Lichen Cowl

Lichen Cowl by Donna Jones Designs

Project Overview

The Lichen Cowl is a knitted accessory inspired by vibrant yellow lichen found on trees and rocks. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a generously sized cowl with rich texture and versatile styling options. The finished cowl measures 120cm (47¼in) in circumference and 39.5cm (15½in) in depth, making it suitable for wearing around the neck or draped over the head and shoulders as desired.

Knitting Techniques

The Lichen Cowl is knitted in the round, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a seamless, satisfying finished garment. The construction begins with ribbing at the edges to provide structure and definition, then transitions into the main stitch pattern. The design is straightforward and accessible for intermediate knitters, with no complex shaping or intricate techniques required.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout this cowl is the cobnut stitch, a richly textured pattern that is simple and easily memorized. This stitch creates the visual interest and dimensional texture that characterizes the design, while remaining manageable for knitters at the intermediate skill level. The cobnut stitch is complemented by ribbing at the edges, which frames the piece and provides elasticity.

Materials and Yarn

The Lichen Cowl is worked in DK weight yarn with good drape characteristics. The pattern was designed and photographed using Rowan alpaca yarn, which provides the softness and flow essential to this design. DK weight yarn allows for detailed stitch definition while maintaining the fabric's natural drape and fluidity.

Lichen Mitts by Donna Jones Designs

Project Overview

Coordinating with the Lichen Cowl, the Lichen Mitts are fingerless gloves designed to fit average adult female hands. The finished mitts measure approximately 20cm (8in) in circumference above the thumb and 26cm (10in) in length when measured flat. These mitts share the same textured cobnut stitch as the cowl, creating a coordinated set.

Knitting Techniques

The Lichen Mitts are knitted flat as the default construction method, with shaping achieved through a simple and elegant technique: decreasing needle sizes as the piece progresses. This method creates a fitted silhouette without complex decreases or intricate shaping. The pattern also includes alternative instructions for knitters who prefer to work the mitts in the round, making the design adaptable to individual preference and skill comfort level.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

Like the coordinating cowl, the Lichen Mitts feature the cobnut stitch as the primary texture-creating stitch pattern. This easily memorized stitch ensures consistency across both pieces of the set while remaining accessible for intermediate-level knitters.

Materials and Yarn

The Lichen Mitts are worked in the same DK weight yarn as the cowl, allowing for coordinated styling. The yarn choice provides the necessary drape and softness for comfortable, wearable mitts that complement the cowl design.