Volcanic eruptions have shaped our world. The Earth still bears the traces of these cataclysms and the remains of lava flows can still be seen to this day. One specific kind of basaltic lava, pahoehoe lava, forms smooth, billowy or ropy surfaces when cooling down.
The Basalt Swirl cowl / stole is inspired by the swirls created by such lava flows. Basalt Swirl is worked in the round and flat seamlessly and uses three different lace patterns that swirl and undulate across the body of the cowl / stole. Thanks to the modular construction, Basalt Swirl can be worked either as a cowl or as a stole.
Make your world swirl and join us for this new geologic expedition!

This pattern is worked in the round and flat in four Sections to form a cowl / stole worked seamlessly in different directions. Thanks to the modular construction, you can either create a cowl or add some length and create a stole.

When substituting yarn, avoid inelastic fibers such as silk, cotton, linen, hemp, etc., and man-made fibers that won’t keep the block; wool or blends with high wool content are best.

Yarns
Dye For Yarn Fingering MerCa (Fingering, 55% Merino, 45% Baby Camel, 480 meters / 525 yards per 100 grams); MC: 1 skein.

Koperdraadje Merino Single (Fingering, 100% Merino, 366 meters / 400 yards per 100 grams); CC: 1 skein.

Sample uses 38 grams in color Cursed Bloodstain (MC), and 52 grams in color Purple / Yellow Mix (CC).

Needles
3.25 mm (US size 3) 120 cm / 47 inches circular needle or size to obtain gauge (working needle).
2.75 mm (US size 2) 100 cm / 40 inches circular needle (for Section 4 only).
The long circular needles are used to accommodate the large number of stitches and / or work magic loop.

Gauge
23.5 stitches and 35 rows = 10 cm / 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch with MC, unblocked.
23 stitches and 35 rows = 10 cm / 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch with CC, unblocked.
17 stitches and 34 rows = 10 cm / 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch with either MC or CC, blocked.
16 stitches and 28 rows = 10 cm / 4 inches in Pattern B – Dark Swirl with MC, blocked, or in Pattern D – Light Swirl with CC, blocked.
16 stitches and 30 rows = 10 cm / 4 inches in Pattern F – Flow with MC and CC alternated, blocked.
Note: obtaining the gauge given is not crucial but will affect the finished size and the yardage needed. Base the needle choice on the Stockinette Stitch gauge.

Notions
Crochet hook 2.75 mm / C-2. Stitch markers: 1 removable marker in color A, 7 markers in color B (optional), 3 removable markers in color C, 2 removable markers in color D. Shorter cable (60 cm / 24 inches) for the working needle. Waste yarn (or 3 spare circular needle cables). Tapestry needle. Blocking pins. Blocking wires (optional).

Size
Two: cowl, stole. Customizable.

Final measurements
Cowl: Height (h): 33 cm / 13 inches, circumference (c): 133 cm / 52.25 inches.
Stole: Height (h): 33 cm / 13 inches, length (l): 175 cm / 69 inches.

Skill level
Knit, purl, increases, single and multiple decreases. Twisted stitches. Working in the round with a small circumference and working flat. Working seamless joins. Relatively easy to memorize stitch pattern and easy patterning on both sides. Elastic BO and regular BO.
Video tutorials and process photos are provided when necessary for the stitches and techniques used.

Pattern notes
This pattern is worked in the round and flat in four Sections to form a cowl / stole worked seamlessly in different directions.
Suggestions are given to customize the pattern.
Charts and written instructions are provided as well as clear video tutorials for the used stitches.

Pattern support
For questions about this pattern, please PM me on Ravelry or send me an email. Contact details are provided.

Want to get a free cowl? Read on!

We all love knitting, right?! I certainly do! I’d like to gift you a cowl and doing so spread the love for knitting even more :-) This gift is available to everyone.

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