Catching Up on Cowls

It seems like all of a sudden I have a ton of knitting patterns in my email that I want to share with you, so I’m going to be doing a few fall and winter project roundups over the next week or so. I’d love it if you wanted to share some of your favorite patterns in the comments, too.

First up, cowls, because I really want to knit one this weekend. I have a large supply of Berroco Brio left over from my book and I almost can’t stand it. It’s such pretty, big, fluffy stuff and it’s super fun to work with, so I think that’s going to be on my needles soon.

If you’re in the market for a new cowl pattern for fall (or, heck, for spring in the Southern Hemisphere) here are a few great ideas.

From Lion Brand Yarn

This Simple Mobius Cowl is made with a pretty silk yarn (see, great for spring, too) with a simple elongated stitch pattern. It’s even worked flat and seamed so it’s a great option for a newer knitter.
The Daybreak Cowl looks complex because there are lots of stripes, but it uses mostly one normal sized skein of yarn as well as a collection of mini-balls. Cute and economical!
The Level 3 Knit Cowl has a strange name but it’s a cute cabled and textured knit cowl that’s a pretty small project with a lot of interest packed in. (It’s called level 3 because that’s the skill level, which in LB’s case means easy+.)
And the Tweed Cowl is a super easy one skein project for newer knitters. Worked in basketweave in the round, it’s quick and easy for knitters of all skill levels.

Classic Elite Yarns recently featured a striped cowl in its newsletter. Worked in two different kinds of yarn, and three different colors of each, this project is really interesting and the vast majority of it is just straight stripes, so it’s pretty easy, too.

And from Tahki Stacy Charles, there’s the simple and stunning Simona Cowl, which is just ribbing but worked in cashmere and fine merino, it will feel anything but ordinary. And for those who like their cowls a little chunkier, there’s the Anastasia Cowl, worked in two colors in Double Moss Stitch. It’ll knit up in a jiffy to keep you warm and fashionable or as a great holiday gift.

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.

If you’re new to lace knitting or just aren’t sure how to incorporate the technique into garments, check out these tops and sweaters that use lace as a decorative element.

The easiest lace out there is eyelets, and you can practice them plenty with this eyelet covered sweater from Knitcro Addict. It uses light/DK weight yarn and is worked in four pieces knit flat. It’s intended to be a little cropped and a little oversized, and includes sizes XS to XXL in the pattern.

If you’re in parts of the world where it’s getting colder as you read this, the Nora sweater from Bummbul might be a good choice. This is actually a great one for learning lace because it’s worked in super bulky yarn, which makes it easier to see what you’re doing and makes the lace super graphic. This one just comes in one size, with a 42 inch (106) cm bust, but that could fit a variety of people depending on how much ease you like.

Minimi Knit Design has a cute allover lace cardigan worked in one piece from the bottom up. It’s worked in lace weight mohair held double, which maybe isn’t the best for those new to lace (because it can be hard to rip out) but it sure is pretty. Sizes range to fit from 30 to 66 inches/76 to 168 cm bust measurements.

If you’d rather not have lace all over your sweater, you can knit the Lumi sweater from Originally Lovely, which has a chevron lace pattern on the yoke and is otherwise worked in reverse stockinette stitch. (It’s worked inside out so you don’t have to purl every stitch.) The pattern has 9 sizes from XS to 5XL and uses worsted weight yarn.

Or try the super romantic sookie blouse from Trust the mojo (available on Ravelry). This sweet top is started working flat from the bottom up and has a V-neck and I-cord edgings. The sleeves are worked separately in the round, and the pieces are all joined together to work in one piece to finish off the top. It comes in eight sizes and is available in English and French.

You can also pair lacy sleeves with an otherwise plain top, like on the Starflower Wrap from Annelise Driscoll Gingrow. This intermediate pattern makes a wrap sweater with generous lacy sleeves and a double wrap belt. The pattern has nine sizes, from XS to 5XL, and is available for free from Hobbi.

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