Sometimes the hits keep coming and the stress piles up, and it’s a struggle to just keep breathing. When that happens, pick up a hook and find solace in the feel of the yarn and the rhythm of the stitches. The Keep Breathing Cowl requires no counting or focus and it’s loaded with texture for added tactile comfort. Stitch your way through it all, and at the end of the day, if you were able to keep breathing, that’s an accomplishment in and of itself.

The Keep Breathing Cowl uses a variegated and a coordinating tonal. The color changes and the differences between each section keep things interesting while still requiring almost no mental energy. The stripes are designed to minimize the need for weaving in ends, and the pattern includes instructions for working it row by row, adjusting based on yardage, or customizing each section to size. There’s also notes for a few different constructions and finishing options, so you can make a cowl or scarf that’s exactly how you want.

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Sample
Texture in the Middle sample used Cozy Color Works Hand Dyed Super Wash Merino (DK weight; 100% sw merino; 275yds/114g), 240yds/100g in Bright Burgundy (color A), 240yds/100g in Smoky Mountain (color B)

Texture on the Edge sample used Cozy Color Works Hand Dyed Super Wash Merino (DK weight; 100% sw merino; 275yds/114g), 240yds/100g in Blue Steel (color A), 240yds/100g in Rag Doll (color B)

Thanks to Cozy Color Works for providing the yarn for the pattern sample!

Gauge
15 sts and 7 rows = 4”/10cm in dc. Gauge swatch is worked flat and measurements are taken after blocking. Do not stretch the fabric when checking gauge. Gauge is not essential as a cowl that is slightly larger or smaller will still fit nicely, and the cowl can also be easily adjusted in height and circumference. Differences in gauge will change the finished size and will also impact the yardage required.

If you do not have a 4.5mm hook, try anything from a 4.0mm to a 5.0mm and see what size hook gives you a fabric you like - then adjust the cowl to size.

Yarn, Yardage, and Colors
The pattern calls for a variegated and a coordinating tonal, with equal yardage of each color. You can also work it in two tonals, two variegateds, or any other color combination. There are notes for working the cowl with unequal amounts of each color. The pattern calls for a DK but the cowl works well in anything from a fingering to a bulky.

Customizations
Notes are included for making the cowl wider/narrower or taller/shorter as well as adjusting the size of all/any of the sections. The pattern also includes notes for working it as an infinity scarf, a regular scarf, for adding an optional border, for working the cowl in the round or working it flat and seaming afterwards.

Skills Required
ch, hdc, dc, bpdc, basic seaming (for some versions)

Copyright
This pattern and any associated images, schematics, and charts are copyright Rachy Newin Designs and may not be distributed in part or in whole without express written permission. Handmade objects created from this pattern are not subject to copyright and you can do as you please with your finished object.

Printing
Both a regular and printer friendly version are available! The regular version includes large photos on the first and last pages, so print accordingly. The printer-friendly version has only one photo on the cover page, and less spacing so the pattern takes up fewer pages. If you are working from the printer-friendly version and are having trouble with a pattern, I strongly recommend checking the regular version. The text will be easier to read and it might have more detailed instructions.

Screen Reader Compatibility
The main pattern pdf is designed to be screen reader compatible. The text is all in one column and headers are formatted according to the style sheet. The pattern is written out completely and the images have descriptive alt text.