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 Cowl can be found here.

The headband is knit double, and the inside has a slightly tighter gauge for a good fit and neat look. Beginning with a few set up rounds on the inside of the headband, the outside is then knit, followed by the remainder of the inside. Edges are then grafted together for a seamless appearance.

Pattern is available in English and Swedish.

Sizes
1 (2, 3)

Finished measurements
Width: 8 cm/ 3.1” for all sizes
Finished circumference, measured flat: 48 (50, 52) cm / 18.9, (19.7, 20.9)“
To fit a head circumference of 54-55 (56-57, 58-59) cm / 21.3-21.7 (22-22.4, 22.8-23.8)”
Recommended negative ease: 6-7 cm / 2.4-2.8”

Yarn
Alternative 1.
For the headband and cowl set.

Yarn A
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, for all sizes

Yarn B
20 g of light fingering yarn, or approx 85 meters / 93 yards, for all sizes. Sample uses:

Loom Wool Sock in colorway Faded Seaside Glamour
75% superwash merino, 25% nylon
425 meters / 465 yards per 100 g

Alternative 2.
For headband only.

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

35 g or approx. 150 meters / 164 yards of a similar yarn, for all sizes.

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
30 sts and 48 rnds = 10 cm / 4” in stockinette on smaller 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
29 sts and 48 rnds = 10 cm / 4” in stockinette on smaller needles

Needles
3.25 mm (US 3), 40 cm (16”) circular needle for stockinette and stitch patterns
Two 2.5 mm (US 1.5), 40 cm (16”) circular needles for inside of headband

Or sizes needed to obtain gauge

Other materials
Stitch marker (1), tapestry needle

Techniques you are already familiar with
Provisional cast on
Grafting/Kitchener’s stitch
Sl wyif

Techniques with written instructions in pattern
K1 uls (knit 1 under loose strand)

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 @tinge.knits with #thistleset, #thistlecowl or #thistleheadband. I would love to see your projects!

Pattern has been test knit.