Cowls are just so useful. They don’t slip off you neck like scarves and shawls can, nothing dangles to get in the way, and they keep the wind out. I like my cowls tall, so they pile up high around my neck and provide plenty of warmth.

You can knit Spiranthes as long (or as short) as you like. Use up a full skein, stripe leftovers, or go extra large with several balls of yarn.

Don’t be intimidated by the lace in this project, it has but four rounds in a repeat, it is very intuitive, and you’ll find you have memorised it in no time. It flies off your needles once you’ve got yourself underway.

It is possible to knit Spiranthes in almost any yarn you like. Instructions for three yarn thicknesses are supplied. For all yarn thicknesses allow about 200m of yarn. More yarn enables you to make a taller cowl.

Fine - for a 4ply/fingering or sport weight version. Use a 3.50mm 40cm circular needle or size that gives you a gauge of: 26sts in 10cm in stocking stitch. 30sts/2.5 repeats in 10cm (4”) in blocked lace pattern.

Medium (modeled cowl) - for a 8ply/DK or worsted weight version. Use a 4.50mm 40cm circular needle or size that gives you a gauge of: 20sts in 10cm (4”) in stocking stitch. 22sts/2 repeats in 10cm (4”) in blocked lace pattern.

Thick - for a 12ply/bulky weight version. Use a 6.00mm 40cm circular needle or size that gives you a gauge of: 16sts in 10cm in stocking stitch. 18sts/1.5 repeats in 10cm (4”) in blocked lace pattern.

Further details are provided for size modifications so that you can make a cowl to your liking using the materials you have.

Spirathes was designed for supply drop three of The Loopsmith Brigade, 2016.