Qiviut Blend Cowls

Qiviut Blend Cowls by Kate Hedstrom

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern collection features cowl designs created using qiviut blend yarns in fingering and finer weights. The patterns were developed for the Large Animal Research Station (LARS) with the specific constraint of using no more than one ounce of their domestic qiviut blend yarn per design. These advanced-level knitting projects showcase techniques inspired by traditional Estonian lace knitting traditions.

Alder Leaf Cowl

What Is Being Made

The Alder Leaf Cowl is a circular cowl design that combines lace patterning with the luxurious drape of qiviut blend yarn. This cowl is worked in the round and features delicate leaf-motif lace work characteristic of traditional Estonian shawl designs.

Yarn and Materials

Yarn: The pattern uses 1 ounce (28 g) of fingering or finer weight qiviut blend yarn. The yarn shown in the pattern is a 70/30 qiviut and wool blend with approximately 200 yards per 28 grams. This qiviut blend is sourced from a domestic mill that preserves the fiber integrity of the LARS qiviut without blending with external qiviut sources.

Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles in 16 inches (40 cm) length for working in the round.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This advanced-level pattern employs traditional lace knitting techniques drawn from Estonian knitting heritage. The construction begins with a long-tail cast-on method, establishing 128 stitches for the circular cowl.

• Stockinette Stitch: The base fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, which provides a smooth, classic foundation for the lace elements.
• Lace Patterning: The Alder Leaf motif incorporates decorative lace work inspired by traditional Haapsalu shawl patterns, featuring yarn overs and decreases to create openwork leaf designs.
• Circular Knitting: The cowl is constructed in the round using circular needles, eliminating the need for seaming.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 7 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch on US 4 (3.5 mm) needles before washing. This gauge measurement is taken before the yarn is washed, as blocking and finishing will affect the final dimensions of the finished cowl.

Design Inspiration

The Alder Leaf Cowl draws inspiration from The Haapsalu Shawl, A Knitted Lace Tradition from Estonia by Siiri Reimann and Aime Edasi (Saara Publishing House, 2009). This reference work documents traditional Estonian lace knitting methods and motifs, which are adapted here for a modern cowl construction using premium qiviut blend fibers.

Pattern Context

These patterns represent a collaboration between Kate Hedstrom's design work and the Large Animal Research Station's initiative to create finished garments that showcase their qiviut fiber in practical, wearable forms. The constraint of using minimal yardage (one ounce maximum) makes these designs particularly efficient and accessible for knitters seeking to work with luxury fibers.