ZUZU'S PETALS

[COWLETTE: A COWL + SHAWL HYBRID]

All the style of a shawlette

without the fuss of trying to
keep it around your neck! This
easy to wear cowl is designed
to mimic the look of a shawl,
casually worn as a scarf. The
pattern starts out worked flat
like a top-down shawl, and is
then joined and worked in the
round to the bottom edge. I call
these hybrid patterns,
"cowlettes."

Pattern includes charts and

written directions for four
gauges to accommodate
fingering - super bulky weight
yarns. Knits up fast from the
top down, with a small amount
of yardage and is simple
enough for an advanced
beginner.

01 | ZUZU'S PETALS COWLETTE

© 2012, 2021 | CARINASPENCER.COM
 Visit my Youtube channel for
SKILL LEVEL REQUIRED SKILLS a video that covers all
INTERMEDIATE cast on & bind off
knit & purl the "tricky bits" in this pattern!
pick up stitches HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/KCG7IWQ_SSE
working in the round
use of stitch markers
GLOSSARY
increase (yo, kfb)
CO = cast on decrease (k2tog, ssk)
k = knit
k2tog = knit two stitches SIZES & MEASUREMENTS
together Pattern is for one size in four gauges with a little bit of added ease at the neck
in GAUGE 3 and GAUGE 4 to accommodate for heavier yarn. Pattern is
kfb = knit into the front & back
written for GAUGE 1 with changes for other gauges in parentheses as
of the next stitch
follows: GAUGE 1 (GAUGE 2, GAUGE 3, GAUGE 4).
inc'd = increased Measurements are post-blocking.
mkr = marker
p = purl NECK CIRCUMFERENCE: ~ 18 (18, 20, 20)” / 45 (45, 50, 50) cm
HEM CIRCUMFERENCE: ~ 30 (30, 32, 34)" / 75 (75, 80, 85) cm
pm = place marker
MITERED HEIGHT (center-front): ~ 16 (16, 16½, 17)” / 40 (40, 41, 42.5) cm
r = row/round HEIGHT (center-back): 6 (6, 6½, 7)” / 15 (15, 16, 17.5) cm
rep = repeat instructions
between the *
See MODIFYING FOR A CUSTOM FIT on
RS = right side
pg. 4 for instructions to change the
sm = slip marker circumference and/or length.
SSK = slip a stitch as if to knit, GAUGE
slip a stitch as if to purl; slip Numbers are provided for four gauges to accommodate fingering - super
bulky weight yarns. Gauge should be measured in blocked stockinette, knit
the left needle into the front of
flat. Stitch gauge is more important than row gauge for this pattern, so if you
these stitches & knit them
can't get both, use the needle that gives you accurate stitch gauge
together through the back
loop GAUGE 1 (for fingering - sport weight yarns):
st(s) = stitch(es) 21 sts & 32 rows = 4”/10 cm
Suggested needle size US 5/3.75 mm or 6/4 mm
WS = wrong side
yo = yarnover GAUGE 2 (for dk - worsted weight yarns):
18 sts & 26 rows = 4”/10 cm
Suggested needle size US 8/5 mm or 9/5.5 mm

GAUGE 3 (for bulky weight yarns):

14 sts & 21 rows = 4”/10 cm
Suggested needle size US 10/6 mm or 11/8 mm

GAUGE 4 (for super bulky weight yarns):

