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Giveaway: 60 Quick Cowls

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Get some warmth quickly with 60 Quick Cowls.

Congratulations to Adrienne!

It has been unseasonably warm for a few days here in Arkansas, though it’s going to start getting cold again tomorrow. I’m guessing most of us in the Northern Hemisphere still have some winter ahead of us, so there’s still time to knit some winter accessories to use this year (at least I keep telling myself that as I’m still trying to finish my daughter’s gloves for the year).

So it seems fitting to give away a quick knitting book that will help you knit something to keep you warm now and maybe also some things you’ll still wear into spring.

60 Quick Cowls has a wide range of options, projects of various sizes, using all sorts of knitting techniques. The yarns called for are alpaca/merino blends from Cascade Yarns, but of course you could use this opportunity to knit from your stash as well.

When I reviewed this book the other day, I mentioned that I’m becoming more of a cowl person that a scarf person because I like having all the knitting up around my neck where I need it.

If you’d like a chance to win this book, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, February 7. I’d love to know if you’re a scarf person or a cowl person, both to knit and to wear.

Thanks for visiting, commenting and sharing, and good luck!

Comments

  1. I am a cowl person all the way. It works better in my life with a little one. Then I don’t have to worry about it falling off. Thanks for the chance to win. This looks like a great book. (Rav ID: Zima21)

  2. I will wear or knit either but I do love to knit cowls. For some reason knitting in the round feels more productive.

  3. I personally am more of a scarf person. I have knit both but for my personal use I like scarves.

  5. I’m a scarf person, but love cowls! One is next on my list. Thanks for the chance to win!!

  6. Just the kind of book I need for all my 1 or 2 skein yarns! I’d be maiking them for other folks, as I do prefer scarves to cowls, and usually don’t wrap them all the way around my neck anyway. That may be a guy thing, because I hate to have my scruffy neck and chin pull and pill the yarn. No matter how closely I shave, the yarn finds the stubble! KittenWhiplash on Rav thanks you for another great giveaway!

  8. If it’s really cold, a scarf can be wrapped closer round the neck. Sometimes a cowl can leave gaps for the cold air to get in. I do love a nice cowl though

  18. I like both, but I tend to wear more scarves because I can tie them tight around my neck. This book looks amazing. Thanks for another great giveaway!!

  19. This looks like a great book to help use up those small quantities of yarn in stash. As a cowl person, I’m always on the look-out for new patterns.

  23. I’m usually a scarf person. Cowls come and go but scarves are always in fashion.
    I plan to knit a long Dr. Who scarf when I retire.

  25. I thought I was a scarf person but I’m knitting my first cowl now. I’m thinking I’ll like the convenience of it not falling off my neck all the time, and like you I need the warmth up around my face.

  27. I love cowls. No fighting with loose ends. It’s not too tight or too loose. Doesn’t get tangled in your car seat belt. I’d love this book. 🙂 I do like an artsy, floaty scarf just for show, though.

  28. Traditionally I have been a scarf person, but I have one long cowl I love, and am eager to make and try more of them 🙂
    Thanks for the chance to win!

  29. I love them all, scarves, bandanas, cowls, infinity scarves – anything that will keep the back of my neck warm (except long hair, can’t do it).

  31. I, too, have developed a like for a cowl around my neck rather than a scarf. I love the blue and turquoise cowl pictured and would be interested in making it.

  32. If I could just win this one, it would go wonderfully with the two I already have and I could start my own knitting library! These are WONDERFUL books by the way.

  35. I’m definitely in the cowl camp, but I have more than a few scarves in my bin that I’ve knit and more on the way. But I find I get more instantaneous gratification from knitting cowls – I’m tall so I like my scarves long, and sometimes I find myself checking frequently to see “if I’m there yet” with the desired length – something that never happens with me in the round. I have more time than I would like to wear my pieces though, it’s cold up here!
    Heather

  36. I like both cowls and scarves – but probably lean more toward large scarves that can wrap around a few times. It can get really cold here in Saskatchewan.

  37. Because I’m from an older generation, I was raised on scarves. I’d really like to switch off between scarves and cowls, but haven’t found a cowl that I’d like to make yet. This book looks like it should have a few patterns in it that I could make, and I would be more than satisfied. I’d probably make a few for some of my friends as well. Thank you for the generous giveaway. You always know the right item to bring out at the right time to put in your giveaways!!

  38. I didn’t see a real need for cowls until I got my hair cut short and me neck got cold. Now I have made several and wear them alot.

  39. Neckwear for me are cowls and shawls. Cowls for ease (mostly) and shawls (many wrapped and draped in a cowl-like manner) for wow factor.

  44. I’m absolutely a cowl person. I love that they stay put. I also love the fact that I can pull some of them up on to my head like a hood to cover my ears.

  45. Loving cowls , always did love the cowl shape on sweaters , so having a cowl that you can just slip on or off is great. With a scarf I tend to wrap it round like a cowl anyway

  47. I love knitting cowls, and have knit more than a few for quick, pretty gifts for holidays and birthday presents.

  49. I am actually more of a scarf person, but everyone I knit for – family, friends – love cowls and they are fun to make! thanks!

Have you read?

10 Knitted Christmas Bauble Patterns for a Tree Full of Handmade Charm

There’s always room for one more Christmas decoration, especially when it uses yarn you already own. That’s my reasoning, anyway. Those little leftover balls that aren’t quite enough for a hat suddenly look much more promising when you start thinking about knitted baubles.

I love the idea of adding a few handmade ornaments to the tree each year. They don’t all have to match, either. A traditional colourwork ball beside a slightly cheeky Christmas pudding feels far more interesting than a tree where everything arrived in the same box.

