Feather and Fan Cowl

 

Feather and Fan Cowl

Katherine Walters - The Knitted Raven

         

The feather and fan pattern is a simple lace pattern consisting of four rows which are repeated.  It is a great pattern for those of you who dislike purl stitches, or enjoy knitting in the round or are new to lace knitting. Stitch markers will help you to keep track of what you are doing.

This simple pattern knit in fine yarn produces a luxurious accessory that makes a wonderful gift. As it only needs one skein, I encourage you to splurge on nice yarn. The cowl can be worn with or without a brooch/pin (see pictures).

Note: my patterns are posted for free without annoying advertising pop-ups. I do this on purpose as some people are intimidated by aggressive advertising,  and I want my patterns to be available to everyone. If you are in a position to show a little appreciation for my work, consider buying me a coffee ☕️ using the link on the home page. If you wish to knit items for sale using my patterns, please credit me as the designer and do not underprice your work!

Materials: One skein of lace weight yarn.  I used Sugarbush Drizzle in Red Sky (25g/200m) for the sample above, but any comparable lace weight yarn should do. 

Needles: Size 4 mm circular needles, 24 inches.  You will also need a tapestry needle for darning in the ends, and 8 stitch markers.

Gauge: 5.75 sts to the inch, washed and blocked, to produce a cowl about 12.5 inches wide (25 inches in circumference). Length can be easily adjusted by adding or subtracting sets of four pattern rows. In this pattern, I suggest 18 pattern repeats.

Size: One size (there’s a fair bit of stretch to this). The sample washed and blocked was about 12.5 inches by 12.5 inches.  To make a smaller size, reduce needle size and knit a swatch to determine the number of stitches needed per inch. Because the pattern is an 18 stitch repeat, you want to maintain the same number of stitches, but by reducing the needle size, you will make a denser and smaller width cowl.   For example, if you want your cowl to be 22 inches in circumference, you will need 144 sts/22 = about 6.5 sts to the inch. 

Pattern

Cast on 144 stitches and join in the round and place your first stitch marker between the first and last stitches.  Be careful not to cast on too tightly as the stitches will need to flex into curves with the patterning. You will place your remaining stitch markers on row three of your first pattern.

First Row: Knit all stitches.

Second Row: Knit all stitches.

Third Row: *(K2tog) three times; (YO, K1) six times; (K2tog) three times; place stitch marker ** . Repeat from * to ** the end of the round (8 times) 

Fourth Row: Knit all stitches.

Repeat these four rows a total of eighteen times.  Then knit two more rounds.  Cast off loosely.  Darn in the yarn ends.  Wash and block your cowl.

Care: This item is made of mohair/silk yarns.  Hand wash in cold water.  Use a mild soap designed for fine knits.  Lay flat to dry.

Note:  You are free to use this pattern for personal use, or to hand make items for sale.  Please credit me as the designer on your product labeling/website/etc.

 

Samples above knit in Sugarbush Drizzle Blue Haze, Thunderstorm and Red Sky.

Abbreviations:

K or k - knit

P or p - purl

K2tog - knit two stitches together

YO - yarn over

PM - Place stitch marker

If you have any questions about this pattern, feel free to email me at theknittedraven@gmail.com

Happy knitting!

Update: Have made this cowl up in a few different weights of yarn, altering needle size and pattern repeats as needed. Two examples are almost ready for photographing. I'll keep you posted!