Shetland Deer Love

Shetland Deer Love Cowl by Butzeria

What Is Being Made

The Shetland Deer Love is a knitted cowl designed by Butzeria (Meret Buetzberger). This is a single-size cowl with a circumference of 80cm (31.5 inches) and a height of 27cm (10.6 inches). The cowl features a charming deer motif inspired by Shetland design traditions, making it a versatile accessory suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Skill Level and Difficulty

This pattern is rated as easy to intermediate in difficulty, making it accessible to knitters with some foundational experience. The project is manageable for those who have completed basic knitting projects and are comfortable working with color changes and following stitch patterns.

Yarn and Materials

The Shetland Deer Love cowl is crafted using Trollenwol Uradale Organic Shetland Yarn in Jumper Weight (4-ply/DK weight). The pattern calls for approximately 4 skeins of 50g each, totaling around 200g of yarn with a yardage of approximately 692-756 meters (755-756 yards) depending on the specific color.

The design incorporates three color variations:

• MC (Main Color): "Forget me not" – approximately 100g (346m / 378 yards)
• CC1 (Contrast Color 1): "Seapink" – approximately 50g (173m / 189 yards)
• CC2 (Contrast Color 2): "Selfheal" – approximately 50g (173m / 189 yards)

These organic Shetland yarns are known for their softness, breathability, and excellent stitch definition, making them ideal for colorwork patterns where clarity of design is important.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Shetland Deer Love employs stranded colorwork knitting (also known as Fair Isle knitting), a traditional technique that involves carrying multiple yarn colors across rows to create intricate patterned designs. This method allows the deer motif to emerge through the strategic placement of contrasting colors.

The cowl is constructed in the round, which is a common approach for seamless circular garments. Knitters will work with circular needles or double-pointed needles appropriate for DK/4-ply weight yarn, allowing for continuous rounds without seaming.

Key techniques involved in completing this project include:

• Stranded colorwork – managing multiple yarn colors while maintaining even tension
• In-the-round knitting – working circularly to create a seamless cowl
• Color changes – transitioning smoothly between the main color and two contrast colors
• Gauge management – ensuring consistent stitch size to achieve the specified dimensions

Design Heritage

The pattern draws inspiration from Shetland knitting traditions, a centuries-old craft from the Shetland Islands known for intricate colorwork and distinctive motifs. The deer design reflects this heritage while remaining contemporary and wearable for modern knitters seeking traditional aesthetic appeal.

Pattern Origin

This pattern is the original work of Butzeria, designed by Meret Buetzberger in 2017 and based in Glattfelden, Switzerland. The designer requests that those selling finished cowls acknowledge the pattern source as Butzeria.ch.