Created in collaboration with Utah Fiber Collective for a special Utah-themed Summer countdown, the Mountain Switchback Cowl celebrates the numerous hiking trails scattered throughout this mountain-desert state. As I designed, I had in mind the switchback trails leading through Millcreek Canyon up to Dog Lake, a favorite summer hike of mine.

This pattern features two designs (a cowl and cowl-dana) in two different weights (fingering and DK).

Yarn, Yardage, and Gauge

NOTE: Yarn and Gauge listed above are for Sizes 1 & 2 using Fingering Weight yarn. Yardage listed is for Size 1. See below for actual requirements.

Size 1 - Fingering Weight Cowl.

• Pattern calls for 5 20g mini skeins. 20 g/80 yds
• Approximate Yardage: 180-200 yds
• Needle: US 3/3.25 mm, 16” Circular for working in the round.
• Yarns used in Sample: Six & Seven Fiber Amaranth + Wild in the Woods Seafolk Fingering

Size 2 - Fingering Weight Cowl-dana.

• Pattern calls for 15 20g mini skeins; however, for 10-15, 10g minis may provide sufficient yardage. 20 g/80 yds.
• Approximate Yardage: 350-200 yds
• Needle: US 3/3.25 mm, 16” Circular for working in the round and 24” Circular for working flat.
• Yarns used in Sample: Utah Fiber Collective, Summer 2021 Countdown: Yarn Elevated. Featuring mini skeins from Rhapsody Fiber, Yarnaceous, and The Backcountry Knitter.

Sample is currently shown in black and white, so as not to spoil the Countdown surprise for those who purchased the kit. Color photos will be revealed after June 15, 2021.

Size 3 - DK Weight Cowl.

• Pattern calls for 5 20g mini skeins. 20 g/46 yds.
• Approximate Yardage: 200-230 yds
• Gauge: 24 x 38 stitches lightly blocked Switchback mosaic and lace pattern.
• Needle: US 6/4.0 mm, 16” Circular
• No Sample shown.

Size 4 - DK Weight Cowl-dana.

• Pattern calls for 15 20g mini skeins; however, for colors 10-15, 10g mini skeins may provide sufficient yardage. 20 g/46 yds.
• Approximate Yardage: 250-350 yds
• Gauge: 24 x 38 stitches lightly blocked Switchback mosaic and lace pattern.
• Needle: US 6/4.0 mm, 16” Circular for working in the round and 24” Circular for working flat.
• Yarns used in the Sample: Knitcraft & Knittery DK (full skein remnants), Brooklyn Tweed Arbor (full skein remnant), and Heidi and Lana Homestead DK minis.

Considerations

Among pattern testers, gauge varied widely. Be sure to swatch and adjust needles accordingly.

Notions

In addition to appropriate needles for your size, you will also need:

• Removable Stitch Markers
• A beginning of round Stitch Marker, both standard and removable.
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.