Love Lies Waiting

Love Lies Waiting Cowl by Kristen Jancuk

What Is Being Made

Love Lies Waiting is a reversible cowl designed by Kristen Jancuk as a creative solution for using specialty yarns in your stash. This intermediate-level knitting project measures approximately 20 inches (51 cm) in circumference and 10 inches (25.5 cm) in depth, making it a quick, wearable accessory. The cowl features a distinctive double-layer collar that can be folded over, allowing you to wear either side facing outward for a truly reversible finished piece.

Techniques and Construction

The primary construction technique used in Love Lies Waiting is 2-color brioche knitting, a textured stitch pattern known for its dimensional, reversible qualities. What makes this design particularly innovative is the yarn pairing strategy: rather than simply alternating colors, the pattern alternates between working with a single strand of DK weight yarn and holding it double with a laceweight Suri alpaca yarn. This approach creates not only two distinct colors but also contrasting textures throughout the cowl, adding visual and tactile interest to the finished garment.

This technique of holding yarns together—pairing a traditional DK weight with a delicate laceweight—is an excellent method for incorporating specialty fibers like brushed Suri alpaca and mohair into projects. By doubling the laceweight yarn with a more substantial DK weight strand, the design achieves better stitch definition and fabric stability while still showcasing the luxurious qualities of the specialty fiber.

Stitches Used

• Brioche stitch in a 2-color variation as the primary stitch pattern
• Double-layer construction for the reversible collar

Materials and Yarn Weight

Love Lies Waiting is worked in DK weight and laceweight yarns. The design specifically calls for holding a single strand of DK weight yarn together with laceweight Suri alpaca for portions of the pattern, making this an ideal project for knitters with single skeins of specialty yarns in their stash. The combination of these yarn weights creates the textural variation that defines the cowl's visual appeal.

The gauge is 20 stitches and 48 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) in 2-color brioche, which is essential information for achieving the correct finished dimensions. Standard knitting needles appropriate for the combined yarn weight are required for this project.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, Love Lies Waiting is suitable for knitters with experience in basic stitch patterns who are ready to explore brioche knitting and yarn pairing techniques. The reversible construction and creative yarn-holding method make this a rewarding project for developing advanced skills.