Haku cowl – pdf knitting pattern

The dragonscale stitch pattern is combined with subtle beading to create a gleaming, elegant cowl that flares gently around the base. Choose beads with more contrast to up the wow factor, or leave them out entirely for a quieter look.

Photo tutorials for beading with a crochet hook, or with needle and thread, are included. Charted as well as written instructions are provided.

Thanks to my wonderful testers, and to Kate Atherley for tech editing!

Difficulty: Intermediate
Skills used: Working in the round, increasing and decreasing, beading using a crochet hook or sewing needle (optional; tutorial included).

Size and gauge
One size: 48 cm / 19 in around at top, unstretched; 34 cm / 13.5 in high

Gauge: 
30 sts x 32 rounds = 10 cm / 4 in square in dragonscale pattern, blocked.

You will need:
290 m / 320 yds of fingering weight yarn. Choose a yarn that is smooth and not strongly variegated, to show the stitch pattern. I recommend a silk blend for drape and sheen, to hold the blocking.

Sample uses Babylonglegs Semi-Precious (50% merino / 50% silk; 400 m / 437 yds per 100 g skein): 1 skein in Haematite.

3.25 mm / US3 circular needle 40 cm / 16 in long (or your preferred circulars for working small circumferences in the round)

At least 324 size 6 beads (optional) – be sure to buy extra beads, to account for lost, damaged or too small beads.
Very fine crochet hook (around 1 mm / US 10), or dental floss and a sewing needle, for beading

6 stitch markers
yarn needle