New Release Promotion: Use the code “Cowl15” at checkout for 15% off any of my cowl designs until Easter Tuesday (22 April 2025) (cannot be used with any other discount code).

The Ballyholme Cowl mimics the shape of the traditional triangular shawl but in the form of a cowl. It is easy to pop over your head and go; there is no bulk at the back of your jacket and no worries over how to style it.

The design is worked flat to begin with and then joined in the round with a panel of simple lace work. You can choose how to finish your cowl, with directions included for a straightforward cast off, a picot edge or an i-cord (shown in the photos).

The samples show the versatility of using different yarns to create for the changing seasons. The Faerie Folk yarn - a mohair tweed or fingering weight yarn held together with the mohair produces a really cosy cowl, whereas the cowl knit in cotton yarn is just perfect to keep the chill off on spring mornings.

The pattern has full written instructions.

Size:
Neck circumference 19“/ 48 cm
Depth to point 15“/ 38 cm (after blocking)

Needles:
4.5 mm (US 7) 60 cm circular needle (or size needed to get gauge).

Gauge:
20 sts x 28 rows per 4 inches using 4.5 mm (US 7)
Measured over stocking stitch pattern knit flat, after blocking. While gauge is not crucial in this pattern it will impact the amount of yard needed)

Yarn:
1. Any 4 ply fingering weight 100g (465yds / 425m) held together with Mohair silk 25g (230 yds /210m)
(Sample: Hand dyed yarn with i-cord edge - used total 52g (4ply = 34g/mohair = 17g)

2: Any DK weight yarn
Navy Sample: Folklore Yarns Faerie Folk (Merrow) - used 70g (168 yds / 154 m)
Lavender Sample: King Cole Cottonsoft DK with picot edge - used 73 g (167yds / 153m)

Notions: Two different stitch markers

1. CM: centre marker
2. BOR: a beginning of round marker when you are working in the round. Tapestry needle