When spiders spin a web, it seems as if they easily cast a spell and it appears… This fascinating process was the inspiration for this cowl design. Featuring timeless textures and complementary stripes, this cowl can be your pop of color or standby staple. A cozy double sided collar provides structure while the detailed shaping creates the perfect slouchy look for your wardrobe.

This pattern is perfect for color experimentation! Use mini skeins, treasured scraps, or create a classic piece with two colors. The design plays with the idea of how much knitters love yarn floats and puts them on display to capture the inspiration of web work. You can also pair this cowl with the coordinating Spellcaster Hat!

This is a one piece cowl knit seamlessly from the top down. The pattern includes written instructions, charts, and a schematic. Techniques you’ll enjoy: provisional cast on, join a hem, slipping stitches, twisting stitches, using different needle sizes creatively, and colorwork.

SIZES

One size

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Collar: 25” (63.5 cm) in circumference
Edging: 36” (91.5 cm) in circumference
Height: 13.25” (33.5 cm)

YARN

Approximately 453 - 521 yd (415 - 477 m) of DK weight yarn
357 - 411 yd (327 - 376 m) of Main Color (164 - 189 g)
96 - 110 total yd (88 - 101 total m) of Contrasting Color(s) (45 - 50 g, ~ 5 g each)

Sample shown in Greenletterday yarns

• Main color (MC): Greenletterday DK in Wilde, 100% Superwash Merino, 4 ply, 250 yd (115 g)
• Contrasting colors (CC): Greenletterday DK mini kit in Spellbound, 75% Superwash Merino / 25% Nylon, 4 ply, 49 yd (20 g) per skein 10 CCs from top to bottom: Havoc, Cheshire, Jem, Clockwork, All the Way Mae, Smitten Kitten, Anne Boleyn, Smirk, Gilbert Grape, Dorian Gray

As with all knits, yarn requirements will vary based on gauge. The minimum required, as shown above, is the actual usage for the sample at the pattern gauge. To be safe, and to have enough yarn for swatching, plan to use 10-15% more yarn than actual. If you are knitting the Spellcaster Hat as well, use the hat as your gauge check since 2 skeins of the sample yarn will yield both projects but will use most of the yarn; the samples left 5 g remaining of MC. Additionally, alternate fiber content may affect final dimensions & stretch.

NEEDLES

Pattern is worked with primarily 2 needle sizes, a smaller needle for the collar and a larger needle for the main body. Due to the nature of some decorative stitches, you will also need needles larger than the collar and main body needles for a few rounds as shown below. Using an interchangeable set, if available and comfortable, can simplify your needle change. The sample was worked primarily with the needles in bold below but it is possible to use different lengths shown based on comfort level.

• Main body needle 1: US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needle 16-24” (40-60 cm), or needle size needed to obtain gauge for main stitch pattern
• Main body needle 2: US 10 (6.0 mm) circular needle 24” (40 cm), or needle size 2 mm larger than main body needle 1
• Collar needle 1: US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needle 16-24” (40-60 cm), or needles .5 mm smaller than main body needle 1
• Collar needle 2: US 8 (5.0 mm) circular needle 16-24” (40-60 cm), or needle size 1.5 mm larger than collar needle 1
• Spare circ: If using interchangeable needles, a spare circ will be needed to join the double sided collar (collar needle 1 size or .5 mm smaller.) If using fixed needles, no spare circ is required as you will use collar needle 1

NOTIONS

• Crochet hook, size E (3.5 mm)
• Waste yarn in similar or lighter weight than pattern yarn
• Stitch marker (one BOR m, additional m are optional)
• Tapestry needle
• Optional: needle cord adapter

GAUGE

• 24 sts and 53 rnds = 4” (10 cm) in main stitch pattern, worked in the round with main body needle 1 and blocked (see yarn notes above regarding Spellcaster Hat as a swatch)
• 18.5 sts and 32 rnds = 4” (10 cm) in Grecian plait stitch, worked in the round with collar needle 1 and 2 and blocked

*** Please also share your makes by tagging me on instagram @foxfig and using #spellcastercowl & #foxfigknits! I’d love to see your version!***

Did you know there is a matching hat? Look for the Spellcaster Hat in my shop! #spellcasterhat