Azure waves gently roll along the shore. Nestled in the embrace of the Aegean Sea, the island of Ikaria shines like a gem. Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, winding narrow streets with whitewashed buildings, and rocky hill flanks, I wander to my heart’s content. Birds glide effortlessly through the sky, echoing the spirit of Icarus.
Feel the warm hug of the sun and the gentle caress of the sea breeze!
The Ykara cowl is inspired by the myth of Icarus and the island of Ikaria. Sporting an all-over lace stitch pattern reminiscent of wings and feathers, the cowl is a play of texture and lace. Columns of mock cables wind their way up the cowl, while twisted stitches create texture on both sides of the fabric. Take flight and set your knitting free, inspired by lively seabirds and the boundless beauty of the Aegean.

The Ykara cowl is freely named after the myth of Icarus and the island of Ikaria.

For best effect, use a smooth, round yarn with reasonable stitch definition. Yarn weights ranging from Fingering to DK would be suitable. As for colorways, I would recommend solid, semi-solid, or gradient (single skein or gradient set) yarns.

Do you like the Ykara cowl? You might like those patterns too: The Valfières cowl, and the Roselière cowl. For endless fun with lacy stitch patterns and (mock) cables! Check them out!

Yarn
Rêves Pastel Paysages Fingering (Fingering, 70% Merino, 30% Silk, 400 meters / 437 yards per 100 grams); 2 skeins; sample uses 107 grams in color Raspberry Red.
Alternative yarns: The Uncommon Thread Silky Singles, Q-Lana Merino Silk single, Martin’s Lab Silky Singles.

Needles
3 mm (US size 2.5) 80 cm / 32 inches circular needle or size to obtain gauge.

Gauge
28.5 stitches and 42 rows = 10 cm / 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch, unblocked.
20 stitches and 37 rows = 10 cm / 4 inches in Stitch Pattern B – Plume, blocked.
Note: obtaining the gauge given is not crucial but will affect the finished size and the yardage needed.

Notions
Removable stitch markers: 1 in color A (beginning-of-round marker), 21 in color B (optional). Tapestry needle. Blocking pins. Blocking wires (optional).

Size
One; easily customizable.

Final measurements
Circumference (c): 132 cm / 52 inches, height (h): 32 cm / 12.5 inches.

Skill level
Basic stitches, increases, decreases, twisted stitches (purls), mock cable stitches. Relatively easy to memorize stitch pattern. Easy patterning on all rounds. Lace and cable patterning on odd rounds only. Elastic BO.
Video tutorials are provided for the stitches and techniques used.

Pattern notes
This pattern is worked in the round. The stitch count
remains constant throughout the whole pattern. Suggestions are given to customize the pattern.
Charts and written instructions are provided, as well as clear video tutorials for the stitches and techniques used.

Pattern support
For questions about this pattern, please PM me on Ravelry or send me an email. Contact details are provided.

Thank you note
I’d like to send a big thank you to my truly awesome test knitters on Ravelry: alpinemeadow. Thank you so much for your time and dedication, for helping me make this pattern even better and for showing how the pattern would look like with different yarns!

Want to get a free cowl? Read on!

We all love knitting, right?! I certainly do! I’d like to gift you a cowl and doing so spread the love for knitting even more :-) This gift is available to everyone.

Curious about which cowl that is? Head over to the Skeinwalker freebie page to find out!. Upon registering and confirming your email address, you will receive the link to download the pattern PDF, and you will get a free subscription to The Explorers Weekly newsletter, with tips, inspiration, updates on new pattern releases along with exclusive coupon codes for discounts that I don’t share anywhere else.