Knitting in Color – An Easy Cowl Knitting Pattern

Are you tired of the same old winter accessories? Are you looking for a fun and creative way to stay warm and stylish? Look no further than this easy cowl knitting pattern! Lean into knitting this fall! It’s not only a practical skill but also a therapeutic and fulfilling hobby that allows you to create beautiful and unique pieces. And whether you’re just starting your knitting journey or a well established knitter, this easy cowl knitting pattern?

In this article, we’ll introduce you to cowls, dive deep(ish) into color theory, and get you set with all the tools  you need to create this simple yet stunning cowl pattern that will have you feeling cozy and fashionable in no time. So grab your knitting needles and let’s dive in!

What is a Cowl?

A cowl is a type of knitted or crocheted accessory that is worn around the neck. It’s similar to an infinity scarf but usually shorter, wider, and in a loop, making it easier to throw on and go. Cowls come in various designs and can be knit in different stitch patterns from simple texture to cables or complex colorwork, allowing for endless possibilities and creativity.

The great thing about cowls is that they provide warmth and comfort while adding a stylish touch to any outfit. Whether you’re wearing a cowl with a coat, a sweater, or a simple t-shirt, it instantly elevates your look and keeps you cozy from the warm autumn months through to the colder months of winter.

Make It Your Own: The Fun of Color Choice

One of the joys of knitting is the ability to choose your own colors and create unique pieces that reflect your personal style. When it comes to knitting an easy cowl, the color choice is just as important as the stitch pattern.

When began working on the Canyon River design, I ran into Crave Yarns’ Caravan (which is a delicious merino, cashmere, camel, and silk  that you will looooove!). Their colors are simply amazing—so deep and rich. It was hard to choose. But when I came across this autumnal combination with a pop of teal blue, I knew I’d found the perfect combo for me.  

This cowl could be made from 2, 3, 4, 6 or 12 colors. And the infinity scarf option offers up to 24 colors for a fabulous way to use up your scraps.

How Much Yarn Will You Need for the Easy Cowl Knitting Pattern?

What kind of yarn will you need? I used 4-50 g skeins of this sport weight yarn for the cowl (you could switch to 4-100 g skeins for the infinity scarf). While I had enough yarn left that I could’ve used just three, I loved this quad.

Could you use a fingering or DK weight yarn for this cowl? Absolutely! Just know that your measurements will be different. So let’s dive back into colors.

A Smidge of Color Theory

You can go for a classic look by using neutral colors like multiple shades of a single color like grey or blue. These colors are versatile and can be paired with any outfit. And you can’t go wrong with multiple shades of the same color. (If you’re looking for a Caravan trio, think Whimsical, Meditation, and Stole).

If you’re feeling more adventurous, it’s time to bring out the color wheel.

You can go for “Analogous Colors.” This is the kind-of-adventurous-but-not-crazy range of the color wheel. They are the colors right next to each other on the wheel. It’s the yellow, orange, red part of my cowl. You could also go with a yellow, green, blue combo or a red purple, blue trio.

I opted for an Analogous+ version (my name for it). This is the trio, plus the color directly across from the center color of the trio on the wheel. What on earth does that mean? It looks like this:

It could also look like this:

Other, and even bolder color theory options for the fearless color combiners? You can go with the 2-color Complementary Colors. These are colors directly opposite from each other on the color where—blue & orange, red & green, yellow & purple. There’s also the 3-color triadic approach where you choose 3 colors that are of equal distance to each other on the color wheel, like so:

The Key to Color

The key is to choose colors that make you happy and reflect your personality. Knitting is a form of self-expression, so don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and experiment with different color combinations.

Tips for a Professional Finish to Your Easy Cowl Knitting Pattern

To ensure that your easy cowl knitting pattern turns out beautifully, here are a few tips for achieving a professional finish:

1. Tension Control – Pay attention to your tension while knitting. Consistent tension will result in an even and polished look. If your stitches are too tight or too loose, it can affect the overall appearance of your cowl.

