It’s important to me to always have a wide range of neckwear available to keep away the winter chills.  I want long infinity scarves to wrap double when it’s freezing, but I also want short cowls to just pull over my head and go.

This set of cowls is given in three yarn weights and two sizes, so you can have all the variety your wardrobe needs. 

They’re worked in a simple Lace Rib Pattern that’s a cinch to memorize, but creates a dramatic result, especially when worked in a gorgeous handspun, like the ones I purchased from Spincycle.  

SIZE
S [L]

Gray/Blue [bulky weight] shown above in size S
Mustard [dk weight] shown immediately below in size S
Golden [worsted weight] shown on cover and further below in size L

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
DK
Neck Circumference: 22[42.5] inches/56 [108] cm
Length: 7[7] inches/18[18] cm

Worsted
Neck Circumference: 23.5[44] inches/60 [112] cm
Length: 7[7] inches/18[18] cm

Bulky
Neck Circumference: 24[44.5] inches/61[113] cm
Length: 7[7] inches/18[18] cm

MATERIALS

Editor's note: for this pattern finished handspun yarn was purchased.

DK Version
Spincycle Falkland DK [100% Falkland Merino X Wool; 120yd/110m]; color: Tell-Tale Heart; 1[2] skeins

Worsted Version
Spincycle Ramboullet Worsted [100% Ramboullet Wool; 120yd/110m]; color: Greed; 1[2] skeins

Bulky Version
Spincycle Ramboullet Super Bulky [100% Ramboullet Wool; 120yd/110m]; color: Asphalt; 1[2] skeins

Finished Yarn
DK – 12-14wpi; 2ply
worsted weight - 9-11; single
Bulky - 6-8; 2ply


Commercial Yarn Alternative
DK Version
DK - Sanguine Gryphon Free Range [100% Wool, 285 yds per 4oz skein] 1[1] skein

Worsted Version
Worsted - Malabrigo Worsted [100% Merino Wool, 210 yards per 100gm skein], 1[2] skeins

Bulky Version
Bulky - Araucania Coliumo Multy [70% Wool, 30% Silk, 95 yds for 100gm skein], [2, 3] skeins

Recommended needle size
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below -- every knitter's gauge is unique]
DK Version
Size S: 16-inch US #7/4.5mm circular needle
Size L: 32-inch US #7/4.5mm circular needle

Worsted Version
Size S: 16-inch US #9/5.5mm circular needle
Size L: 32-inch US #9/5.5mm circular needle

Bulky Version:
Size S: 16-inch US #17/12.5mm circular needle
Size L: 32-inch US #17/12.5mm circular needle

Tools
stitch markers – 1 of a different style or color
tapestry needle

GAUGE

PATTERN NOTES
[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here.]

All of the cowls in this set are worked in the round in a repeating Lace Rib Pattern. Each cowl is divided into four sections, each of which is a multiple of 4 plus 1 stitches. I recommend using stitch marker between each section.  Using needles that have a sharper point is helpful in knitting and purling 3 stitches together in lace rib pattern.  If you find it difficult to knit and purl 3 stitches together, lightly tug downward on knit fabric before knitting or purling the 3 stitches together. Note that the Lace Rib Pattern changes slightly depending on the gauge and size being knit.

Directions are given for three weights of yarn – DK, worsted, and bulky – and two sizes – small and large.  Work your cowl according to the directions below, making sure to get the gauge given for the weight and size you choose.

DIRECTIONS
Small DK  and Worsted Versions and Large Bulky Version
CO 100 sts.  Join for working in the round, being careful not to twist, placing marker for start of round.
Rnd 1:  *[K1, (yo, p3tog, yo, k1) 6 times]; rep from * 4 times, placing marker after each lace rib pattern repeat on first round.
Rnd 2: *[K2tog, (yo, p1, yo, k3tog) 5 times, yo, p1, yo, k2tog]; rep from * 4 times.

Rep Rnds 1-2 for Lace Rib Pattern until piece meas. 7 inches/18 cm or desired length.

BO all sts.

Small Bulky Version
CO 52 sts. Join for working in the round, being careful not to twist, placing marker for start of round.
Rnd 1:  *[K1, (yo, p3tog, yo, k1) 3 times]; rep from * 4 times, placing marker after each lace rib pattern repeat on first round.
Rnd 2: *[K2tog, (yo, p1, yo, k3tog) 2 times, yo, p1, yo, k2tog]; rep from * 4 times.

Rep Rnds 1-2 for Lace Rib Pattern until piece meas. 7 inches/18 cm or desired length.

BO all sts.

Rep Rnds 1-2 for Lace Rib Pattern until piece meas. 7 inches/18 cm or desired length.

BO all sts.

Large Worsted Version
CO 196 sts. Join for working in the round, being careful not to twist, placing marker for start of round.

Rnd 1:  *[K1, (yo, p3tog, yo, k1) 12 times]; rep from * 4 times, placing marker after each lace rib pattern repeat on first round.

Rnd 2: *[K2tog, (yo, P1, yo, k3tog) 11 times, yo, p1, yo, k2tog]; rep from * 4 times.

Rep Rnds 1-2 for Lace Rib Pattern until piece meas. 7 inches/18 cm or desired length.

BO all sts.

FINISHING
Weave in ends and block.

Andrea Rangel loves the functional and artistic nature of fiber arts.  For her, knitting creates a connection with the past and an outlet for self-expression.  Having lived in many climates, she enjoys matching the perfect natural fibers to each project and season.  She is constantly influenced by the natural world and interprets her outdoor experiences through design. 

See more of her designs on her website or visit her on Ravelry.