A Simple Project for the Seasonal Transition

I will probably still be wearing my scarves and shawls for a long time (because it’s often cool in the mornings and, well, I like them), and for me there is always time and reason to knit another shawl or cowl. And actually, I just knit a scarf the other day I still need to share with you!

Anyway, I’ve had my eye on this Bandana Cowl from Purl Soho for a while. It’s an old pattern, but as you know if you’ve ever looked at Purl Soho, their patterns are timeless classics you’ll want to knit and wear for years.

This simple bandana cowl is no exception.

It’s worked in the round, with a bit of Garter Stitch edging and some short rows to make the front longer than the back. A little shaping cuts down on the bulk in the back, too.

The project is worked in bulky yarn so you can knit it up in a flash, and you could probably even use a bulky cotton yarn blend to make it a little cooler for spring if that’s your thing.

[Photo: Purl Soho.]

Looking to buy your Yarn online? Check out these online yarn specials.

Specific to knitters, you can join our Knitting Patterns Only group to get, well, knitting patterns, ask questions and gain inspiration for what to knit next.

Check out these books dedicated to Knitted Cowl Patterns still looking for more cowl patterns? Check these out on Etsy.

Next Pattern:

One of the hardest things about winter for me is the lack of color. It’s like the whole world ran out of toner, and often our clothes reflect the muted landscape outside, which just makes everything more drab.

This year I’m trying to use and wear all the fun colors of yarn I have in my stash, and I think the Minas Sweater from Cecilia Lalanne & Gabriella Calderini for Manos del Uruguay would be a great way to use a lot of colorful yarn on a sweet sweater.

This cropped sweater uses 1×1 stranded colorwork where the colors change as you work the pattern, which makes it look more complex than it is. The project calls for five colors of worsted weight yarn, but you could probably even use more (or use a multicolored yarn as one or some of your options) to bring even more color to the party.

It’s a simple drop shoulder crewneck with straight sleeves, so pretty much all you have to focus on is changing your colors when you need to.

There are seven size options in the pattern, ranging from a bust circumference (on the sweater, not the wearer) from 42.75 to 69.25 inches, or 108.5 to 176 cm. It’s intended to be worn with around 8 inches or 20 cm of positive ease for a casual, oversized look.

You can go bold with the color choices like the sample shown here, or pick a couple of more neutral colors to combine with some brighter shades if that’s more your style. Either way this project should be as easy to knit as it is fun to wear. And of course those bright colors make me think a teenager in your life might love it, but of course there’s no rule that says you have to stop wearing fun colors at a certain age. Thank goodness.

The pattern is free to download from Ravelry and is available in both English and Spanish.

[Photo: Cecilia Lalanne & Gabriella Calderini]

Next Pattern:

Have you read?

Leave a Reply