This is especially important when working slipped stitches. Be sure to stretch each slipped section on the right needle before knitting the next section. This ensures that the float behind the slipped stitches will be loose and not cause puckering.

2. Weaving in Ends – Make sure to weave in all loose ends. This step ensures that your cowl looks neat and tidy, with no loose threads hanging around or enlarge stitches from the yarn sliding around. On this cowl, I recommend weaving in ends as you go. You can use a tapestry needle, simply hold the end double with your working yarn, or use the “Weavin’ Stephen” approach. It only take a extra minute to do it as you go, but it will save you hours of frustration later on.

3. Choosing Your Join – This pattern offers 3 different joins. The Kitchener Stitch join is the most “professional” as it is a completely invisible join. Once you get the hang of it, it’s a super relaxing stitch. There’s also a seamed and 3-needle BO join, which will be visible, but can be worn in the back!

4. Blocking – Blocking is the process of wetting or steaming your finished knitted piece to even out the stitches and give it a smooth and professional finish. For a full guide on how to best block your knit, check out this Blocking Guide.

By following these tips, you’ll have a cowl that not only looks professionally made but also feels great to wear.

Style Ideas: How to Wear Your Easy Knit Cowl

The great thing about cowls is that they are versatile accessories that can be worn in various ways. Here are a few style ideas to help you make the most of your easy knit cowl:

For Cowls & Infinity Scarves:

The Classic Loop – One of the most popular ways to wear a cowl is to simply loop it around your neck once. This style is timeless and works well with both casual and formal outfits. It’s beloved for it’s absolute lack of fussiness.

For Infinity Scarves Only:

The Double Loop – For extra warmth and a more layered look, try looping your cowl around your neck twice. This style is perfect for those chilly winter days when you need some extra protection from the cold.

Remember, the beauty of the cowl is that you can experiment with different styles and find the one that suits you best. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with it!

Knitting Supplies Needed for Your Easy Cowl Knitting Pattern

Before we dive into the knitting instructions, let’s make sure you have all the necessary supplies. Here’s what you’ll need to know for this easy cowl knitting pattern:

Size

Depth: 8”/20 cm

Circumference: 25 (50)”/64 (128) cm

Yarn

700 (1400) yds/640 (1280) m total of sport weight yarn

175 (350) yds/160 (320) m each in 4 colors (as shown)

235 (470) yds/215 (430) m each in 3 colors

350 (700) yds/320 (640) m each in 2 colors

Or approximately 60 yds per stripe

Suggested Yarn for the Easy Knit Cowl Pattern

Crave Yarn Caravan (70% Superwash Ultrafine Merino, 10% Cashmere, 10% Camel, 10% Mulberry Silk) 177 yds/162 m; 50 g – 1 (2) skeins each in Nuance (A), Cimarron (B), Clarity (C), and Regalia (D)

Needles & Notions

US 6/4.0 mm – 16”/40 cm or DPNs or Magic Loop – preferred method of small circumference knitting (or needles needed to obtain gauge!)

Stitch markers, tapestry needle

Optional Notions: Waste yarn, third needle

Gauge

23 sts & 29 rounds = 4”/10 cm in stockinette, with the larger needle, after blocking

Techniques to Indulge In

Knitting in the Round

Slipping stitches

Optional Techniques Based on 3 Join Options:

Provisional CO

Kitchener Stitch

Seaming

3 Needle BO

Once you have all your supplies ready, it’s time to cast on and start knitting your easy cowl!

You Can Do It! Knit the Easy Cowl Pattern with Confidence

Now that you have all the information and tips you need, it’s time to start knitting your easy cowl pattern! Remember, knitting is a journey, and every stitch you make brings you closer to creating something beautiful and unique.

Take your time, enjoy the process, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Knitting is a skill that improves with practice, so embrace the learning curve and have fun along the way.

Before you know it, you’ll have a cozy and stylish cowl that you can proudly wear or gift to someone special. So grab your knitting needles, choose your favorite yarn, and let’s get started on this easy cowl knitting pattern!