Choose Your Own Adventure Cowl

I had different plans for this yarn, but I second-guessed the yardage needed for that project and decided to make something else with it. A warm, comfy cowl is always a good idea, and this definitely fits the bill. I’ve been wearing it for the past couple of weeks as I wait for spring weather, and it is sooo cozy.

As a designer, I probably shouldn’t say that I don’t like following patterns, but it’s true. That’s why I started designing in the first place: I would try following a pattern, but it wouldn’t fit right or there was some other tweak I thought necessary. I also just like having freedom while I’m knitting. That’s why I’m not telling you exactly how to make this cowl. I’ll give you the blueprint and tell you what I did, but this really is choose-your-own-adventure. I’ve listed seven stitch patterns to mix and match. You can choose five different ones like I did, or you can choose two or three to alternate. You can even choose just one favorite and repeat it five times! This is YOUR cowl, YOUR knit, YOUR adventure.

I’m also curious to hear from you: which is your favorite stitch pattern? Do you prefer structured patterns or a little more leeway for your own creativity?

Choose Your Own Adventure Cowl

Pattern notes: This pattern is written to use up to five stitch patterns. I used them in order: Dot Stitch, Hurdle Stitch, Bee Stitch, Garter Rib, and Zig Zag. You can choose just two or three stitches and alternate them, or you can use one pattern five times. Whatever you like—it’s your adventure.

Needle: US size 9 (5.5 mm), 16” circular, or size needed to obtain gauge.

Yarns Used: Big Twist Yarns Premium (medium weight (4); 100% acrylic; 137 yards/100 grams), 2 skeins of Premium Passion Flower.

Yardage: 200 yards.

Gauge: 3.5 stitches and 5 rows per inch of unblocked stockinette stitch.

Other Notions: one stitch marker; yarn needle for finishing.

Final Measurements: Approximately 25” (63.5 cm) circumference; 12” (30.5 cm) tall.

Stitch Abbreviations:
k=knit
p=purl
k1b=knit 1 through stitch below. Insert the right needle into the stitch below the next stitch on the left needle. Knit the two stitches (current and the one below) together.

Pattern Stitches:

Dot Stitch:

Round 1: *k3, p1, repeat from * to end.

Round 2: knit.

Round 3: *k1, p1, k2, repeat from * to end.

Round 4: knit.

Repeat these 4 rounds 3 times (12 rounds).

Round 13: purl.

Hurdle Stitch:

Round 1: *k1, p1, repeat from * to end.

Round 2: *k1, p1, repeat from * to end.

Round 3: knit.

Round 4: purl.

Repeat these 4 rounds 3 times (12 rounds).

Bee Stitch:

If you’re using the Bee Stitch, you may want to go down a needle size because the stitch pattern is looser than the others. I did not go down a needle size and I wish I had.

Round 1: purl.

Round 2: *k1, k1b, repeat from * to end.

Round 3: purl.

Round 4: k2, *k1b, k1, repeat from * to end.

Repeat these 4 rounds 3 times (12 rounds).

Round 13: purl.

Garter Rib:

Round 1: knit.

Round 2: *k2, p2, repeat from * to end.

Repeat these 2 rounds 6 times (12 rounds).

Round 13: purl.

Zig Zag:

Round 1: *k3, p1, repeat from * to end.

Round 2: *k2, p1, k1, repeat from * to end.

Round 3: *k1, p1, k2, repeat from * to end.

Round 4: *k2, p1, k1, repeat from * to end.

Repeat these 4 rounds 3 times (12 rounds).

Round 13: purl.

Stockinette Stitch:

Round 1: knit.

Repeat this round 12 times (12 rounds).

Round 13: purl.

Garter Stitch:

Round 1: knit.

Round 2: purl.

Repeat these 2 rounds 6 times (12 rounds).

Pattern:

Cast on 88 stitches. Being careful not to twist your stitches, join into a round and place marker at beginning of round.

Round 1: knit.

Round 2: purl.

Repeat these 2 rounds twice more (6 rounds).

Choose a stitch pattern and follow the instructions. Repeat 4 more times (choosing a total of 5 stitch patterns).

Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 twice more (4 rounds). Bind off on a knit round. Sew all ends under.