Everyone needs a cowl in their wardrobe for tucking under jumpers and coats to keep out the winter chill, so why not make it this one by Kirstie McLeod from Simply Knitting magazine issue 133?
This cowl knitting pattern uses Fair Isle colourwork and simple embroidery to create a stylish tartan pattern. We love how easy it would be to change the effect by choosing a different set of colours – go bold with rainbow brights or keep it muted with pale, earthy shades.
Whether you're new to colourwork or a Fair Isle regular, up your stranded knitting game with our guides on how to knit perfect Fair Isle and how to catch Fair Isle floats. It's the little details that make all the difference!
More cosy knitting patterns
If you like this we think you'll love our easy garter stitch cowl and chunky hat and cowl set. Or why not team it up with our owl fingerless gloves knitting pattern, Fair Isle knitting pattern: hat and gloves or bobble hat to make a set of handmade winter warmers?
To make this cowl knitting pattern you will need:
- Stylecraft Alpaca DK (80% acrylic, 20% alpaca, 100g/240m) or alternative DK yarn, 1 ball of each: Yarn A Cream (6010) Yarn B Orchid (6012) Yarn C Teal (6018) Yarn D Storm (6014)
- A set of 4mm circular needles
- A 4mm crochet hook
Cowl knitting pattern
Tension
Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 27 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stocking stitch using 4mm needles
How to knit a cowl
We've used our standard knitting abbreviations in this pattern.
Cast on 136 sts using 4mm needles and Yarn D. Join into the round and place a stitch marker. Round 1 K1, P1 to end of round. Work 4 more rounds in K1, P1 rib stitch.
Change to Yarn A. Round 6 K1, P1 to end of round. Work 1 more round in K1, P1 rib.
Change to Yarn D. Round 8 K1, P1 to end of round. Work 4 more rounds in K1, P1 rib.
Working in stocking stitch throughout, work from the Chart using the Fair Isle technique starting with row 1. Continue working from the Chart for 32 rounds.
How to use our charts: Start at the bottom right-hand corner. Read all rounds from right to left. A row of squares represents a row of knitting. Learn how to read charts in knitting patterns with our beginner's guide.
Next round K1, P1 to end of round. Work 4 more rounds in K1, P1 rib.
Change to Yarn A. Next round K1, P1 to end of round. Work 1 more round in K1, P1 rib.
Change to Yarn D. Next round K1, P1 to end of round. Work 4 more rounds in K1, P1 rib. Cast off knitwise.
To make up the cowl knitting pattern
Weave in all the loose ends. Using the Chart as reference and a 4mm hook, chain stitch through the knitting to make the stripes using Yarn C. Weave in all the loose ends on the WS. Press and block.
Download the cowl knitting pattern
Get a PDF copy of this pattern here: Cowl knitting pattern
Browse more knitting patterns to cast on now and see our how to knit section for tips and tutorials to boost your skills.