9 sts & 14 rows = 4”/10 cm
Suggested needle size US 13/9 mm or 15/10 mm

02 | ZUZU'S PETALS COWLETTE

© 2012, 2021 | CARINASPENCER.COM
MATERIALS CONSTRUCTION
YARN The cowlette is worked from the top-down and
The drape of this pattern will be significantly affected by center-front out, beginning with a Garter Tab Cast
the fiber content of your yarn and the density of your On, similar to the start of many top-down shawls.
fabric at gauge. For more drape, consider yarn with some
silk, bamboo, or rayon content or yarn that is a looser Section One is worked flat, with a 2-stitch garter
density when knit to gauge. For less drape (as shown in the selvedge, and eyelet increases on the right and left
sample) choose a wool-rich yarn or yarn that creates a edges, and on each side of the center stitch. When
denser fabric when knit to gauge. the selvedge edge (which creates the neck opening)
is about 18”/45 cm long, work is joined and worked in
Gradient dyed yarns (as shown in the sample) pair the round to the bottom edge.
beautifully with this pattern and are a very popular choice.
If you need more yardage than one gradient skein offers,
work from more than one skein of the same colorway, SPECIAL TECHNIQUES
alternating skeins every other row/round OR use the same
technique to add yardage in a coordinating solid color to LACE BIND OFF
the most similar part of the gradient skein. K2, slip these 2 sts back to the left needle, *k2tog
through the back loops, slip 1 st from the right needle
Sample shown in this pattern is GAUGE 2, knit in Freia to the left needle*, rep to end of round. Break yarn
Fine Handpaints Worsted Ombré (100% wool; 127 and secure by threading the tail through the last st
yds/115 meters per skein) in "Oro Azteca" with their and pulling snug.
coordinating solid color "Relish" added in at the beginning
to make up the difference in yardage. I used the remaining
Relish to make a matching hat (shown on pg. 8)!

See samples in every gauge at the Zuzu's Petals pattern

page on Ravlery or at carinaspencer.com.

GAUGE 1 (for fingering - sport weight yarn):

220 yds / 201 m.

GAUGE 2 (for dk - worsted weight yarn):

165 yds / 151 m.

GAUGE 3 (for bulky weight yarns):

140 yds / 128 m.

GAUGE 4 (for super bulky weight yarns):

125 yds/115 m.

NEEDLES
20"/50 cm circular needle in size required to
obtain gauge - see GAUGE section on pg. 2 for
suggested needle sizes
one needle 2-3 sizes larger for bind off

NOTIONS
3 stitch markers & a needle for weaving in ends

03 | ZUZU'S PETALS COWLETTE

© 2012, 2021 | CARINASPENCER.COM
MODIFYING FOR A CUSTOM FIT The selvedge edge in SECTION ONE is what creates
the neck circumference after joining in the round.
Please keep in mind that any modifications will also
Before joining, it's easy to lay it flat to measure its
change the amount of yarn needed for this project.
width and see if the measurement is where you want
it to be.
ADJUSTING THE SIZE WITH GAUGE
To slightly adjust the size all over, consider using a
After adjusting your stitch count in a multiple of 24,
needle one or two sizes smaller or larger than the
continue with directions for JOIN IN THE ROUND,
needle that gives you the correct gauge. For instance,
and follow the rest of the pattern as written. Keep in
if you are following directions for GAUGE 2 using a
mind your stitch counts will be different throughout
worsted weight yarn and size US 8/5 mm needle, you
the rest of the pattern. Modifying the neck
can go up to a US 9/5.5 mm needle for a slightly larger
circumference will also slightly modify the length in
fit or down to a US 7/4.5 mm needle for a slightly
front.
smaller fit. Keep in mind this modification will also
change the quality of your fabric, looser with a larger
needle and tighter with a smaller needle. ADDING LENGTH
The simplest way to add length is to add stitches in
Alternately, you can follow the directions for the multiples of 24 after joining in the round. This will add
gauge below or above the yarn you are using. length to the stockinette section of the cowlette
Directions for a smaller gauge will give you a larger before the lace begins, without changing the neck
fit, and directions for a larger gauge will give you a circumference.
smaller fit. For instance, if you are using a worsted
weight yarn for GAUGE 2, you could follow the After working JOIN IN THE ROUND and the
directions for GAUGE 1 for a larger fit or GAUGE 3 subsequent 2 rounds after the join, you'll work these
for a smaller fit. This modification will be a more two rounds:
dramatic change in size than adjusting the needle
size. NEXT ROUND: k to mkr, yo, sm, k1, sm, yo, k to end
of round - 2 sts inc'd
NEXT ROUND: knit
ADJUSTING THE NECK CIRCUMFERENCE
To increase or decrease the neck circumference, you Repeat these two rounds 11 more times to increase a
will need to add or subtract stitches in multiples of 24 total of 24 sts and 24 rows of length. If you still want
before joining in the round. to add more length, continue repeating these two
rounds in multiples of 12, increasing your stitch count
This happens in SECTION ONE by changing the and row count by 24 each time.
number of times you repeat R1 & R2. 4 sts are
increased with every repeat of R1. Once you've added the length you want, continue on
to SECTION TWO.
to increase your stitch count by 24 sts, work R1 &
R2 for 6 additional repeats (12 rows), ending on a
WS row
to decrease your stitch count by 24 sts, work R1
& R2 for 6 fewer repeats (12 rows), ending on a
WS row

