Free Pattern: Convertible Cowl/Scarf

I’m a big fan of scarves, shrugs and cowls, especially at this time of year. They’re a great way to add a layer of warmth and some extra color and texture to an outfit, and they also make great gifts because they don’t have to be a particular size to “fit” a person.

This pattern from Lion Brand yarn for a Snapped Convertible Cowl/Shrug is a lot of fun because it’s almost as simple as knitting gets. It’s just a rectangle worked in 1×1 ribbing, in a self-striping yarn that makes it a lot more interesting looking than that sounds.

Snaps are installed on one long side so that the piece can be folded up and worn like a shrug or gathered around the neck to make a big cowl. You could leave it unbuttoned and wear it like a scarf, too.

I just used some of the yarn called for in this pattern — Lion Brand Amazing — and it’s a really nice yarn to work with. The colors are so fun, too, you’ll knit this one fast just because you’re eager to see what’s next.

[Photo via Lion Brand Yarn.]

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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]

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