Valley Yarns Forget-Me-Not Cowl Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Forget-Me-Not Cowl

What Is Being Made

The Forget-Me-Not Cowl is a lightweight, seamless knitted cowl designed by Kirsten Hipsky. This project creates a small, delicate accessory perfect for wearing as knitted jewelry. The finished cowl measures approximately 23 inches around and 8 inches tall, making it an ideal layering piece for adding warmth and style without bulk.

Construction Method

This cowl is worked bottom-up in the round using the seamless knitting technique. The pattern begins with a cast-on of 126 stitches worked flat in garter stitch for 4 rows, then transitions to circular knitting. After the lace pattern is completed to the desired length, the work is turned and finished with 3 rows of garter stitch worked back and forth. The sides of the garter stitch sections are then sewn closed using the yarn tail ends, creating a neat, finished edge.

Lace Pattern and Stitches

The Forget-Me-Not Cowl features a sweet and simple lace pattern that is easy to memorize, making it accessible for intermediate knitters. The lace motif is worked over a 6-round repeat using the following essential stitches:

• Knit (k): The fundamental stitch that forms the base of the fabric
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk): A left-leaning decrease created by slipping 2 stitches as if to knit, then inserting the left needle tip through both stitches and knitting them together
• Knit 2 together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease that reduces stitch count
• Yarn over (yo): An eyelet increase that creates the lace openwork characteristic of the design
• Stockinette stitch (St st): The smooth fabric created by knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side, used as the base for the lace pattern
• Garter stitch: Created by knitting every row, used for the cast-on and bind-off edges to provide structure and prevent curling

The 6-round repeat combines decreases and yarn overs strategically to create an open, decorative lace pattern. Rounds 2, 4, and 6 are worked entirely in knit stitches, allowing the pattern to develop clearly. This balanced use of decreases and increases maintains stitch count while creating the lace effect.

Materials and Yarn

The Forget-Me-Not Cowl uses Valley Yarns 2/10 Colrain Lace, a luxurious blend composed of 50% Merino wool and 50% Tencel. This yarn comes on large cones weighing approximately half a pound and containing 1,540 yards, allowing crafters to knit multiple cowls from a single cone. The project shown uses the Periwinkle colorway and requires approximately 150 yards of yarn. Colrain Lace is described as soft and shining, providing an elegant drape and subtle sheen to the finished garment.

Needles and Gauge

This pattern calls for US size 6 (4.00mm) circular needles in a 16-inch length, or the size needed to achieve the correct gauge. The recommended gauge is approximately 5.5 stitches equals 1 inch when measured in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the cowl to reach the intended finished dimensions.

Difficulty Level

The Forget-Me-Not Cowl is rated as an intermediate project. While the lace pattern is described as sweet and simple with easy-to-memorize repeats, the pattern requires familiarity with circular knitting, decreases, yarn overs, and the ability to work in the round without twisting the cast-on edge. The seamless construction and lace techniques make this an ideal project for knitters looking to develop their skills beyond basic stockinette stitch.