Penarddun

Penarddun Lace Cowl by Charlotte Walford

What Is Being Made

Penarddun is a beautiful lace cowl designed by Charlotte Walford for Fyberspates. This versatile neckwear features an elegant combination of a simple eyelet pattern framed by a decorative border of buds, creating a refined accessory with excellent drape and warmth. The pattern is available in two sizes: a Short cowl with a circumference of 60cm (23.5 inches) and a Long cowl with a circumference of 120cm (47 inches). Both versions maintain a consistent width of 24cm (9.5 inches) at the widest point, making this cowl suitable for various styling preferences and occasions.

Techniques and Construction Methods

Penarddun is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques combined with intermediate-level lace work. The pattern employs a combination of decreases and yarn overs to create the characteristic openwork design. Key techniques include:

• Yarn overs (yo) – used throughout to create the eyelet pattern and lace effects
• Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (Sl2, K1, p2sso and Sl1, K2tog, psso) – double decreases that shape the lace borders
• Knit two together (K2tog) – single decreases used for shaping and pattern definition
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK) – a left-leaning decrease employed for balanced decreasing
• Make one right and make one left (M1R and M1L) – increases used to maintain stitch counts during shaping rows
• Purl through back loop (P1tbl and K1tbl) – twisted stitches that add texture and definition to edges

Stitch Patterns

The cowl features the Enchanted Forest pattern, which forms the primary lace design. This pattern is worked over a 23-stitch repeat and creates the distinctive eyelet and bud border effects through strategic placement of yarn overs and decreases. The pattern is worked from written row-by-row instructions, with alternating right-side (RS) and wrong-side (WS) rows. Right-side rows contain the decorative decreases and yarn overs that form the visible lace, while wrong-side rows are primarily purled to create smooth fabric between pattern rows. The pattern includes both increase and decrease rows that shape the cowl while maintaining the lace aesthetic.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Penarddun is designed to be worked with Fyberspates Faery Wings, a luxurious blend yarn containing 69% Mulberry Silk, 22% Silk, and 9% other fibers. This yarn composition provides the perfect balance of drape and warmth essential to the cowl's design. The pattern is worked on 3.5mm needles and is suitable for 4-ply and sport weight yarns. Tension is critical to this lace pattern: knitters should aim for 26 stitches and 32 rows over 10cm using the Enchanted Forest pattern on 3.5mm needles before blocking, with the pattern adjusting to 23 stitches and 30 rows over 10cm after blocking. The cowl is worked flat and requires blocking to achieve the final measurements and proper lace definition.

Difficulty Level

Penarddun is rated as an intermediate knitting project. While the basic stitches involved are fundamental, the combination of lace techniques, multiple decreases in a single row, and the need to maintain pattern accuracy across numerous rows makes this suitable for knitters with some experience. The pattern requires attention to detail and familiarity with reading lace charts or written pattern instructions, making it an excellent project for advancing knitters seeking to refine their lace skills.