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Shawllusion Cowl
A month ago I entered a contest on social media. I just enter these contests on a whim, never thought I’d win anything. How wonderful to be wrong! I received two gorgeous green skeins of BFL yarn from Inspired Fiberworxs. At the same time I got my package the Corona virus was getting serious in my state of Connecticut. We went into self-isolation.

So when my prize arrived, it sat on the back deck. I’d walk by and give it the ole stink-eye. Weird behavior for a yarn lover like me. (This was before we knew if we could safely open packages or how.) Eventually I got out my gloves and disinfectant and opened the package that was carefully and thoughtfully packed.

So pretty. Still, I kept the yarn at a safe distance and longingly looked at it from a far. I dusted off an old sketch that would be perfect for this yarn. I love wearing triangular shawls, but I have a problem with them eventually falling off my shoulders. I can’t seem to keep them on all day. The disrobing always happens when I’m out in public. Embarrassing to be picking my knitting off the floor.

My solution? The Shawllusion Cowl. It looks like an expertly styled shawl with no effort to put on because it’s a cowl. That’s why I’m calling this knitting illusion the Shawllusion Cowl. The Shawllusion Cowl is a unisex design with lots of texture that only requires one skein of sport or light weight DK yarn. Simple cables and garter stitch makes this cowl a quick and enjoyable knit. Although it starts off flat, you’ll have the choice to finish it in the round or flat with a seamed neck edge. I hope you love knitting and wearing this stylish cowl for years to come.

CONSTRUCTION
The Shawllusion Cowl is a cowl but it looks like a shawl when worn. It will not fall off your shoulders the way a shawl does, so you don’t have to keep fussing with it or use a shawl pin to keep it on.

The Shawllusion Cowl is worked flat from the bottom up. The cowl begins with a few stitches that give the tip a gentle curve. Two increases are added on every right side row that also has an elongated caliper cable. Once the cowl circumference is reached, you’ll have a choice to continue working flat and then seaming the back neck edge or finishing the cowl in the round.

Throughout the cowl, columns of elongated caliper cables are framed by garter stitch. This combination results in nice gentle waves at the sides and lots of interesting textures. The last segment of the cowl features a few repeats of a striped garter stitch pattern.

The Shawllusion Cowl would look great worked in more than one color, or in gradients by changing colors at each new repeat of the cable pattern.

YARN USED: Inspired Fiberworx Beloved BFL Sport 100% Superwash Blue Faced Leicester; 287 yards / 262 m per skein); sample uses 1 skein Irish Blessings.

YARDAGE: 241 - 294 yds / 221 - 269m; sample uses 267 yds / 244m; swatch uses additional 11.5 yds / 10.5m if not used as part of the cowl.

CIRCUMFERENCE: 24” / 61 cm; Length 20” / 51 cm depth after blocking.

NEEDLES: US #7 (4.5mm) is recommended or size to obtain gauge. 20” (51 cm) circular needle.

YARN SUBSTITUTION: Although any Sport or light DK weight can be used, indie dyed yarns tend to be heavier than commercial weight yarns. Tonal, solid, speckled, work best. Swatch for gauge to be sure you’ll get the size and drape you want.

GAUGE: 22 sts x 25 rows / rnds = 4” / 10 cm worked flat or in the round in main st pattern (and lightly blocked); 18.5 sts x 35 rows / rnds = 4” / 10 cm worked flat or in the round in garter st (and
blocked); A different gauge will affect drape, yardage required and size. Triangle tip of cowl is used as a swatch. See Swatch instructions.

NOTIONS REQUIRED: Tapestry needle, unique BOR stitchmarker (optional), up to 12 stitch markers.

SKILLS NEEDED: Seaming if working entire cowl flat. Instructions provided for the following: M1R, M1L, stretchy long tail cast on, working cables without a cable needle, and modified standard
bindoff.

I’d like to thank my test knitters for doing such a great job testing this pattern so that it would be perfect for you: ecailin, Lizziehutch, BCN, BR7394, Jolene .

I’d also like to thank my Tech Editor Nicky handknitsandhygge .