Infundibulum! It sounds like a magical incantation, but simply means funnel in Latin, and this delightful word was the inspiration for this fun yet practical cowl. With cozy welted stripes, undulating lace, and striking stripes, this funnel-shaped cowl is a playful way to use up leftovers or showcase handspun yarns. Imagine a gradient or rainbow of shades as your contrast color, tucked into neutral-colored raised welts, or just work the whole thing in a fabulously multi-colored handspun!

The simple lace pattern, a variation of the familiar feather-and-fan, is tucked into the edges of the welting to create the wavy shape without letting the wind in. The fitted neck flows easily into a wider flange to cover the shoulders, to keep out all of winter’s chills. Surprisingly quick and easy to knit, this could become a go-to gift for those special people on your list.

The cowl is begun at the top, with smaller needles and a narrower circumference, in the 12-round Welted Lace pattern. A single increase round and larger needles are all that is needed to widen the piece into a funnel shape and continue into the Wider Welted Lace pattern.

Finished sizes are:
Neck circumference: 20 (25) inches/51 (63.5) cm
Lower edge circumference: 40 (50) inches/101.5 (127) cm
Total height about 16 to 18 inches/40.5 to 46 cm (welting behaves like horizontal ribbing and is very stretchy)

Yarn requirements:
Malabrigo Worsted 100% merino; 210 yd/192 m per 100g skein;
MC Olive; 1 (2) skeins
CC Fuchsia; 1 (2) skeins

The second size uses only about half of the second skein of the MC and about a third of the second skein of CC.

The sample is shown in a plump worsted-weight single that is dense and soft. Yarn with good elasticity will allow the welting to really “pop,” and a more drapy yarn will result in a flatter (but still really nice) fabric.

The more important measurement for choosing your size is the lower edge circumference. You will want to measure your upper body circumference, including your arms, several inches down from the top of the shoulder. If this is less than 45”, the first size will fit better; if more than 45”, the larger size will fit better.