Stranded colourwork gives this cowl extra warmth and a thick, squooshy texture, while the fiddleheads remind us that spring is just around the corner. The picot hem gives a decorative edge, and is sewn down using live stitches to keep the edge stretchy. Instructions and a photo tutorial for this technique are provided.

This pattern requires you to carry unusually long floats, but if you catch the floats up frequently and in different places so that they’re not secured in the same place every row, you’ll be fine. Although the finished circumference is less than 60cm/24”, the cowl fits comfortably around a 60cm/24” needle, which helps to keep the floats the right length. Recommended for knitters with some experience with stranded colourwork.

You will also need:
spare cable or 3.5mm/US4 smaller circular needle at least
100cm/40” for provisional CO (optional)
stitch marker
tapestry needle
scrap yarn (if not using spare cable/needle)

This pattern is part of the Malabrigo Freelance Pattern Project, 2011.