The lotus blossom symbolized the sun to ancient Egyptians; when the lotus flower stitch pattern is knit into a cowl using luxuriously soft yarn spun from cria fiber, the first shearing of a baby alpaca, the result is as warm as sunshine. A fingering-weight merino/cashmere/nylon blend gives indulgent results for those who don’t have access to cria fiber yarns. Choose between a gaiter-style cowl and one with a full yoke depending on preference and yardage available.

The pattern works best with a heavy fingering weight yarn; DK weight also works well, though the fabric will have a bit less drape.

This cowl was inspired by the adorable cria at Fair Winds Farm, Quarryville, PA and by the lotus stitch pattern found in A Second Treasury of Stitch Patterns by Barbara Walker, © 1970.

Many thanks to test knitters/tech editors Cindi Perrine, Jan Hamby, and Rose Tobelmann. Special thanks to models, Kris Maughan and Karen Gibbins.

Fair Winds Farm Real Baby Alpaca Cria is available from Fair Winds Farm, owned and operated by twinsetjan and her husband. Follow twinsetjan on Instagram for more photos of those adorable cria.