04 | ZUZU'S PETALS COWLETTE

© 2012, 2021 | CARINASPENCER.COM
KNITTING
DIRECTIONS

1
Directions are written for GAUGE 1 with changes for other gauges in parentheses as follows:

2
GAUGE 1 (GAUGE 2, GAUGE 3, GAUGE 4). Slip all markers as you come to them. See the video
linked on pg. 2 if you run into any trouble!

SET-UP - Garter Tab Cast On SECTION ONE

CO 2 sts, and knit 6 rows. R1 (RS): k2, yo, k to mkr, yo, sm, k1 (center stitch),
sm, yo, k to last 2 sts, yo, k2 - 4 sts inc'd, 11 sts
NEXT R (RS): k2, rotate work 90 ° clockwise, and pick
R2 (WS): k2, p to last 2 sts, k2
up & knit 3 sts along the selvedge edge (1 in each

3
garter ridge). Rotate work again 90° clockwise and Repeat R1 & R2 23 (19, 15, 11) more times -
pick up & knit 2 sts along the CO edge (1 in each CO 92 (76, 60, 44) sts inc’d, 103 (87, 71, 55) sts
st) – 7 sts

NEXT R (WS): k2, p1, pm, p1, pm, p1, k2

JOIN IN THE ROUND

NEXT R (RS): K2, yo, k to mkr, yo, sm, k1, sm, yo, k to
last 2 sts, yo, k1, kfb placing a marker between the knit
into the front and the knit into the back - 5 sts inc'd,
108 (92, 76, 60) sts: 53 (45, 37, 29) before the first
mkr, 1 center stitch, 53 (45, 37, 29) to the last mkr,
and 1 stitch at the end. This new marker will be your
beginning/end of round mkr.

Do not turn. Join in the round, and knit to end of

round.

NEXT R: k to mkr, yo, sm, k1, sm, yo, k to end of round

- 2 sts inc'd, 110 (94, 78, 62) sts
NEXT R: knit

05 | ZUZU'S PETALS COWLETTE

© 2012, 2021 | CARINASPENCER.COM
SECTION TWO
4
You will now begin the lace at the bottom of the cowlette.
Continue with written directions or work from charts on
pg. 9. Directions are optimized specifically for their
format, so at first glance the repeated sections may
R6: *p1, k11*, rep to 10 sts before mkr, p1, k9, sm, k1,
sm, k9, *p1, k11*, rep to end of round
R7: *p1, SSK, yo, k7, yo, k2tog*, rep to 10 sts before
mkr, p1, SSK, yo, k7, yo, sm, k1, sm, yo, k7, yo, K2tog,
*p1, SSK, yo, k7, yo, k2tog*, rep to end of round - 2 sts
appear to be different if you compare the charted and
written formats to each other – they are NOT different. inc'd, 118 (--, --, --) sts
Switching back and forth between charted and written R8: *p1, k11*, rep to 11 sts before mkr, p1, k10, sm,
directions is not recommended if you're easily confused k1, sm, k10, *p1, k11*, rep to end of round
by the optimization.

GAUGE 2, begin here!

