Combs Cowl

Combs Cowl by Janelle Martin

What is Being Made

The Combs Cowl is a summer weight cowl designed for warm weather and transitional wear. This knitted neckpiece is worked in the round to create a flattering, lightweight accessory that showcases lace stitch work. The cowl is constructed using worsted weight yarn with plant fiber content, making it an ideal choice for layering during warmer seasons.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project worked in the round, which creates a seamless, tubular construction perfect for a cowl neckpiece. The pattern features lace stitch work throughout, requiring knitters to work yarn overs and decreases to create an open, airy fabric. The lace pattern is the primary design element, giving the cowl its distinctive aesthetic and breathable quality suitable for warm weather wear.

Stitches Used

The Combs Cowl employs a lace stitch pattern as its foundation. The stitch count varies throughout the pattern, ranging from 17 stitches per repeat for most of the pattern to 21 stitches per repeat in other sections. This variation in repeat structure creates visual interest and shaping within the lace design. Knitters should be comfortable with yarn overs and decreases, which are fundamental techniques in lace knitting.

Materials and Specifications

The pattern calls for 150 yards of worsted weight yarn with a gauge of 4.75 stitches per inch. The designer recommends using plant fiber yarn, preferably with linen content, to achieve the intended drape and breathability. The pattern was originally shown in Lang Yarns Mikonos (102 yards per 50 grams, requiring 2 skeins in colorway 726.0097).

Yarn Alternatives

Multiple worsted weight linen and linen-blend options are suitable for this pattern, including: Novita Luxus Wave, Reynolds Soft Linen, Grignasco Fuego, Americo Original Linen Tanguis, Elann Coto Canapone, Nashua Handknits Creative Focus Linen, Nashua Handknits Sonora, Nashua Handknits Desert Flower, Lang Yarns Zeta, Lang Yarns Linosa, Sandnes Garn Scala, DROPS Bomull/Lin, Gedifra Korella, Katia Papiro, Lana Grossa Mare, Berroco Seduce, and Berroco Linen Jeans.

Difficulty Level and Gauge

This cowl is rated Advanced Beginner to Intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are ready to tackle lace patterns. The gauge is 20 stitches and 26 rows to 4 inches (10 centimeters) in the lace pattern when unblocked. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions and drape of the cowl.