Rue's Song

Rue's Song Cowl by Lindsey Stephens

What is Being Made

Rue's Song Cowl is an oversized knit cowl designed by Lindsey Stephens as part of the Poetry in Yarn collection. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a luxurious accessory measuring approximately 56 inches in circumference and 17 inches tall. The cowl is large enough to be worn as a wrap or hood on its own, or it can be doubled over for additional warmth and wind protection. The design celebrates both strength and beauty through its decorative motifs.

Design Features and Motifs

The Rue's Song Cowl showcases thoughtful stitch patterning with leaf motifs surrounding a center ring of flowers. These decorative elements are worked throughout the piece using a structured stitch pattern that creates visual interest while maintaining the garment's elegant drape.

Knitting Techniques Used

This project employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for an intermediate skill level. The construction uses circular knitting worked in the round on a 30-inch circular needle, which allows for seamless construction. The pattern incorporates yarn overs and decreases to create the lace-like leaf and flower motifs, including techniques such as k2tog (knit two together), ssk (slip, slip, knit), and sk2p (slip, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over). These decrease methods are essential for shaping the decorative elements and controlling stitch count throughout the rounds.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The cowl is constructed using Leaf Pattern A, which repeats over 30 stitches and 24 rows. The pattern repeat measures 8 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall after blocking. Key stitches include:

• Knit (K) stitches for the base fabric
• Yarn overs (yo) to create openwork and lace effects
• K2tog for right-leaning decreases
• Ssk for left-leaning decreases
• Sk2p for double decreases that create focal points in the pattern

The combination of these stitches creates the characteristic leaf and flower motifs that define the cowl's aesthetic.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Rue's Song Cowl requires 780 yards of fingering weight yarn. The sample was created using Baah! La Jolla 100% superwash merino, which provides durability and easy care. This yarn comes in 3.5 ounce (100 gram) skeins with 400 yards (365 meters) per skein, requiring 2 skeins to complete the project. The sample was made in the colorway California Poppy. Fingering weight yarn is ideal for this project as it allows for detailed stitch definition while creating a fabric with excellent drape suitable for a cowl that can function as both a neck warmer and a wrap.

Tools and Equipment

This knitting project requires a US size 6 (4 mm) 30-inch circular knitting needle or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. Seven stitch markers are optional but recommended for tracking pattern repeats and managing the multiple stitch pattern sections. The circular needle length is essential for accommodating the 56-inch circumference of the finished cowl.

Gauge and Finishing

Proper gauge is critical for achieving the correct finished dimensions. One repeat of Leaf Pattern A (30 stitches and 24 rows) should measure 8 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall after blocking. Blocking is an important finishing step for this project, as it helps even out the stitches and allows the lace motifs to fully open and display their intended design.

Skill Level and Pattern Format

This is an intermediate-level knitting pattern, suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are comfortable working with circular needles and reading stitch patterns. The pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF for personal use only, designed by independent designer Lindsey Stephens.