Twisted Cowl - FREE pattern and tutorial!
Well, it’s certainly that time of the year again and I am so happy!
Today we woke up to snow and even though I am completely terrified and intimidated by the cold, I can’t but help to LOVE snow!! I am also not complaining about the fact that I get to pull out all of my lovely yarny garments and accessories!
This is also the time when we rush to make beautiful things for those we love. Time is precious, though, and even I can appreciate the beauty of a quick project!
Enter: the Twisted Cowl!
I have already made THREE all out of yarn I had in my stash! The last one I worked up in ONE EVENING!
And I know what you’re thinking… but I promise, IT IS CROCHET!
I call this stitch Faux-Garter stitch and it is actually one of the stitches that I teach in my “Modern Stitches that look like Knitting” Workshop.
It really is uncanny how much the right side of the fabric looks and feels like knitted Garter stitch. The best part of this fabric is that it is dense in the sense that there are NO HOLES at all, but it is also very light!
Before we continue, let me tell you something about this stitch that might not make everyone too happy:
It is made ONLY with SLIP STITCHES!
I know! Am I crazy?!?!
But here’s the thing, the way the stitches are worked make the rows actually very long, which means FAST progress. Also, because the fabric is so light it makes this stitch perfect for heavier weights (forget about fingering weight yarn!), which also makes for very quick projects.
And finally, in the video tutorial that I made to teach this stitch I and give you tips to make working with slip stitches MUCH EASIER! So definitely give it a watch!
And just in case you’re still not convinced that this is the perfect giftable make, let me tell you that it’s great for both children and adults alike!
Alright, let’s get down to business then!
You can read ahead for the FREE pattern or purchase the very inexpensive ad-free PDF HERE.
Twisted Cowl Pattern
An easy-to-wear and easy-to-make accessory, the Twisted Cowl is a pattern that you will reach for time and time again! The faux-garter stitch created with slip stitches gives it an elevated knitted look while still being worked out incredibly quickly. It is the perfect project to use up some stash yarn since it can be made with any weight available, but a bulky or chunky weight is best. Best part? It doubles as a headband!
#TwistedCowl
Skill Level: Beginner Friendly
Sizes + Measurements
This pattern comes in one single adjustable size.
These are the approximate measurements of the finished cowl:
a: 18 - 22 cm / 7 - 8½"
b: 45 cm / 18" - adjustable to taste.
Materials
YARN: Any weight of yarn will work for this project although a heavier yarn such as chunky or bulky is best. You can also use worsted or even DK weight double stranded.
Brown sample used Audine Wools by KnitCrate, Mellow (80% Huacaya Alpaca, 20% Tencel, Bulky weight; 114 m (125 yds) per 100g), in colour Mimosa - used 75 g.
Green sample used Debbie Bliss, Merion (50% Wool, 50% Acrylic; 100m (109 yds) per 100 g), in color Mint - used 100 g.
HOOKS: Both samples used an 8 mm hook - use whatever hook creates the desired density of fabric (lighter yarn with a bigger hook will create a lighter fabric).
NOTIONS: Tapestry needle.
Suggested Alternatives
Here are a few suggestions that I think would work up a treat!
Click on the images to shop!
Gauge
Gauge is not given since it’s not relevant to this project. Just make sure that the hook and yarn combination that you choose creates a fabric that you love!
Abbreviations
BLO: Back Loop Only
ch: chain
FLO: Front Loop Only
Rep: Repeat
RS: Right side
st: stitch
slst: slip stitch
WS: Wrong side
Pattern Notes
The cowl is made in one single piece by creating a rectangle of fabric using the Faux-Garter St. Once the rectangle has been completed, the cowl is sewn together to create the twisted look. Find the videos for Faux-Garter Stitch and the Twisted Join below!
You can purchase the very inexpensive ad-free PDF HERE.
The Pattern
Make a chain that is between 18 - 22 cm / 7 - 8½" long - this chain will determine the height of the cowl so feel free to adjust it to taste - keep in mind that a chain will always stretch longer than the actual work after a few worked rows.
Row 1 (WS): slst to end of row.
Row 2 (RS): Ch1, slstFLO to end of row.
Row 3 (WS): Ch1, slstBLO to end of row.
Rep Rows 2-3 until the piece of fabric is aprox 45 cm / 18".
Feel free to adjust the length for a wider cowl.
Fasten off and cut leaving a tail that is at least 25 cm / 10” long.
Joining
Block the piece of fabric before joining.
With RS facing, interlock the sides by folding them in half first and sandwiching them together with WS outwards (see pictures or video).
Sew the edges together making sure to catch all 4 pieces of fabric in each st.
Turn the cowl right side out.
Finishing Touches
Weave in all ends.
Block cowl if it wasn’t done before.