Yesterday, I gave you the pattern instructions for the open-finger mitts. Now, here are the straightforward pattern instructions for the cowl. This may be the most wearable cowl you come across. It’s one-part turtle neck, one-part dickie, and one-part capelet. Knit using UNIVERSAL YARNS Deluxe Stripes, it’s totally reversible and can be considered unisex. This is simple, meditative knitting. Perfect to take along on any outing.
I am wearing the gorgeous cowl near the wharf at St Andrews By the Sea, New Brunswick.
COWL
One size, adult
approx circumference at cast-on / bind-off edge 29½” [75cm]
approx length 12” [30.5cm]
abbreviations
approx approximately
cm centimeter(s)
in inch(es)
k knit
m meter(s)
mm millimeter(s)
p purl
rep repeat
rnd(s) round(s)
st(s) stitch(es)
yd yard(s)
[ ] work instructions inside brackets a specified number of times
2 x 2 Rib [k2, p2] repeat to end of round, and repeat round to form pattern
materials
yarn
- 2 skeins of UNIVERSAL YARN Deluxe Stripes, 75% Superwash Wool, 25% Nylon, 218yd [200m] per 3.5oz [100g], Color: 307 Timber
needles
- 1 KNITTER’S PRIDE Dreamz circular needle size US 4 [3.5mm], 24” [60cm] long
- 1 KNITTER’S PRIDE Dreamz circular needle size US 7 [4.5mm], 24” [60cm] long
notions
- 1 stitch marker
- yarn needle
- scissors
- SOAK Gentle Laundry Soap (no-rinse laundry soap)
gauge
26 sts x 24 rnds = 4” [10cm] in 2 x 2 Rib on US 7 [4.5mm] needles, blocked
32 sts x 32 rnds = 4” [10cm] in 2 x 2 Rib on US 4 [3.5mm] needles, blocked
I’m enjoying a serene moment while knitting on my cowl at a private riverbank retreat.
Instructions
With US 7 [4.5mm] needle, cast on 192 sts. Join in round, taking care not to twist sts and place a stitch marker for beginning of rnd. Slip marker throughout.
Work 32 rnds of 2 x 2 Rib, or approx 5” [13cm].
Change to US 4 [3.5mm] needle and work 32 rnds of 2 x 2 Rib, or approx 4” [10cm].
Change to US 7 [4.5mm] needle and work 18 rnds of 2 x 2 Rib, or approx 3” [7.5cm].
Bind off all stitches loosely in 2 x 2 Rib pattern. Cut yarn and fasten off.
The knitted but not yet blocked cowl shows the shape achieved by changing needle sizes.
finishing
Weave in all yarn ends—wet block with a quick bath of Soak wash in a cool water basin. Spread on a towel, turning several times during dry time.
Let’s talk a little about Soak Gentle Laundry Soap, no-rinse laundry soap.
Soak is a well-developed product designed with knitted wool items in mind, but it is so much more! Yes, I use it to clean my hand-knitted sweaters and accessories. This product doesn’t need to be rinsed out, so it’s also perfect to add to the wash water when you’re blocking your finished knitted or crocheted items.
I’m using Soak while camping to wash our bathing suits and swim trunks at the end of the day.
But it’s also great for so much more! It’s the perfect travel companion for all your laundry needs, such as bathing suits (and underwear). It’s environmentally friendly and leaves no residue. The 3 fl oz [90ml] size bottle is allowed in your liquids and gels bag when flying. The fragrances are incredibly subtle, but if you prefer, there’s a scentless version. I like the Wild Mint scent the best; for me, it smells extra fresh. I forgot to mention that you can use it in the washing machine too, especially for your delicate cycle.
The hat, mitts, cowl, and boot cuffs knit in UNIVERSAL YARN Deluxe Stripes in action!
I have one last pattern to share with you. If you’re a fan of those easy meditative knitting projects, then you’re also going to love the boot cuffs! The boot cuffs are the easiest yet. The delightful stripes of UNIVERSAL YARN Deluxe Stripes are the details that make this simple design so effective.
This is part 4 of 5 in this series
Go back to part 3: Easy pattern instructions for knitting open finger mitts
Go to part 5: These boot cuffs are made for the outdoors! EASY free knitting pattern