GAUGE 1, begin with R1
GAUGE 2, begin with R9 R9: k1, yo, k3, K2tog, *p1, SSK, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3,
GAUGE 3, begin with R17 K2tog* rep to 5 sts before mkr, p1, k4, yo, sm, k1, sm,
GAUGE 4, begin with R25 yo, k4, *p1, SSK, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, K2tog*, rep to last 6
sts, p1, SSK, k3, yo - 2 sts inc'd, 120 (96, --, --) sts
R10: k6, *p1, k11*, rep to 6 sts before mkr, p1, k5, sm,
k1, sm, k5, *p1, k11* rep to last 6 sts, p1, k5
GAUGE 1, begin here! R11: k2, YO, k2, K2tog, *p1, SSK, k2, YO, k3, YO, k2,
R1: *p1, SSK, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, K2tog*, rep to 7 sts K2tog* rep to 6 sts before mkr, p1, SSK, k2, YO, k1,
before mkr, p1, SSK, k3, yo, k1, yo, sm, k1, sm, yo, k1, YO, sm, k1, sm, YO, k1, YO, k2, k2tog, *p1, SSK, k2,
yo, k3, K2tog, *p1, SSK, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, K2tog*, rep YO, k3, YO, k2, K2tog*, rep to last 6 sts, p1, SSK, k2,
to end of round - 2 sts inc'd, 112 (--, --, --) sts YO, k1 - 2 sts inc'd, 122 (98, --, --) sts
R2: *p1, k11*, rep to 8 sts before mkr, p1, k7, sm, k1, R12: k6, *p1, k11*, rep to 7 sts before mkr, p1, k6, sm,
sm, k7, *p1, k11*, rep to end of round k1, sm, k6, *p1, k11* rep to last 6 sts, p1, k5
R3: *p1, SSK, k2, yo, k3, yo, k2, K2tog*, rep to 8 sts R13: k3, YO, k1, K2tog, *p1, SSK, k1, YO, k5, YO, k1,
before mkr, p1, SSK, k2, yo, k3, yo, sm, k1, sm, yo, k3, K2tog* rep to 7 sts before mkr, p1, SSK, k1, YO, k3,
yo, k2, K2tog, *p1, SSK, k2, yo, k3, yo, k2, K2tog*, rep YO, sm, k1, sm, YO, k3, YO, k1, k2tog, *p1, SSK, k1,
to end of round - 2 sts inc'd, 114 (--, --, --) sts YO, k5, YO, k1, K2tog*, rep to last 6 sts, p1, SSK, k1,
R4: *p1, k11*, rep to 9 sts before mkr, p1, k8, sm, k1, YO, k2 - 2 sts inc'd, 124 (100, --, --) sts
sm, k8, *p1, k11*, rep to end of round R14: k6, *p1, k11*, rep to 8 sts before mkr, p1, k7, sm,
R5: *p1, SSK, k1, yo, k5, yo, k1, K2tog*, rep to 9 sts k1, sm, k7, *p1, k11* rep to last 6 sts, p1, k5
before mkr, p1, SSK, k1, yo, k5, yo, sm, k1, sm, yo, k5, R15: k4, YO, K2tog, *p1, SSK, YO, k7, YO, K2tog* rep
yo, k1, K2tog, *p1, SSK, k1, yo, k5, yo, k1, K2tog*, rep to 8 sts before mkr, p1, SSK, YO, k5, YO, sm, k1, sm,
to end of round - 2 sts inc'd, 116 (--, --, --) sts YO, k5, YO, k2tog, *p1, SSK, YO, k7, YO, K2tog*, rep
to last 6 sts, p1, SSK, YO, k3 - 2 sts inc'd,
126 (102, --, --) sts
R16: k6, *p1, k11*, rep to 9 sts before mkr, p1, k8, sm,
k1, sm, k8, *p1, k11* rep to last 6 sts, p1, k5

