Lahinch

Lahinch Cowl by Sabrina Schumacher

What is Being Made

Lahinch is a bandana-style cowl inspired by the coastal Irish village of Lahinch, located near the Cliffs of Moher. This knitted cowl is designed as a versatile accessory that combines a triangular construction with a tubular finish, creating a unique garment that can be worn as a neck wrap or bandana. The finished cowl measures 50 cm (19.7") in circumference and 32 cm (12.6") in height, making it a substantial accessory piece suitable for layering and styling.

Knitting Techniques Used

Lahinch employs a distinctive bottom-up construction method that begins with a triangular shape before transitioning into a tube. The pattern starts at the tip of the triangle, where the knitter works flat in rows using a diamond stitch pattern. Once the triangular section reaches the desired dimensions, additional stitches are cast on to close the triangle into a tube, after which the knitter switches to working in the round to complete the cowl. This technique creates visual interest and an asymmetrical design element.

The pattern incorporates elongated stitches, which are a key design feature. The tension used when working elongated stitches affects the final appearance—knitting them more loosely results in smaller holes within the stitch pattern, allowing the knitter to customize the fabric's openness and drape.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern featured in Lahinch is a diamond pattern worked during the initial flat rows. The cowl is primarily constructed using stockinette stitch, which serves as the base fabric and is used to measure gauge. The cable cast-on method is specified for this project, providing a sturdy, elastic edge suitable for a cowl that will be worn close to the body.

Materials and Specifications

The recommended yarn for Lahinch is Textilmanufactur Tanz 100% Merino superwash, a premium merino wool yarn that offers softness and easy care. This yarn comes in a worsted weight (aran) with a yardage of 145 meters (159 yards) per 100 grams. The pink version shown in the pattern is called Candy Can, and the project requires 2 skeins of yarn to complete.

Needles required include a 5.0 mm (US #8) circular needle measuring at least 80 cm (32") in length. The longer circular needle length accommodates the cowl's circumference and allows for comfortable working in the round once the triangle is closed into a tube.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 19 stitches by 28 rows equals 10 cm (4") in stockinette stitch after blocking. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements. The pattern is offered in one size, with the finished dimensions of 50 cm (19.7") circumference and 32 cm (12.6") height.

Difficulty Level

Lahinch is rated as an intermediate knitting project. The combination of flat and in-the-round knitting, the diamond stitch pattern, and the transition from a triangular to tubular construction require solid fundamental knitting skills and comfort with pattern reading and shaping techniques.