Continuing with my exploration of the Woven Floats technique, launching today is a variation on the original knitting pattern UFO Sky Cowl. It showcases a deeper texture by using the stitches differently. You can add embroidery to really make the UFOs pop out of the knitting pattern. On showing both versions of the UFO sky cowl to my testers, I asked which one would be the best to sell. Interesting, the answer came back that each one will appeal for different reasons. The first one is the simplest and just uses the two colours. This second one is ideal for those who are confident enough to add a little embroidery. Version two of the UFO Sky Cowl is fun for any UFO or alien enthusiasts. Knit it for yourself or as a unique, creative knitting gift.
Buy this knitting pattern on my Store Ravelry
Dimensions
DimensionsApproximately 78 cm (30 ¾″) x 19 cm (7 ½″)
Gauge
20 sts x 26 rows on 4mm (US size 6) needles for 10cm x 10cm after blocking for moss and woven floats. This will vary depending on your yarn and style of knitting. Being a cowl, it is not essential to match the gauge.
Yarn
Choose two high contrast colours in DK or Light Worsted weight.
MC (pale grey) 50g
CC (navy) 100g
Wool and natural wool blends that feel soft against your neck are recommended. Choose yarns that have some stability. Avoid yarns that have a lot of drape or elasticity.
Equipment
4mm (US size 6) circular needle 60cm (24″) long
Darning needle and small scissors
Open lock stitch markers in three colours
Tapestry or fingering weight wool for embroidery (optional)
Yarn Used For The Knitting Pattern
As with the original, I used Morris & Sons Estate 8ply in the colours of Night for CC and Robot for MC.
You’ll be able to buy it from their physical shops which are always fun to visit. However, if you are further way, order online direct on the website. If you are ordering from overseas, you will find (currently) the exchange rate, from Australian dollars, is very favourable in most countries. Morris & Sons stock other brands as well, such as Rowan and Malabrigo. Why not buy for several patterns to save on shipping?
This Estate 8ply yarn is firm with a medium twist. I recommend avoiding yarns that are too stretchy, too drapey or too fluffy. They need volume to fill in the gaps and not too much halo which will obscure the pattern over time. If you are purchasing new yarn for the UFO cowl, ask your shop assistant to help you find a firm yarn. Wool acrylic blends are ok if your skin doesn’t like direct contact with wool.
Getting the Knitting Tension Right
Starting the Woven Floats technique can take a bit of practice. My testers found they were much happier doing a swatch until they felt more confident before starting the pattern. So, they cast on enough sts in the round for a 40cm / 16″ circular and then kept working the rounds until the technique felt natural.
Their gauges for the swatch and even the finished cowl varied too. Some were down as far as 17 sts per 10cm/ 4″ which will make the cowl quite a bit larger so, make the swatch! It’s worth it. 🙂 To tighten up the gauge, make your knit and purl with a slightly higher tension. The floats will straighten out if you give them the space between sts. They don’t need vertical height as well.
Sound like fun?
Buy this knitting pattern on my Store Ravelry