06 | ZUZU'S PETALS COWLETTE

© 2012, 2021 | CARINASPENCER.COM
 R27: k2, yo, k2, K2tog, *p1, SSK, k2, yo, k3, yo, k2,
GAUGE 3, begin here!
K2tog* rep to 2 sts before mkr, p1, k1, yo, sm, k1, sm,
R17: *p1, SSK, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, K2tog*, rep to 3 sts yo, k1, *p1, SSK, k2, yo, k3, yo, k2, K2tog*, rep to last 6
before mkr, p1, k2, yo, sm, k1, sm, yo, k2, *p1, SSK, k3, sts, p1, SSK, k2, yo, k1 - 2 sts inc'd, 138 (114, 90, 66) sts
yo, k1, yo, k3, K2tog*, rep to end of round - 2 sts inc'd, R28: k6, *p1, k11*, rep to 3 sts before the mkr, p1, k2,
128 (104, 80, --) sts sm, k1, sm, k2, *p1, k11*, rep to last 6 sts, p1, k5
R18: *p1, k11*, rep to 4 sts before mkr, p1, k3, sm, k1, R29: k3, yo, k1, K2tog, *p1, SSK, k1, yo, k5, yo, k1,
sm, k3, *p1, k11*, rep to end of round K2tog* rep to 3 sts before mkr, p1, k2, yo, sm, k1, sm,
R19: *p1, SSK, k2, yo, k3, yo, k2, K2tog*, rep to 4 sts yo, k2, *p1, SSK, k1, yo, k5, yo, k1, K2tog*, rep to last 6
before mkr, p1, k3, yo, sm, k1, sm, yo, k3, *p1, SSK, k2, sts, p1, SSK, k1, yo, k2 - 2 sts inc'd, 140 (116, 92, 68) sts
yo, k3, yo, k2, K2tog*, rep to end of round - 2 sts inc'd, R30: k6, *p1, k11*, rep to 4 sts before the mkr, p1, k3,
130 (106, 82, --) sts sm, k1, sm, k3, *p1, k11*, rep to last 6 sts, p1, k5
R20: *p1, k11*, rep to 5 sts before mkr, p1, k4, sm, k1, R31: k4, yo, K2tog, *p1, SSK, yo, k7, yo, K2tog* rep to 4
sm, k4, *p1, k11*, rep to end of round sts before mkr, p1, SSK, yo, k1, yo, sm, k1, sm, yo, k1,
R21: *p1, SSK, k1, yo, k5, yo, k1, K2tog*, rep to 5 sts yo, k2tog, *p1, SSK, yo, k7, yo, K2tog*, rep to last 6 sts,
before mkr, p1, SSK, k1, yo, k1, yo, sm, k1, sm, yo, k1, p1, SSK, yo, k3 - 2 sts inc'd, 142 (118, 94, 70) sts
yo, k1, k2tog, *p1, SSK, k1, yo, k5, yo, k1, K2tog*, rep to R32: k6, *p1, k11*, rep to 5 sts before the mkr, p1, k4,
end of round - 2 sts inc'd, 132 (108, 84, --) sts sm, k1, sm, k4, *p1, k11*, rep to last 6 sts, p1, k5
R22: *p1, k11*, rep to 6 sts before mkr, p1, k5, sm, k1, R33: k1, yo, k3, K2tog, *p1, SSK, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3,
sm, k5, *p1, k11*, rep to end of round K2tog* rep to 5 sts before mkr, p1, k4, yo, sm, k1, sm,
R23: *p1, SSK, yo, k7, yo, K2tog*, rep to 6 sts before yo, k4, *p1, SSK, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, K2tog*, rep to last 6
mkr, p1, SSK, yo, k3, yo, sm, k1, sm, yo, k3, yo, k2tog, sts, p1, SSK, k3, yo - 2 sts inc'd, 144 (120, 96, 72) sts
*p1, SSK, yo, k7, yo, K2tog*, rep to end of round - 2 sts R34: Remove the 2 markers around the center stitch as
inc'd, 134 (110, 86, --) sts you come to them - k6, *p1, k11*, rep to last 6 sts, p1, k5
R24: *p1, k11*, rep to 7 sts before mkr, p1, k6, sm, k1, R35: k1, yo, k3, K2tog, *p1, SSK, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3,
sm, k6, *p1, k11*, rep to end of round K2tog* rep to last 6 sts, p1, SSK, k3, yo
R36: k6, *p1, k11*, rep to last 6 sts, p1, k5

Repeat R35 & R36 2 (2, 1, 1) more time(s).

