Good French Collaborator is a cowl, knit in the round from the bottom up. It was designed to use an entire skein of that beautiful hand dyed yarn you just didn’t know what to do with!
This cowl is named after one of my favorite songs, and the open lace and slip stitch pattern remind me of something open and airy, popular in France in the 1940s.
The simple lace and slip stitch pattern will work with just about any type of yarn.
Tutorials
Size
The cowl will measure approximately 24” around by 18” tall (61 cm x 46 cm).
Yarn
Apple Fiber Studio Gala (75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon; 463 yards/100 grams): Malala, 1 skein
Needles
Size US 4 (3.5 mm): 16” or 24” circular needle
Notions
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch marker.
Gauge
27 stitches by 40 rows in 4″ in Stockinette Stitch after blocking. While gauge is not crucial, it will affect yardage used and finished size.
Abbreviations
Please see our standard abbreviations.
Slwyf – slip one stitch purlwise with yarn held in front
Charts
Lace Pattern
Slip Stitch Pattern
Cowl Instructions
CO 162 stitches using a stretchy cast on (I used a German Twisted Cast On). Being careful not to twist, join to knit in the round. Place a marker to indicate the BOR.
Use either the written instructions (below) or the chart above, and work the cowl as follows:
Work the garter stitch border a total of 4 times (8 rounds total)
Work the eight rounds of the lace pattern a total of 4 times (32 rounds total).
Work the four rounds of the slip stitch pattern a total of 6 times (24 rounds total).
Work the eight rounds of the lace pattern a total of 7 times (56 rounds total).
Work the four rounds of the slip stitch pattern a total of 6 times (24 rounds total).
Work the eight rounds of the lace pattern a total of 4 times (32 rounds total).
Work the two rounds of the garter stitch border a total of 4 times (8 rounds total).
Garter Stitch Border
Please note that garter stitch worked in the round is a round of purls followed by a round of knits.
Rnd 1: Purl
Rnd 2: Knit
Lace Pattern
Follow these instructions or use the chart above.
Rnd 1: *Yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k1; rep from * to end
Rnd 2 (and all even rounds): Knit
Rnd 3: *Yo, k1, sk2psso, k1, yo, k1; rep from * to end
Rnd 5: *K2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k1; rep from * to end
Rnd 7: Sl1p, *(k1, yo) x 2, k1, sk2psso; rep from * to last 5 sts, (k1, yo) x2, k1, sl 2 sts, rm, slip the last 2 stitches back to your left hand needle, sk2psso, pm
Rnd 8: Knit
Slip Stitch Pattern
Follow these instructions or use the chart above.
Rnd 1: *K1, sl1wyf; rep from * to end
Rnd 2: Knit
Rnd 3: *Sl1wyf, k1; rep from * to end
Rnd 4: Knit
Finishing
Bind off loosely purlwise. Weave in ends using the tapestry needle and give your cowl a soak. Pin to measurements and let dry.
About the Designer: Lindalou Holley
Lindalou Holley is a knitwear designer from Seattle, WA. She is a mom of four, and when she is not knitting, she is either, running, cooking, or momming.
She learned to crochet as a little girl, and picked up knitting about five years ago. Her designs focus on one skein projects to showcase beautiful hand dyed yarn.
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