knitting techniques, worked in the round using three different sized circular needles to create the proper fabric tension and structure. The pattern incorporates lace knitting, a technique that creates openwork patterns through strategic yarn overs and decreases. The lace pattern featured in this cowl originates from Creative Knitting, a 1980s English knitting series volume three, bringing a classic vintage design aesthetic to a contemporary accessory. The construction method allows for seamless, continuous knitting, resulting in a polished finished garment.

Stitches Used

The primary stitches featured in this pattern include:

• Stockinette Stitch (Stocking Stitch) – the foundational stitch used for the main body, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric
• Lacy Bands – a repeating lace pattern worked over a multiple of 9 stitches plus 2 stitches, featuring:
• Yarn forwards (yf) – creating deliberate eyelet holes in the fabric
• Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (skpo) – a left-leaning decrease
• Knit two together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease
• Purl stitches – used to frame and define the lace panel sections

These stitches work in combination to create the characteristic openwork appearance of the lace front panel while maintaining structural integrity throughout the cowl.

Materials and Gauge

This project calls for DK weight yarn (also known as 8ply), specifically demonstrated with Heirloom 8ply cotton. The pattern requires 2 balls of 50g yarn (approximately 240 meters or 262 yards total), with very little yarn remaining after completion, making accurate gauge essential. The yarn is 100% cotton, contributing to the light, breathable quality of the finished cowl.

Three circular needles in graduated sizes are required: 4mm, 3.75mm, and 3.25mm needles, each 40cm (16 inches) in length. The gauge is 20 stitches to 10cm (4 inches) in Stockinette Stitch using 4mm needles. Checking gauge before beginning is strongly recommended to ensure proper fit and fabric drape, as the cowl's dimensions depend on maintaining this precise gauge throughout the project.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner level, making it accessible to knitters new to the craft while still offering the opportunity to learn lace knitting techniques. The straightforward construction in the round and the classic lace pattern provide an excellent introduction to openwork knitting without overwhelming complexity.