LaBrusca Cowl

LaBrusca Cowl by Holli Yeoh

What Is Being Made

The LaBrusca Cowl is an openwork knitted cowl designed by Holli Yeoh. This neckwear piece features a distinctive design approach that showcases decorative holes created through an unconventional short-row technique. The cowl is available in three sizes—Small, Medium, and Large—with finished circumferences of 22, 25¾, and 36¾ inches respectively, and a consistent depth of 11 inches. The finished piece is intended to wind around the neck, creating an elegant layering accessory.

Design and Construction Techniques

The LaBrusca Cowl employs a non-traditional approach to short-row shaping. Rather than using the standard short-row technique where holes are typically closed or hidden, this pattern deliberately exaggerates the openings created by short rows. As the knitted fabric curves and winds around these intentional gaps, the holes become a prominent design feature rather than something to conceal. This technique creates visual interest and an airy, lacy aesthetic while maintaining the structural integrity of the cowl.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used in the LaBrusca Cowl is Stockinette stitch, which provides a smooth, classic fabric base that allows the openwork created by the short rows to stand out visually. The gauge for this pattern is 21 stitches and 29 rows over 4 inches when worked in Stockinette stitch and blocked, which is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The LaBrusca Cowl is designed to be worked with fingering weight or sock yarn, which is a lightweight yarn category that produces delicate, refined fabric. The yardage requirements vary by size:

• Small: 305 yards (280 meters)
• Medium: 360 yards (325 meters)
• Large: 505 yards (465 meters)

The pattern was shown worked in Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock lightweight yarn. Knitters should select needles and yarn of consistent weight to ensure proper gauge and finished dimensions.

Tools and Notions

To complete the LaBrusca Cowl, knitters will need 4.5 mm (US 7) knitting needles for the main fabric construction. A 4.5 mm (US 7) crochet hook is required for the provisional cast-on method. Additional notions include locking stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and scrap yarn that is smooth and approximately the same weight as the working yarn to use for the provisional cast-on.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. Knitters should have solid foundational skills in basic stitches and shaping techniques before attempting the LaBrusca Cowl. The non-traditional short-row method and the need to understand how the fabric behaves as it curves around intentional openings requires intermediate-level experience and pattern-reading comprehension.