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.

There are certain things that just make sense to knit at this time of year, and market bags are one of them. We tend to use our canvas bags more often in the summer with trips to the farmer’s market and the library, but string bags and market bags are great to use all year.

I love the Three Oranges Bag by Hana Cho, which looks just like a knit version of a plastic shopping bag, but with three cute oranges stitched on. The bag uses intarsia to make the oranges, but you could use duplicate stitch or intarsia to add a different design if you like. It calls for fingering weight yarn and you can find the pattern on Ravelry.

Sharyn Anhalt’s Market Square bag (also on Ravelry) uses worsted weight yarn and a mosaic pattern to make a pretty bag you’ll want to use every time you go shopping. The bag comes in two sizes and is worked in two colors of the same yarn for a fun mixed up effect that’s almost like weaving.

Speaking of fun colors, the Market Bag from Hubbabubbie Art uses a multicolored cake yarn (specifically Lion Brand Mandala) to produce fun color changes without any extra work. This bag is worked from the bottom up with a crocheted bottom and knit mesh sides. It’s a free pattern on Ravelry.

The Pike Place Market Bag from Blue Bird Pine Shop looks like a massive bag to hold all your market goodies (that is a child holding it, but still). The bag calls for worsted weight cotton yarn and the mesh is worked on extra large needles to help it open up to hold everything you want held.

The Knit Farmer’s Market Bag form Design BCB is another good one, made mostly of mes with a little stockinette for extra stability. The base is also worked in stockinette so items you put in it will sit flat.

This mesh bag from Sheep and Stitch doesn’t have a base, and the body is worked flat before being joined in the round to make the top and handles. That makes it easy to make the bag just the size you want because you can stop knitting whenever you feel it’s big enough. The pattern includes a step-by-step video if you need extra assistance.

And the Eco Market String Bag from Mama in a Stitch has a solid knit base worked in a contrasting color from the mesh body. It’s an easy project that comes out a great size for your market needs without being too huge.

Do you have a favorite knit market bag pattern? I’d love to hear about it!

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