Pullyu

Pullyu Cowl by Laurie Beardsley

What Is Being Made

Pullyu is a two-color knitted cowl designed by Laurie Beardsley. This finished accessory measures 10 inches (25 cm) wide and 64 inches (163 cm) in circumference, making it a versatile neckwear piece suitable for layering and styling. The cowl's generous circumference allows for multiple wraps or draping options around the neck and shoulders.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level knitting project uses a two-color yarn technique where two complementary yarns are worked together to create visual interest and depth. The pattern employs circular knitting on a 32-inch (80 cm) circular needle, which allows for seamless construction and continuous rounds. The two-color approach can incorporate solids, semisolids, or a combination of solid and variegated yarns, providing flexibility in color selection and finished appearance.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used in Pullyu is a mesh pattern, which creates an open, lacy fabric with excellent drape and visual lightness. This stitch pattern is worked at a gauge of 22 stitches over 4 inches (10 cm). The mesh construction allows air to flow through the fabric while maintaining structural integrity, making it suitable for a cowl that will be worn close to the body.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

Pullyu requires 400 yards (366 meters) each of two different colors of fingering weight yarn, totaling 800 yards of yarn for the complete project. The pattern recommends using merino blends or any blockable yarn blend to ensure the finished cowl can be properly shaped and finished. The sample shown was knitted using Dye2Spin High Twist Single yarn in a merino wool and silk blend (70% merino wool/30% silk), with 437 yards per 100-gram skein. The specific colors used in the sample were "Professor Trelawny" and "Piercing Blue Eyes."

Needles and Tools

Construction requires a US 3 (3.25mm) circular needle measuring 32 inches (80 cm) long. Additional tools needed include a stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats, a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, and blocking supplies for finishing the cowl. Blocking is an important step for this project, as it helps set the mesh pattern and improves the drape of the finished accessory.

Gauge Considerations

While gauge is not considered critical for this pattern, variations in gauge will affect the amount of yarn consumed and influence the size and drape characteristics of the finished cowl. Knitters working at a tighter gauge may use less yarn and produce a smaller, denser fabric, while those working at a looser gauge will create a larger, more open drape.