These knitted Christmas bauble patterns include flat-knit designs, festive characters and detailed colourwork ornaments. Most are free, with a paid collection included for anyone who wants plenty of designs to work through. Some suit newer knitters; others are small projects for practising skills you already know.

Christmas Baubles Knitted Flat

The free Christmas Baubles—Knit Flat pattern from Tat’sgrans Treasures is worth a look if knitting tiny rounds doesn’t appeal. It includes three sizes and charted words such as Peace, Hope, Love and Joy, worked using intarsia. The flat construction is approachable, although the lettering adds a challenge beyond basic stocking stitch. I’d choose this for meaningful gift ornaments, particularly when one of those words suits the person receiving it.

Christmas Pudding Bauble

The free Christmas Pudding Bauble by Amanda Berry has all the appeal of a festive pudding without anyone debating whether they actually like eating it. Knitted flat in DK yarn, it combines shaping, colourwork and seaming, with a little holly topper to finish. It’s best for confident beginners with some experience rather than someone learning their first knit stitch. At approximately 6 cm tall, it would make a lovely tree decoration or an extra treat tied onto a wrapped present.

Rudolf & Friends Character Baubles

The free Rudolf & Friends Ornaments by Claire Fairall bring a playful touch to a handmade Christmas tree. These character baubles are knitted flat, and the instructions include illustrations for assembly and embroidery. Hobbii lists the pattern as suitable for beginners, making it a useful option for knitters who would rather practise finishing details than stranded colourwork. The finished ornaments measure approximately 8 × 6 cm and would also look cheerful tucked into a handmade wreath.

Cute Christmas Baubles With Little Faces

The free Cute Christmas Baubles from Marianna’s Lazy Daisy Days turn small amounts of DK yarn into cheerful character decorations. Worked flat and seamed, they use simple shaping, stuffing and added facial details to create their personality. They suit knitters comfortable with knit, purl, increases and decreases who enjoy a little assembly afterwards. I rather like Marianna’s idea of using them on the Christmas dinner table before adding hanging loops for the tree.

Rudolph’s Nose Christmas Bauble

The free Rudolph’s Nose Bauble from DROPS Design is a useful choice when you want a traditional ball-shaped ornament. Designed in DROPS Flora, it uses knitting in the round with increases and decreases to create the shape. Choose this if you’re comfortable handling a small circumference and want a project focused on construction. I’d make a few in coordinating colours to bring a little consistency to an otherwise wonderfully mismatched handmade tree.

Merry Mints Bauble

The free Merry Mints Bauble from DROPS Design offers another festive option, this time designed in DROPS Cotton Merino. The instructions include working back-and-forth rows and shaping, so it’s worth considering if you prefer that approach to tiny rounds. Read through the construction before starting and pay attention to the instructions for working yarn overs to avoid unwanted holes. This would be a nice project for a knitter who enjoys seeing a shaped decoration emerge from a small piece of knitting.

Caorann Fair Isle Christmas Bauble

The free Caorann Christmas Bauble by Sarah Berry brings delicate Fair Isle detail to a small ornament. It uses fingering-weight yarn and 2.5 mm needles, with instructions sized for an approximately 60 mm bauble insert. Worked in the round, the design includes both written and charted directions for its repeated segments. I’d save this one for knitters with some colourwork experience who want to make a particularly special keepsake.

A Dated 2026 Christmas Bauble

The free 2026 Christmas Bauble by Smaatterier combines the year with two traditional Selbu rose motifs. It’s knitted in the round using stranded colourwork across the middle, with either fibre filling or a suitably sized plastic bauble inside. The charted design is listed as intermediate and finishes at approximately 6.5 cm tall. This is a lovely choice for marking a first Christmas in a new home, a family milestone or simply another year of making things by hand.

Colourful Christmas Balls From Two Strands

The free Christmas Balls by Mary Ann Stephens are full of colourwork detail, with optional touches such as duplicate stitch and nupps. The designer also discusses I-cord hanging loops, which give the ornaments a pleasingly substantial finish. These are better suited to knitters comfortable following charts and managing several colours than complete beginners. Follow the updated download directions in the post to find the patterns on the designer’s current website.

ARNE & CARLOS Christmas Ball Collection

The paid Twenty-four Christmas Balls 2024 collection by ARNE & CARLOS includes a basic ball pattern and 24 different motif charts. The ornaments are worked in the round using stranded colourwork, with a linked tutorial to help you follow the process. Although the designer lists the collection as beginner level, I’d be comfortable knitting in the round and making increases and decreases before starting. This is the pick for someone who wants a whole collection of coordinated ornaments rather than just one small project.

Choosing Yarn for Knitted Baubles

Small decorations are tempting stash projects, but check the yarn weight before diving into that leftover basket. A thicker yarn can make a much larger bauble, while changing the yarn in a fitted cover may stop it fitting the recommended insert.

For colourwork, choose shades with enough contrast for the motif to show. Two lovely colours can look surprisingly similar once they’re knitted together, especially on something this small.

Smooth yarn also makes it easier to see your stitches. Save the fluffy, sparkly and slightly mysterious leftovers for a pattern where you’re confident they’ll work.

Getting a Nicely Rounded Finish

If your pattern uses stuffing, add it gradually and spread it evenly. You’re aiming for a rounded ornament without stretching the stitches so far apart that the filling shows through. For designs worked over an insert, check the diameter and follow the instructions for when to put it inside.

Give the finishing a little time, too. A neat seam, securely woven ends and a tidy hanging loop help a small decoration feel properly finished.

I’d start with a pair for the tree and one to give away. Of course, once you’ve laid out all those yarn colours, “just three” may become a rather flexible arrangement.