Koigu Pencil Box Collection eBook Cowl Crochet Pattern

Koigu Pencil Box Collection eBook

The Koigu Pencil Box Collection eBook is a downloadable PDF featuring multiple wearable projects designed to showcase the vibrant color palette of Koigu's Pencil Pack yarn. This collection includes both knitted and crocheted designs in the categories of cowls, scarves, and shawls and wraps, offering crafters versatile options for using the complete ten-color yarn set.

Wildweed Pencil Pack Open Squares Scarf

Project Overview: The Wildweed Pencil Pack Open Squares Scarf, designed by Kathy Merrick, is a knitted accessory that measures 54 inches (135 centimeters) in length by 11 inches (27.5 centimeters) in width. This scarf showcases a striking striped construction that incorporates all ten colors from the Koigu Pencil Pack collection.

Stitch Techniques and Pattern: The scarf employs a lacy open squares stitch pattern worked over a multiple of 10 plus 5 stitches. The pattern combines several fundamental knitting techniques including yarn overs (YO), slip-slip-knit decreases (SSK), and knit-two-together decreases (K2tog) to create openwork sections. The stitch pattern alternates between knit and purl rows, with specific rows featuring the decrease and yarn over combinations that form the characteristic open squares. Rows 8 and 16 are worked entirely in knit stitches, while rows 9 through 15 incorporate the lace elements with yarn overs and decreases strategically placed to maintain pattern integrity.

Stripe Sequence: The scarf is constructed using a complex stripe sequence that cycles through all ten Koigu KPPPM Wildweed colors. The sequence repeats in a specific order: 2 rows each of colors A and B, then 2 rows each of colors A and B again, followed by 2 rows each of colors C and D, then C and D repeated, then 2 rows each of E and F, repeated, then 2 rows each of G and H, repeated, and finally 2 rows each of I and J. This stripe sequence is worked four times across the full scarf, though crafters have the option to work it five times if additional yardage is desired for a longer finished piece.

Materials and Gauge: The Wildweed Pencil Pack Open Squares Scarf is worked using Koigu KPPPM Wildweed yarn in ten distinct colors: Sunflower (P458 A), P506A (B), P321 (C), P646 (D), P909 (E), P708 (F), P853 (G), P643 (H), P601 (I), and P750 (J). The yarn is 100 percent merino wool, with each Pencil Pack containing ten 25-gram demi skeins providing 87 yards (80 meters) per skein. The project requires 3.25 millimeter (US size 3) knitting needles or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge of 24 stitches by 36 rows equaling 4 inches (10 centimeters) in pattern. Additional materials include a tapestry needle for finishing and four buttons for embellishment.

Construction and Finishing: The scarf begins with casting on 65 stitches using color A and working the stitch pattern while following the stripe sequence. All stitches are bound off after completing the stripe sequence repetitions. The finishing process involves sewing in all yarn tails neatly with a tapestry needle and blocking or steaming the finished piece to the specified measurements. Four buttons are attached to the left side of the scarf, with the first button positioned nine stripes from the bottom at the left edge. Remaining buttons are staggered evenly across the width of the scarf with one stripe skipped between each button. The yarn overs created in the lace pattern serve as functional buttonholes for this decorative button placement.

The Annex Cowl

Project Overview: The Annex Cowl, designed by Cathy Fascinato, is a knitted circular cowl with finished measurements of 60 centimeters (24 inches) in circumference by 15 centimeters (6 inches) in width. This project is worked in the round, creating a seamless tubular construction.

Stitch Techniques: The Annex Cowl employs several knitting techniques including yarn overs (YO) and a stitch abbreviated as DVD (the specific definition of this abbreviation is not provided in the available pattern text, though it appears to be a decrease or decorative element). The pattern begins with a setup sequence of knit one round, purl one round, and knit one round before transitioning to the main pattern. The main pattern alternates between