The Thistle Cowl and Headband set will keep you warm, even on cold and windy winter days, with simple texture and a minimalist look. Together they keep your neck, ears and if need be, your nose covered and protected. The set is made to be a one-skein project from a light fingering weight skein of hand-dyed yarn, when adding a small amount of similar weight, left over yarn. Semi-solid yarns are especially allowed to shine in the rectangular lattice patterns that are reminiscent of the bracts on the outside of the thistle floral head, giving these garments their name.

The pattern for the Thistle Headband can be found here.

The cowl is knit top down in the round, with increases along the way to provide a good fit and enough fabric for warmth and wearability. The length and amount of fabric makes the cowl very versatile: it can be worn pulled up or folded down in any way you wish to show off the textured stitches. The cowl is made longer in the front using short rows, to give extra coverage.

Pattern is available in English and Swedish.

Sizes
One-size

Finished measurements
Top circumference 44 cm/17.3”
Bottom circumference 66 cm/26”
Front length 42 cm/16.5”
Back length 36 cm/14.2”

Yarn
Alternative 1.
For the headband and cowl set.

Fru Valborg Merino Sock in colorway Night’s Watch
75 % merino, 25% nylon
425 meters / 465 yards per 100 g

One 100 g skein or 425 m/ 465 yards of a similar yarn

Alternative 2.
For cowl only.

Fru Valborg Merino Sock 100 g in colorway Night’s Watch
100 % merino
425 meters / 465 yards per 100 g

85 g or approx. 365 meters/ 395 yards of a similar weight yarn

Please note that yardage does not include swatching. The pattern is made to make full use of a 100 g skein when knitting the set. Gauge is given for fabric before and after blocking to allow for unravelling the swatch.

Gauge
Before blocking
28 sts and 36 rnds= 10 cm/ 4” in stockinette on larger needles
29 sts and 40 rnds = 10 cm/ 4” in Small Trellis Stitch on larger needles

After blocking
27 sts and 35 rnds= 10 cm/ 4” in stockinette on larger needles
28 sts and 40 rnds = 10 cm/ 4” in Small Trellis Stitch on larger needles

Needles
3.25 mm (US 3), 40 cm (16”) circular needle for stockinette and stitch patterns
2.5 mm (US 1.5), 40 cm (16”) circular needle for ribbing

Or sizes needed to obtain gauge

Other materials
Stitch marker (1), tapestry needle

Techniques you are already familiar with
Increasing (m1)
Sl wyif
German short rows (general understanding)

Techniques with written instructions in pattern
K1 uls (knit 1 under loose strand)
Purl bind off
Make double stitch

This is one of my first published patterns and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have. Please tag me on Instagram at @tinge.knits with #thistleset, #thistlecowl or #thistleheadband. I would love to see your projects!

Pattern has been test knit.