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Giveaway: Yarn to Knit a Cowl from the Yarnspirations Lookbook

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Win the yarn to knit your own Strand-Tastic Cowl from Yarnspirations!

Congratulations to Frank George!

When Yarnspirations contacted me about featuring their fall lookbook (which I was totally going to do anyway, because I love it) I threw out the suggestion that we could do a giveaway with the yarn from one of the patterns.

Because I’m a big fan of gifting what you would like to receive, I picked the Strand-Tastic Cowl, a cute and easy cowl worked with stranded colorwork where the strands are actually on the outside of the work as you wear it.

I like the look of a project like this but have never actually done it myself. Maybe thinking about this project will finally inspire me to try it on my own.

The giveaway this week, then is four balls of Classic Wool Roving, one each in natural, yellow, aran and low tide. It won’t hurt my feelings if you knit something else with them, but I think they’re lovely in this cowl.

If you want a chance to win these, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, November 2. (What is it doing being almost November already?)

Why don’t you tell me what you would knit with this yarn if you weren’t going to make the cowl, or who you would make it for if you were. (I would keep it for myself.)

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

{Photo via Yarnspirations.}

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.

Comments

  2. I love cowls and I love the color combinations in this one–I’d have to try out the technique to see how I feel about the stranded colorwork being on the outside!

  3. I would definitely try to make this cowl! My sister bought me a book on stranded knitting for my birthday and this would be a great way to begin.

  4. I would knit the cowl for the lovely wife/mother who lives next door. she has shared her lovely children since the day they were born, which are now 6 & 9..They call me Miss Elaine and come over to do crafts together and many other things…what a great thank you it would be for Miss Angela

  5. I would make the cowl. I downloaded the pattern. I checked out the other colors of roving available, and I would probably choose other colors for a second shot at the cowl, something with more contrast between them than the yellow and low tide. I’d make the first one for my sister-in-law, who helps her husband (he works as a farrier) and works on their mini-farm. Those colors would suit her beautifully. I’d keep the second one for myself. Thanks for suggesting this giveaway. I really hope I win!

  6. I was just searching for something to make for my college freshman Granddaughter for Christmas; this is PERFECT!! Love the pattern!!

  10. Beautiful yarn! With the cooler weather, I have started knitting again and would love to use this yarn.

  11. i d love to try this pattern!! I ve already pin it in my boards as something i would like to try, so i got really excited with the giveaway! Maybe this is the perfect timing! plus i love these colors! ?

  12. I would make a hat. There would be enough yarn to be able to do 2. That way, I would be able to give both my granddaughters a little something to keep them warm this winter.

  14. This looks great! I would still make a cowl out of this yarn, as Friday already features a lovely rain/snow mix up in Chicago, and I can never have too many cowls! (Clearly I’d keep it for myself as well.)

  15. If I won, I would probably make the cowl and gift it to my friend Kristen or my sister in law.

  17. I have been on a cowl knitting frenzy to donate to a mitten tree for charity,think I would have to keep that one for myself, it looks fabulous.

  20. I would knit this lovely cowl for my sister. She needs something special in her life right now and this would be a very special gift to brighten up her day and keep her warm at the same time.

  28. I would definitely knit this cowl. I love the colors and am interested in seeing if I have the ability to do the stranded color work. I would like to say I would knit this for my sister, but if it turns out really nice I’d probably keep it for myself.

  29. I would knit this for my sister who lost her husband very recently. If she would prefer I would knit a hat. Thank you for the giveaway

  32. I have seen this reverse stranding trend many times through the years, and never cared much for it, but this is a little different. Mostly I’ve seen sweaters, with complete yokes, large designs across the chest, or even all-over designs, and usually in no heavier than worsted weight. This cowl with it’s limited use of the technique as an accent, and in such a bulky yarn, is more attractive. Thanks for the giveaway, KittenWhiplash on Rav.

  33. This roving yarn look interesting. I’ve only knit one other cowl which is for charity, so I would knit this one for myself.

  40. I would like to make the cowl for me. However, I am a beginner and this looks to be more involved. If this one becomes too much, I would try an easier cowl.

  41. I am not someone who does colorwork. But I know exactly the bkff (best knitting friend forever) I would gift it to for Christmas. She loves coals and colorwork.

  43. I love finding new patterns and construction for cowls. Unique is my middle name! I would love making this cowl! Would make this for one of my daughters.

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.