Instead of flying home from overseas two years ago, our family decided to spend our Christmas vacation traveling through European Weihnacht markets. We drove from Munich to Vienna, then Budapest, through Bratislava and finally to Prague. It was fantastic to stroll through the beautiful markets at the heart of each city sipping on Gluhwein while shopping at craft stalls or popping into charming shops along the way.

I found myself struggling to keep warm and still keep my hands free to shop, hold my cup, dig though my bags for my wallet, and have enough room for my market finds. I had both a scarf and a hat. Each time we popped into the shops I overheated and stuffed my scarf into my bag only to have to dig past it when it was time to pull out my wallet and pay. The second we stepped outside my ears began to burn with cold so I’d then be digging again to find my hat.

This combination hat/cowl was designed to be the perfect traveling companion. It is easy to switch from hat to cowl and pull it up or down depending if you’ve just stepped on the train or into a shop or back out into the cold. Even without a pony-tail or bun, you can still pull the cowl up into a hat and let your hair hang out the back. When you want your cowl and your long hair back - you can release both.

I have trouble carrying large heavy bags so one less item to tote around shopping or traveling is always welcome to me.

The design is functional but it is also representative our our time in the Bavarian Alps. Hikes up the Oberammergau mountains to the Kolbensattel Hut reveal new landscapes as you ascend. This quilt stitch with strategically planned color changes mimic the transition from low to high altitude as you work your way up this cowl.

Unlike the steep Kolbensattel hike, this piece works up quickly and easily. You will explore the quilt stitch (also known as trellis stitch) and be rewarded with a fantastic accessory that you can keep for your next trip or give as a unique gift to a traveller you love.

This project will make great use of your stash (about 65g Main and 45g contrast in DK or Worsted weight). Many test knitters had enough yarn left to reverse colors and knit a second with their remaining yarn.

Tests were done with high contrast colors, similar toned colors, variegated and long gradient yarns. You will have fun planning your own colors and playing with the various effects created by your color choice.

If you like trying new techniques and stitches, this will be a great project to experiment with. It is a quick knit for a great gift.

Pattern Notes
This cowl is knit bottom up starting with k1, p1 ribbing. A quilted stitch pattern and color changes transition the colors throughout. At the top a simple eyelet lace row is threaded with a removable i-cord to synch up the top when used as a hat.

Suggested Yarn
Madelinetosh, DK
(100% Wool: 225yds/3.5oz).
Phantasm 1 hank (60-72g or 130-160 yds used)
The Fiberists, Audobon Worsted
(100% Superwash: 210yds/4oz).
SiO2 (Smokey Quartz) 1 hank (47-57g or 85-105 yds used)

Needles
US 4 (3.5mm) DPNs or two 24” circular needles, or one 32” or longer circular needle, or size to obtain gauge
US 7 (4.5mm) DPNs or two 24” circular needles, or one 32” or longer circular needle, or size to obtain gauge
US 0 (2mm) DPNs

Notions

Yarn Needle, Stitch Markers

Gauge
18 sts and 26 rows = 4” over hex pattern, blocked

Finished Measurements
26” circumference and 9” high

38” i-cord length

Skills Required
Quilt Stitch, knitting in the round, color changes, i-cord knitting

Video Tutorial
https://youtu.be/Kb8eBS9HhyI

Thank you to My tech editor Angela and Test knitters: cforrester, cmdisc, Debaarah, MoJoFiberArts, SandyPotvin, and smcape for all of their helpful suggestions and recommended edits.