Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything,
That’s how the light gets in

• Leonard Cohen 1934 - 2016

Like the wonderful Leonard’s musical career, this cowl has it’s origins in the ’60s. The repeating two-colour design is reminiscent of the geometric patterned shift dresses and mod style of the swinging decade.

Knit in garter stitch in the round with stranded colourwork on every second round, the contrast colour stands out in an almost woven effect. Choose bright contrasting colours for a stand-out look, tone it down with muted colours or go with a mod-ish monochromatic look.

Measurements

The pattern includes options for a short cowl - measurements are: 20.5cm/8.25” (height) X 56cm/22” (circumference).

and a long cowl which can be left long or twisted twice around the neck for cosiness. Measurements for the long cowl are: 17cm/7” (height) X 128cm/50.5” (circumference).

Yarn requirements

For the short cowl: 2 X 50g Sublime extra fine merino DK in main colour, 1 X 50g Sublime extra fine merino DK in contrast colour. (Or other DK yarn to achieve tension/gauge.)
For the long cowl: 4 X 50g Sublime extra fine merino DK in main colour, 2 X 50g Sublime extra fine merino DK in contrast colour

Short cowl uses at least 205 yards of main colour and 63 yards of contrast colour. Long cowl uses at least 477 yards of main colour and 169 yards of contrast colour.

Other materials

For the short cowl: 3.5mm (US 4) circular needle - 16” length, 4.5mm (US 7) circular needle - 16” length.
For the long cowl: 3.5mm (US 4) circular needle - 32” length, 4.5mm (US 7) circular needle - 32” length.
For both: tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Skills required

Knitting in the round
Purling in the round
Stranded knitting