Quick correction: The free version of this pattern contained a mistake re: yardage; it stated that you need 200 yards, but my official weight-based estimate is actually 220yards/201m. The .PDF has already been corrected as of this writing, 12/18, so only those who downloaded the free early promotional copy might be affected.

Ginseng (The Wave Sampler Cowl) is a cozy, lightweight cowl that looks more complicated than it is to knit, and features wave lace sampler motifs and a functional taper to help keep you warm. It’s an impressive-looking finished piece and an engaging-yet-approachable project, suitable to intermediate knitters.

Ginseng works up lightweight and soft in luxury commercial sock or fingering weight yarns, and looks good in handspun, too! Its modest yarn requirements--only about 220 yards--make it a good project for smallish handspun skeins.

You can also make Ginseng cowl and its matching hat, Ginger, from just one skein of Malabrigo Sock.

Samples are shown in Malabrigo Yarn Sock in Turner. You’ll see other, handspun samples on my project page later, and possibly here as well; those yarns tend to be a little thicker (fingering to sportweight), but work equally well. The undulating lace patterns in this wave sampler show off a good chain ply very nicely.

As written, Ginseng could also be knit up in worsted weight yarn on larger needles for an oversized version, similar to the two options shown for my Winter Folk cowl.

This knit requires:
1 16” circular needle in size for gauge
About 220 yards of luxury sock yarn or a small skein of lightweight handspun
Tapestry needle
Optional stitch marker to keep track of end of round

Gauge is 21 sts and 28 rows in 4”.

Most knitters will need US6/4.0mm needles to knit at gauge, but always use the needles you need! (Gauge isn’t too important for this--but err on the side of larger rather than smaller to make sure it will fit over your head. You can easily adjust this and make a bigger cowl in heavier yarn, but if you knit this too tightly, it won’t fit; it’s worth checking your gauge.)

This listing provides a personal use instant-download .PDF. Your purchase helps support this indie design project--thanks!

ORIGIN STORY: this cowl and its matching hat are named after the bulk spice and tea bins in a small supermarket. They are the first patterns I’ve ever named after scents. I’m not completely sure how to feel about that.