Loggia

Loggia Lacy Cowl by Åsa Tricosa

What is Being Made

Loggia is an elegant lacy cowl designed by Åsa Tricosa, a downloadable knitting pattern for an intermediate-level crafter. This cowl features a sophisticated silhouette with shaping that tapers from a wider bottom to a narrower top, creating a flattering neckpiece. The design is available in two sizes: Small with a bottom circumference of approximately 70 cm (28 inches) and Large with a bottom circumference of approximately 90 cm (35½ inches). The cowl measures approximately 25 cm (10 inches) in length for the Small size and 51 cm (20 inches) for the Large size, with corresponding top circumferences of 55 cm (21½ inches) and 65 cm (25½ inches) respectively.

Techniques and Construction

Loggia is worked in the round from the bottom upwards, a construction method that creates seamless, tubular fabric ideal for cowls and neckwear. The pattern incorporates slight shaping towards the top, which is achieved through strategic decreases that gradually reduce the circumference as you work upward. This top-down shaping ensures the cowl sits comfortably around the neck without excess fabric bunching.

The visual interest of Loggia comes from its combination of mesh and arching cathedral window cables, which create a rhythmic, textured pattern throughout the piece. The cathedral window cables form elegant arches that flow around the circumference, while the mesh sections provide an airy, lacy quality. This interplay of solid cables and open mesh creates depth and movement in the finished cowl.

Stitches Used

While the specific stitch abbreviations are referenced through charted patterns in the PDF, Loggia employs cable stitches to create the distinctive arching cathedral window motifs. The pattern uses charted instructions, with Chart B referenced for tension calculations, indicating that stitch patterns are presented visually for easy following. The mesh sections are created through yarn overs and decreases, a fundamental lace-knitting technique that produces open, decorative holes in the fabric. A cable needle is listed as optional equipment, suggesting that while cables are featured, some crafters may choose to work them without this specialized tool.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The pattern is designed for 4-ply and sport weight yarns, making it suitable for lighter, more delicate fabrics. The featured yarn is Fyberspates Faery Wings, a luxurious 4-ply blend of silk, mohair, and nylon offering 350 meters (380 yards) per 100 grams. One skein is sufficient to complete the Large version shown in the pattern photos, knitted in Lime green.

Alternative yarn suggestions provided include:

• Fyberspates Scrumptious 4ply
• Verdant Gryphon Eidos
• Drops Alpaca
• Madelinetosh Pashmina
• Malabrigo Arroyo

Loggia requires two circular needles: a 3 mm (US 2½) circular needle measuring 40–60 cm (25–32 inches) and a 3.5 mm (US 4) circular needle measuring 60–100 cm (24–40 inches). The larger needle is used for working the main pattern, while the smaller needle is employed for sections requiring tighter gauge or ribbing. Additional notions include a stitch marker to denote the beginning of rounds and an optional cable needle for working the cable stitches.

Gauge and Difficulty

The pattern specifies a tension of 18 stitches by 8 rows, measuring approximately 12.5 cm by 2.5 cm (5 inches by 1 inch) when worked on the 3.5 mm needle in the pattern stitch shown in Chart B. Achieving correct gauge is essential for obtaining the proper finished dimensions. Loggia is rated as an intermediate-level project, suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are comfortable reading charts and working cable stitches.