This is a free pattern. It forms part of the Balter Collection, and aims to introduce some of the stitches used in Part One (out now) and Part Two (coming in late 2023). If you purchase either of the e-books, it’ll be included along with the other patterns. If you just want to make a nice cowl and aren’t interested in the other patterns, that’s okay too! Just in case you’d like to leave me a tip, my ko-fi jar is here.

Sizes 1 (2) : fingering (DK)
Circumference 60 (60) cm / 23.5 (23.5)”
Height 30 (35) cm / 12 (14)”
Note: Both the fingering and DK weight versions are designed to be the same width. The fingering weight version is slightly shorter. The height for either version is easily adjusted by increasing or decreasing the number of pattern repeats. See pattern notes for instructions on how to adjust the circumference.

CONSTRUCTION
The sauntering cowl is worked in joined rounds from the bottom up. Once the body and top edge are finished, the cowl is turned upside down so as to work a matching edge into the bottom.

YARN
Honer och Eir Nutiden (fingering/sport weight; 100% unspun wool)
Quantities:
Fingering Weight version - 40g of Flisselin (A - light grey) / 40g of Brygd (B - reddish brown) / 30g of Gyllengra (C - ochre)
DK Weight version - 45g of Duvkulla (A - white) / 45g of Gyllengra (B - ochre) / 35g of Mogen (C - peach)
Note on the featured yarn: Nutiden is an unspun wool (also sometimes referred to as pencil roving) for which length/metre information is not available. This is because each batch is unique and density, thickness and length all vary. I have therefore provided information on how many grams of Nutiden are needed per size. Tips on working with unspun yarn are given in the Appendix. To substitute for a different yarn, please see “yarn alternatives” and “yardage required” below.

Yarn Alternatives
This cowl is designed for either a fingering weight or a DK weight yarn. To obtain similar results to the featured yarn, use a lofty, woolen-spun, non-superwash wool (a few suggestions are given in the Appendix). Alternatively, anything with a natural halo (i.e. something that looks a bit fuzzy or hairy) and which will bloom with blocking will also work. For example, you could use alpaca, a rustic and untreated wool, or either of those held together with a strand of mohair. The cowl will feel denser and heavier if made in a plant-based fibre such as linen or cotton, or in a yarn containing silk.

Yardage required
Fingering Weight version
Colour A - 160m / 175yds
Colour B - 160m / 175yds
Colour C - 120m / 135yds
DK Weight version
Colour A - 180m / 200yds
Colour B - 180m / 200yds
Colour C - 140m / 155yds

FABRIC TYPE
Both versions of the Sauntering cowl are worked to a fairly loose tension, producing a warm fabric with a medium amount of drape. This design relies on the loftiness and natural halo of the yarn to “fill out” the gaps between stitches. Because of its mixed stitch composition, this cowl must be wet-blocked carefully.

HOOKS, NEEDLES + NOTIONS
3.5 mm (fingering weight version) or 4.5 mm hook (DK weight version), or as required to obtain gauge
1 removable marker
Wool needle

GAUGE
16 sts x 11 rows = 10x10 cm / 4”x4” (fingering weight version) using smaller hook
OR
14 sts x 9 rows = 10x10 cm / 4”x4” (DK weight version) using larger hook
NB: All swatches are made in the granny spike st motif and should be measured after wet blocking.

TECHNIQUES TO ENJOY
Granny spike stitch
Crab stitch
Crossed and front post stitches
Picot edging
Foundation stitch

PATTERN INCLUDES
Clear written instructions in UK terms
Professionally tech-edited & test-crocheted instructions
UK to US term conversion chart

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