Even Cowgirls

Even Cowgirls Knit Shawl by Laura Aylor

What Is Being Made

Even Cowgirls is a Texas-sized triangular shawl designed by Laura Aylor for Fogbound Knits. This knitted wrap features a textured body with decorative fringe, creating a statement piece that combines style with generous coverage. The finished shawl measures approximately 72 inches across with 30 inches of fringe depth after blocking, making it a substantial accessory suitable for layering or draping.

Construction Technique

This shawl is knit from the top down, a popular method that allows knitters to try on the garment as it grows and easily adjust the final size by adding or removing rows. The pattern incorporates extra increases throughout the body to create a shallower triangle shape rather than the more common diamond silhouette. This construction approach provides a flattering drape and unique visual interest.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques Used

The Even Cowgirls pattern requires fundamental knitting skills that make it accessible to beginners. The essential techniques include:

• Increasing – performed throughout the body to shape the triangular silhouette
• Decreasing – used to control shaping and create structure
• Yarn overs – these create the textured, lacy quality of the shawl and account for approximately 84% of the yardage used
• Stockinette stitch – the gauge is measured in stockinette, indicating this is the primary stitch base

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Even Cowgirls shawl requires 1050 yards of DK-weight yarn, a medium-light yarn category that provides excellent drape for shawls. The sample was knit in Miss Babs Yowza, a superwash merino yarn that offers softness and easy care. DK-weight yarn works beautifully for creating the textured, yarn-over-heavy design while maintaining the shallower triangle proportions intended by the designer.

Tools and Equipment Required

Successful completion of this project requires the following tools:

• US 6 (4 mm) needles or the size needed to obtain proper gauge – circular needles are recommended due to the large number of stitches that accumulate as the shawl grows
• Needles 2 sizes larger than the gauge needles for the bind-off edge, which helps create a flexible, non-restrictive finish
• Stitch marker to track pattern repeats and shaping points
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends after completion
• Blocking supplies to set the finished dimensions and enhance the drape
• Sharp scissors or a rotary cutter with mat for cutting fringe strands
• Crochet hook in a size large enough to accommodate 2 strands for attaching the fringe

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern calls for a gauge of 20 stitches in 4 inches of blocked stockinette stitch. However, the designer notes that gauge is not critical for this project, though it will affect both your finished size and the total yardage consumed. This flexibility makes Even Cowgirls forgiving for knitters who may not achieve exact gauge, though blocking is essential to achieve the stated finished measurements of 72 inches across with 30 inches of fringe depth.

Difficulty Level

Rated as a beginner project, Even Cowgirls introduces fundamental shaping techniques through increasing, decreasing, and yarn overs without requiring advanced stitch work or complex colorwork. The straightforward top-down construction and repetitive nature of the pattern make it an ideal choice for newer knitters looking to expand their skills while creating a wearable, impressive finished object.