The Newcastle Cowl is a versatile take on the (sometimes seemingly ubiquitous) right-angle cowl style, with buttons!

Wear it buttoned at an angle for a kerchief look, or buttoned into a circle for a looser-fitting mini-scarf. It knits up like a scarf, but as a project, it’s quicker—making it a good option for knitting on a deadline, whether you’re working up a special gift or want something for yourself to wear in cooler weather. It knits up in just one skein of Malabrigo Yarn Rios or similar and slightly heavier aran-weight yarns, and shows off a set of four buttons well, so it’s a great showcase for 185 yards of a nice handspun.

Gauge is 14sts and 26 rows in pattern, blocked. It makes for a loose-knit fabric in the yarn used, so if you’d like a denser fabric, opting for a heavier aran yarn (or a denser gauge and, ultimately, a narrower scarf) is recommended.

Materials needed include:
Aran or heavy worsted-weight yarn, about 185 yds; sample shown in Malabrigo Rios in Frank Ochre
One set of straight needles, or one 29”+ circular needle used for flat work, in US9/5.5mm, or size needed for gauge
5 buttons to suit your fabric, or buttons about 7/8”/ 2.2cm-1”/2.54cm
Tapestry needle

The .PDF pattern download includes written instructions, photos to help with button placement, and a very informal schematic.

ERRATA on the first free version (112518); no other edition is affected, page 2, under Materials—you only need four buttons.