Printemps cowl is a lace moebius cowl worked in a variegated silk yarn. The simple lace pattern and soft silk yarn make this cowl the perfect accessory for the warming weather.
Size
Width is 11.75” and circumference is 26” after steam blocking.
Yarn
Berger du Nord Belle (100% silk; 136 yards [125 meters]/50 grams): color 2169, 2 balls
Needles
US #6 (4 mm): 47” circular
Gauge
18 sts and 24 rows = 4” in St st after steam blocking.
14 sts and 30 rounds = 4” in Simple Lace before steam blocking
14 sts and 24 rounds = 4” in Simple Lace after steam blocking
Notions
Stitch marker; tapestry needle; blocking pins
Abbreviations
Please see our standard list of abbreviations.
Pattern Notes
This pattern is worked using a special moebius cast on. This creates an intentional twist in the work. Each round worked will create one round on the top of the cowl and one round on the bottom of the cowl.
The lace edging is a knitted-on lace edge. The last stitch of the lace edge will be knitted together with a stitch from the cowl.
Simple Lace
Rnd 1: *K2tog, yo, rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 2: P
Rnd 3: *YO, k2tog, rep from * to end of rnd
Rnd 4: p
Lace edging
Row 1 (RS): K1, yo, k2tog, yo, k2tog tbl (one st from lace edging and one st from cowl)
Row 2 and all even numbered rows: P
Row 3: K1, yo, k2tog, yo, k1, k2tog tbl
Row 5: K1, yo, k2tog, yo, k2, k2tog tbl
Row 7: BO 3 sts, yo, k2tog, k2tog tbl
Repeat rows 1-8.
Pattern
Moebius cast on
CO 88 sts using backward loop cast on. Make sure the sts are not twisted.
Moebius Step 1: Insert right ndl between the first and second sts {pic 1 below), wrap yarn around ndl and bring up a loop {pic 2 below}. The first and second sts are still on the left ndl, there is now 1 st on the right ndl.
Moebius Step 2: Insert right ndl between second and third sts, wrap yarn around ndl and bring up a loop. There are now 2 sts on right ndl.
Continue this way, knitting between the sts {pic 3 below}, until you reach the last st on left ndl. Insert right ndl into the last st, wrap yarn around ndl and bring up a loop.
Work 6 repeats of Simple Lace pattern. Work should measure approx 6”.
Begin working lace edging. CO 4 sts using backward loop cast on. Work all the way around until all the cowl sts have been worked. Bind off the final 4 sts. Cut yarn, leaving a tail of about 6”.
Finishing
Sew ends of lace edging together. Weave in ends.
To steam block: lay cowl flat with twist on one side. Stretch slightly so that cowl is 11.75”. Pin down each point of lace edging and along straight side of cowl. (see photo for visual of blocking) Steam lightly and let dry.
About the Designer: Cassie Miller
Cassie is a fashion designer by day and mad crafter by night. Her interests include knitting, weaving, spinning and sewing. She lives in Azusa, CA with a whole room filled with yarn and fabric. You can visit her blog at azaleaandrosebudknits.blogspot.com.
Pattern and images © 2009 Cassie Miller.
Hello, I’m making the printemps cowl on the size 6, 47” circular but after casting on the 176 stitches I’m having a hard time knitting because the needle wire seems to be too long and the stitches have to be spread so much in moebius that after every 2 stitches I have to keep sliding & tugging the yarn which is now fraying because of constant friction. Please guide.thank you!
It sounds like your cast on is too tight. I just checked and if you’re getting gauge, it should be just over 50″.
If you like the gauge you’re getting though, I would use a shorter needle and keep the gauge.
If you want to get a larger gauge, I’d use a bigger needle. Does that help?
Yes thank you so much for replying. My cast on is tight but since I like the gauge I’ll use a shorter needle. I appreciate your advice😊
Sure thing! The other thing I’d say is to make sure it’s large enough so you can wear it the way you want.
If it’s good, then I’d say you’re all set and have a plan 🙂
Great! I’ll do that, seems fine so far. Thanks 🙂