Chunky Pinstripe Cowl Knitting Pattern

I’ll be getting much deeper into quick and easy knitting patterns with high gift-giving potential really soon, but in the meantime, this cowl would be a great one to knit for yourself when the first cold snap of the season comes on, or to start making a bunch of now for all those gift-giving opportunities that are coming up quicker than we would like to admit.

This pinstripe chunky cowl knitting pattern is an easy project for beginners. The cowl is worked in the round on circular needles and can be completed in an evening while catching up on your favorite show. These cowls, designed by Fox and Pine Stitches, pair nicely with their coordinating hat knitting patterns, so you can make a whole set for yourself or someone else if you like.

The pattern comes in three sizes, to fit toddlers, children and women, and because the body of the cowl is worked in stockinette in one-round stripes, it will work up super fast. (Stripes make the knitting go faster. That’s just science.)

It’s also super fast because it uses super bulky yarn in two colors. Or try holding two strands of worsted weight yarn together for a different look. They’re so quick and easy to make and infinitely giftable, you’re sure to be making a bunch of different versions once you’ve made you first.

The free pattern for the chunky pinstripe cowl is available from Fox and Pine Stitches.

Looking for more projects using super bulky yarn? I’ve got a nice collection of projects that use super bulky yarn leftovers (or small quantities) that you should definitely check out. That roundup has 30 different patterns you can make, including hats, mitts, slippers and more, many of which use less than 100 yards (or about 91 meters) of yarn.

[Photo: Fox and Pine Stitches]

Next Pattern:

When I first started knitting again after a long absence from the craft (which has now been almost 25 years ago!) I really didn’t like garter stitch that much. I found it super boring, somehow even more boring than knitting stockinette stitch in the round, even though it’s exactly the same thing.

Over the years I’ve softened my opinion, and even grown to like garter stitch. There’s nothing wrong with being plain, and actually the texture of garter stitch is more interesting than stockinette.

Also there are fun things you can do with garter stitch to make it more interesting if you want to, such as adding stripes, working on the bias, or doing fun effects to change the look.

That’s the way with the Bernat Twist My Way Garter Knit Blanket. Using combinations of casting on and binding off creates what they call a Swiss cheese effect along two sides of the blanket. This is a lot of fun in the self-striping ombre yarn they chose for the pattern, but it would also be fun in a solid color or making your own stripes.

Despite the dramatic effect, this pattern is rated easy. It’s worked from side to side (if you consider the “cheesy” edges the top and bottom) and has an eight-row repeat that involves binding off and then casting on again to make the holes. They’re kind of like giant buttonholes.

Once you get the hang of it it’s a pretty easy repeat to remember, and it will be smooth knitting as big as you want to make it.

You can download this pattern from the Yarnspirations website for free, or you can buy a kit direct from them that includes the yarn you need (and knitting needles if you need those, too). Bernat Sport Ombre Twist, which is what is used in the pattern, comes in 12 self patterning colors and is a DK weight acrylic yarn.

[Photo: Yarnspirations]

Next Pattern:

Have you read?