Cowls! With the incredible popularity of infinity scarves, they are perfect for gifting. A huge range of patterns are available in every technique, size and weight of yarn available, so there’s a cowl out there for everyone on your list. These cowls are all sure to work up quickly and will be stylish additions to each recipient’s wardrobe.
The Bridgeport Cowl by Nina Machlin Dayton is a fun striped cowl that utilizes deceptively easy Latvian braids to add interest. Two colors of Sweet Fiber Merino Twist DK or Neighborhood Fiber Company Studio DK would knit up quickly into this fun yet simple cowl.
The Poppin’ Dots Cowl by Rose Beck is a lively three color cowl. The tuck stitch is used to create the dimensional dot fabric, yet only one color is used per round! Just three skeins of Stonehedge Fiber Mill Shepherd’s Wool Worsted are required for the smaller size, and you’ll have enough of each contrast color for an additional cowl if you choose (just get another skein to be the main color).
The Wavelength cowl by Kate Ray is great for knitters of all levels, since simple increases and decreases are well placed to create the chevron design. Two skeins of The Fiberist’s Audubon Worsted, Sweet Georgia Superwash Worsted or Hazel Knits Cadence would knit up into this striking cowl. Not interested in switching colors? Use one skein of Neighborhood Fiber Company Studio Worsted for the entire cowl to highlight the texture instead.
While lace weight mohair seems daunting to knit with, especially when knitting on a deadline, one skein of Neighborhood Fiber Company Loft is truly the perfect match for Ice Queen by Romi Hill. Considering how fine the yarn is, the cowl is knit on rather large needles to allow the yarn’s halo to really shine and makes the cowl knit up quite quickly. The simple feather and fan pattern knit paired with such an ethereal yarn makes the perfect lightweight winter accessory that’s still warm. And optional beads add the perfect amount of sparkle to combat those dark winter days.
Local designer Dee O’Keefe’s Alquemie cowl is a great cowl for first time lace knitters that results in an eye-catching cowl. For a more heathered look, knit the cowl out two skeins of baa ram ewe Dovestone DK.
The Contentment Cowl by Michelle Krause pairs a graphic chevron lace with classic garter stitch. This pattern seemingly begs to be knit out of a soft, squishy yarn. Manos del Uruguay Gloria, Woolfolk Far or Highland Handmades Black Ash Worsted would all work up into a drapey, sophisticated gift.
The Brighton Cowl by Kathryn Nunes highlights what crochet is perfect for: individual motifs! The flower motifs are joined together to create a unique cowl that is feminine and romantic. One skein of Manos del Uruguay Maxima is all that’s required, though it would be easy to increase the size by adding another skein of yarn and more beautiful flowers.
The Easy Granny Cowl by Heather Turpin is a new spin on old granny squares. Using a similar concept, this cowl is reminiscent of the quintessential crochet we all grew up with while providing a modern spin. The long color repeats of Noro Silk Garden or Crystal Palace Mochi Plus will mix together beautifully in this easy cowl perfect for crocheters of all levels!
