The Colter Bay cowl is one of nine patterns in Independent Fabrication: Volume 2, a collection of accessory patterns in small-batch yarn. The print + eBook bundle is currently available for pre-order from Tightly Knit and Sandreed Press; the individual patterns and eBook-only options are available on Ravelry.

Crisp lace in a drapey, soft yarn gives this cowl an unexpected twist. The open lace pattern and just-loose-enough gauge allow for drape and movement, while the crisp garter ridges give the stitch pattern great visual impact when read from a distance. Swans Island’s soft, luxurious Natural Colors Merino has an amazing combination of resilience and drape that makes this cowl both soft enough for next-to-skin wear and hardwearing enough for a long life in your wardrobe. Pick a bold color for a “pop” to wear with neutrals on winter’s dark days, or make a more understated play in a darker, more neutral shade.

Size
One size: 45” / 114 cm circumference, 7.5” / 19 cm wide.

Yarn
Swans Island Natural Colors Merino (100% Merino wool, 250 yards / 225 meters per 4 oz), 1 skein, or approximately 250 yards / 225 meters of worsted-weight wool yarn. (Note on yarn substitution: you’re looking for something with a decent amount of drape and good stitch definition here, so a rounder 3- or 4-ply yarn in a fine wool like Merino or Cormo—or even a wool/silk or wool/alpaca blend—will suit you well.)

Gauge
20 sts and 24 rows per 4” / 10 cm in lace pattern, after blocking.

Needles
Straight or circular needle in size US 7 / 4.5 mm, or size needed to obtain gauge.

Notions
Stitch markers (optional); tapestry needle; waste yarn for optional provisional cast on.

Skills Required
Decreasing; increasing; optional provisional cast-on and three-needle bind off, or seaming.