Free Pattern!! The Vixen Cowl

To celebrate the coming of fall I'm offering a free pattern for my Vixen cowl. I hope you enjoy it! Please leave a comment if you copy it. I'd like to know where it goes!

This is a super-easy cowl to knit. I offer it in one size which should fit most adults, however, the rib stitch pattern is a two-stitch repeat so you can easily make the cowl larger or smaller by adding or subtracting an even number of stitches. Lengthen or shorten by adding or subtracting pattern sections of 4 rows of ribbing.

Yarn: 200 yds bulky weight yarn

Needles: #10.5 circular needle, #11 circular needle

Gauge: 14 sts and 18 rows = 4 inches/4cm on larger needles

One size fits all: 22 inches around at bottom edge and 9.5 inches long.

Rib stitch Pattern: Repeat 1, Rounds 1-4: k1, p1 to end.

Repeat 2, Rounds 5-8: p1, k1 to end.

(When working back and forth in rows, work rows 2 and 4 as p1, k1 and rows 6 and 8 as k1, p1)

On larger needles cast on 72 stitches, do not join to work in the round. Work in rib stitch pattern back and forth in rows for two inches ending on the right side. Work to the last stitch of the row. Join to work in the round being careful to not twist knitted piece. To avoid loose stitches at the join, hold the last stitch to the back as if making a cable. Perl the first stitch of the round. Place the last stitch back on the needle and knit it. Continue to work rib pattern in rounds until piece measures 4.5 inches. Switch to smaller needles and work until piece measures 9.5 inches or desired length. Bind off all stitches loosely. Weave in ends.

Note: To make the striped version of the cowl you’ll need about 100 yards of two colors and 30-40 yards of a third color.

Wear and enjoy!

PS. I forgot to mention I've been doing a lot of wonderful reading lately! The Homecoming mentioned below just didn't engage me. I put that aside and read: The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly. He revisits fairy tales such as Sleeping Beauty to create a moving story about a young boy retreating into a fantasy world to deal with grief, loss, and resentment. It's dark, but not depressing. Highly recommended!