Michelle The Fashion Forward Cowl is a great versatile piece that is not only worn as a cowl around the neck but it can be pulled down around the shoulders too, which is my favourite way to wear it. I’m always cold and having that warmth around my shoulders is awesome! It is worked in the round so it has no seams plus it is a stretchy fabric. Therefore, it can fit a range of sizes as the pattern is written. The finished circumference is approximately 35 in (89 cm), stretching to 42 in (107 cm). It fits perfectly around my shoulders, of course. Hey, if I designed it, it’s going to be in my size!
I did, however, think of other sizes too. Instructions are included to make a wider capelet to fit a larger circumference around the shoulders and bust if desired. The great thing about this pattern is that the honeycomb stitch pattern is worked over 8 stitches so the knitter can easily increase the number of cast-on stitches in multiples of eight for every additional 1.75 in (4.5 cm) required. And don’t forget, the fabric will stretch. For example, adding 8 cast-on stitches for a total of 176 cast-on stitches would result in a total circumference of almost 37 in (94 cm), stretching to at least 44 in (112 cm). This works in the reverse too, if you desire a smaller capelet.
So see, the math we learned in school really does come in handy in all walks of life. Get out the calculator and figure out how many stitches to cast on to make your perfectly sized Fashion Forward Cowl!
Michelle