V-Neck Cowl

V-Neck Cowl

Okay, so I began this cowl with the idea that it would be more roundish, but I ended up really loving the V-shape, especially when I embellished the bottom (close-up pictures later). I also love the way this yarn knits, drapes, and feels, and this pattern ended up being a good statement piece. If, you know, you're trying to say, "I like to knit V-neck cowls."

Yarn: Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima (100% Pima Cotton; 220 yards [200 meters]/100 grams); #3705 Heathered Pansy - one skein

Needles: Straight or longish circular needle(s) in size 6 and two double-pointed needles (dpns), also in size 6 (or 5, or whatever's close that you've got hanging around).

Notions: Tapestry needle and stitch marker

Notions for optional embellishment: enough beads to do what you want to do, a needle small enough to fit through their little holes, and thread in a color that works with your piece

Gauge: 22 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette

Okay, so let's get started! First, cast on 162 stitches. Next, knit one set-up row (this will be the wrong side of your piece), placing your marker after 81 stitches. And now it's time to begin the pattern, which goes as follows:

Row 1: k1, * yo, k2tog; rep from * until you reach marker. Slip marker and proceed as follows: * ssk, yo *, k1

Rows 2 & 4: purl

Row 3: k1, * yo, k2tog * until you're four stitches from the marker - then, k2tog twice. Then slip the marker, ssk twice, and proceed as follows: * ssk, yo *, k1

Continue in this pattern until there are 126 stitches left on your needle. From now on, omit the decreases. Or in other words, knit just rows 1 & 2 of the pattern. Continue knitting rows 1 & 2 until piece measures roughly 12" from marker to tip of point. After finishing row 2 of the pattern, purl one row across (so yeah, those purls will be on your right side), and then bind off loosely using a knit stitch.

Now, using your dpns, cast on three stitches and join into an i-cord. Knit until cord measures roughly 44", or desired length. Tuck in ends. Lace i-cord through cowl as show in picture, or however else you desire (placing it and lacing it differently will change how the cowl lies).

The lacing.

And finally, if you want to embellish your cowl, you're kind of on your own, as it is of course your decision where/how/when to place your beads. If you want to know how I did mine, however, I knotted some thread, laced my beads on through the bottom bead, looped it around a hole in my knitting, and then put my needle back through the beads. Then I knotted the two ends at the bottom and clipped it off. You could also apply nail polish or knot glue, to hold your beads on securely.