Mellow Grellow Cowl

Mellow Grellow Cowl by Shannon Squire

What Is Being Made

The Mellow Grellow Cowl is a tube-style cowl designed by Shannon Squire, ideal for wrapping around the neck for warmth and style. This cowl is knitted in the round using lace-weight yarn in three coordinating colors, creating a sophisticated colorwork design. When finished and lightly wet-blocked, the cowl measures 5.5 inches wide (doubled, as it forms a tube) with a 50-inch circumference, making it a versatile accessory suitable for various head and neck sizes.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project designed for enthusiastic beginners, making it an excellent choice for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to explore more intricate stitch patterns. The cowl is worked in the round using small circumference knitting, which requires circular needles or double-pointed needles to create a seamless tube construction. The pattern incorporates colorwork, requiring knitters to work with three different yarn colors throughout the project. Lace-weight yarn creates an elegant, delicate fabric that drapes beautifully while remaining lightweight and breathable.

Stitches and Construction

The Mellow Grellow Cowl utilizes fundamental knitting stitches adapted for lace-weight yarn work. Key stitches include:

• Knit (k): The basic stitch forming the foundation of the fabric
• Knit two together (k2tog): A decrease stitch that reduces stitch count and creates shaping or decorative elements
• Make one, right leaning (m1r): An increase stitch created by bringing the tip of the left needle under the strand between stitches, adding new stitches while maintaining pattern integrity

These stitches work together to create the lace pattern characteristic of this design. The pattern is worked in the round, eliminating the need for seaming and ensuring a smooth, professional finish.

Materials and Gauge

The Mellow Grellow Cowl requires approximately 800 yards of lace-weight yarn distributed across three colors: 300 yards in Color A, 200 yards in Color B, and 300 yards in Color C. Shannon Squire used Malabrigo Lace yarn (100% merino wool, 430 yards per 50-gram skein) in the specific colors Pearl Ten (Color A), Frank Ochre (Color B), and Simply Taupe (Color C). A US #3/3.25mm needle is used for small circumference knitting, ensuring the proper fabric density and drape for this lace-weight project. The pattern is worked to a gauge of 34 stitches over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when measured on the finished, lightly wet-blocked fabric. Additional notions include a stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats, a darning needle for weaving in yarn ends, and waste yarn for any provisional cast-on techniques.