GAUGE 4, begin here!
R25: k1, yo, k3, K2tog, *p1, SSK, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, NEXT R: k1, yo, k5, *p1, k5, yo, k1, yo, k5*, rep to last 6
K2tog* rep to 1 st before mkr, p1, yo, sm, k1, sm, yo, sts, p1, k5, yo - 24 (20, 16, 12) sts inc'd, 168 (140, 112,
*p1, SSK, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, K2tog*, rep to last 6 sts, p1, 84) sts
SSK, k3, yo - 2 sts inc'd, 136 (112, 88, 64) sts NEXT R: k7, *p1, k13*, rep to last 7 sts, p1, k6
R26: k6, *p1, k11*, rep to 2 sts before mkr, p1, k1, sm,
k1, sm, k1, *p1, k11* rep to last 6 sts, p1, k5

07 | ZUZU'S PETALS COWLETTE

© 2012, 2021 | CARINASPENCER.COM
BIND OFF

5
If you're using a synthetic yarn or yarn that won't hold a
crisp blocked edge and tends to curl, consider purling one
round before changing to the larger needle to work the
bind off to help the edge lie flat.
FINISHING

6
Weave in ends and block to measurements, pinning
the bottom edge into points between the pairs of
yarnovers. Wet blocking the first time is a good idea to
fully open the lace and let the yarn bloom, but after
that, refreshing the shape with steam blocking is a
Using the larger needle, follow directions for Lace Bind great option!
Off in SPECIAL TECHNIQUES section on pg. 3.

Visit my Youtube channel for a

video on steam blocking bandana
shaped cowls and cowlettes with
an ironing board & steam iron.
HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/_0K-IDHW57Q

I designed a hat to match this

pattern! Check out my Second
Chances Hat pattern to make
a coordinated set.

PATTERN SUPPORT Email carina@carinaspencer.com with questions about this pattern. Please include the pattern name, page & section number, and the
specifics of your question so I can offer you the most efficient support.

TERMS & CONDITIONS © 2012 , 2021 Carina Spencer. All rights reserved. Pattern is not to be reprinted, reproduced, or distributed without permission from
the designer. Items created from this pattern are not to be sold for profit without a license, but are always allowed for use in trades and craft swaps.

LICENSING If you are interested in knitting this pattern for resale or charity fund raising, information on licensing is available at carinaspencer.com.

CREDITS Many thanks to my test knitters and to Kristina McGrath for tech editing this pattern.

PHOTOS All photos © Carina Spencer. Email carina@carinaspencer.com for permission to use.

SOCIAL Please use hashtag #ZUZUSPETALSCOWLETTE when sharing your project on social media and tag me so I can see your beautiful work!
Find me @carinaspencer on Instagram and Ravelry and @carinaknits on Facebook.

@CARINASPENCER CARINASPENCER CARINA@CARINASPENCER.COM

08 | ZUZU'S PETALS COWLETTE

© 2012, 2021 | CARINASPENCER.COM
 repeat R35 &
R36 2 (2, 1, 1)
CHART
more time(s)
before

CHART
2 beginning
Chart 2
1
GAUGE 4
begin on R25

GAUGE 3
begin on R17

GAUGE 2
begin on R9

GAUGE 1
begin on R1

LEGEND CHART DIRECTIONS

All chart rows are read from right to left for knitting in the round
GAUGE 1 begins Chart 1 with R1, GAUGE 2 begins with R9, GAUGE 3 begins with R17, GAUGE 4
begins with R25
Work rows in consecutive order beginning with CHART 1 and finishing with CHART 2
For Chart 1, GAUGE 1, 2, & 3 will repeat the sections within the red borders
For Chart 2, all gauges will repeat the sections within the red borders
When Chart 2 is completed, return to the written directions for BIND OFF on pg. 8 to finish the pattern
09 | ZUZU'S PETALS COWLETTE
© 2012, 2021 | CARINASPENCER.COM