Sela

Sela Cowl by Petra Christel Breakstone

What is Being Made

Sela is a feminine cowl designed by independent designer Petra Christel Breakstone. This knitted cowl features a unique open-front construction that sets it apart from traditional closed cowls. The finished cowl measures 15 inches in height with a 45-inch width across the widest point, though the front opening creates a versatile, adjustable fit. The design combines classic cowl functionality with modern aesthetic appeal through its distinctive construction method and decorative elements.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Sela cowl employs a top-down knitting approach, beginning with circular knitting before transitioning to flat knitting. This technique change is essential to creating the signature open-front look that defines the design. The pattern incorporates lace knitting in select portions, adding visual interest and texture variation throughout the piece. The combination of circular and flat knitting methods allows crafters to achieve the cowl's distinctive silhouette while maintaining structural integrity.

The pattern includes a lace chart for reference, accompanied by a photo tutorial for the embellishment techniques. This multi-format instruction approach supports knitters at intermediate skill levels in successfully executing the more complex lace sections.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The primary stitch used throughout most of the Sela cowl is Stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric base. This foundational stitch provides an ideal canvas for the design's decorative elements. Eyelets are incorporated into the flat-knitted front sections, creating the open, airy aesthetic characteristic of the design. The cowl is finished with a lace border, which adds delicate detailing and visual sophistication to the completed piece.

Yarn and Materials

Sela is designed to work with multiple yarn weights, offering flexibility for different fiber preferences and desired drape. The pattern accommodates DK weight, sport weight, and worsted weight yarns, allowing crafters to customize their finished cowl based on available materials and personal preference.

The original design concept features a One Layers yarn cake pre-wound with 10 changing colors and varying textures in sport weight yarn, which showcases the cowl's ability to highlight color transitions and textural variety. Alternatively, the pattern works with 10 varying colors, fibers, and textures in 20-yard portions each, available in lace, fingering, sport, DK, and worsted weight options. This flexibility accommodates different yarn stash contents and allows for personalized color combinations.

The pattern notes that gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly important given the designer's self-identification as a loose knitter. A gauge swatch is strongly recommended to determine the appropriate needle size for individual knitting tension and desired cowl dimensions.

Needles and Notions

• US size 10 (6 mm) circular needle in 16-inch (40 cm) length for initial circular knitting
• US size 11 (8 mm) circular needle in 29-inch (73 cm) length for the body of the cowl
• Stitch markers (quantity: 2) for tracking pattern repeats and construction points

Pattern Format

Sela is provided as a downloadable PDF pattern containing written instructions, lace charts, and photo tutorials. This comprehensive format supports intermediate-level knitters in successfully completing all construction phases, from initial cast-on through the final lace border embellishment.