Pemaquid cowl

Pemaquid Cowl by Katherine Vaughan

What is Being Made

The Pemaquid cowl is a light and lacy knitted cowl inspired by the granite coast of Maine. This design is ideal for quick handknits that can be completed relatively quickly, making it perfect for knitters who want to create a finished garment without an extensive time commitment. The cowl features a looped edge created by casting on a large number of stitches initially, with 60% of those stitches bound off on the next row, resulting in a distinctive textured finish.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques to achieve its elegant appearance. The cowl is worked in the round using circular needles, which allows for seamless construction. The design incorporates lace patterning throughout the body, which creates an open, airy fabric. The gauge changes between the initial cast-on and the bind-off stages—from 23 stitches and 34 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch to 19 stitches and 32 rows per 4 inches in pattern stitch—which contributes to the cowl's finished dimensions and drape. Notably, gauge is not critical for this cowl, though adjustments will affect the finished size and yarn yardage required.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch: Used as the base fabric, particularly during the initial stages of the cowl
• Lace pattern stitch: The primary stitch pattern that creates the openwork, mottled appearance throughout the body of the cowl
• K2tog (knit two stitches together): A decrease stitch used in the lace pattern construction
• Knit stitch: The fundamental stitch used throughout the project

Materials and Tools

The Pemaquid cowl is designed to be worked with Malabrigo Lace, a lace-weight yarn composed of 100% merino wool. The pattern requires 2 skeins of Malabrigo Lace in the Alpine Pearl colorway, which provides approximately 470 yards (430 meters) per 1.76 ounces (50 grams). For needle work, the pattern calls for US 6 (4mm) 16-inch circular needles, or the size needed to match gauge. Additional tools include 1 stitch marker to track pattern repeats and a yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Finished Dimensions

The completed Pemaquid cowl measures 20 inches (51 centimeters) in circumference by 14 inches (35.5 centimeters) in length, creating a generous cowl suitable for wrapping around the neck multiple times or wearing as a single-layer neck warmer. The lace-weight yarn and open stitch pattern ensure the finished cowl remains lightweight and breathable, making it appropriate for layering even during cool evenings.