A free version of this pattern, supported by ads, is available on my blog.

This pattern includes a second PDF version that is formatted for knitters with low vision. It has black text, size 22 or larger text in a sans serif font, no italics, no columns, and fully-written directions. The chart is still included but is not needed to work the pattern. Many thanks to Gemma Thompson (gemmabelle here on Rav) and the Accessible Patterns group for their guidance in formatting patterns in a more accessible way.

I love baking crumbles. They’re quick and easy, they’re almost impossible to screw up, and the crisp topping is a delightful exercise in texture. A lot of people use peach or apple, but sometimes that gets a little overpoweringly sweet. The slight tartness of rhubarb contrasted with the sweet, crackly topping hits all the right flavor notes for me.

This cowl has lots of texture, from small seed stitch pebbles to large bobbles to little eyelet holes, that is meant to mimic the topping of a good crumble. What’s more, the pattern is easy to memorize, just like a good crumble topping recipe. Because this is knit in a DK yarn and takes just one skein, it also works up quickly and makes for good gift-knitting.

SIZES
One size

Finished measurements: 9” (23 cm) x 10.5” (27 cm)

MATERIALS
DK-weight yarn, 220-250 yd (202-229 m). A note about yardage: the sample used 213 yd, and many DK skeins have 220 yd. If you find yourself a smidge short, skip working the very last round and just bind off instead. Nobody will notice.

Sample shown knit in Onyx Fiber Arts Sophia Hand-Dyed Semi-Solid on DK-weight base, 100% Superwash Merino, 250 yd (229 m), 115 grams, 4 Ply

GAUGE
4” (10 cm) square = 15 stitches and 30 rows in seed stitch after blocking

NEEDLES
One set of needles for your preferred style of circular knitting in a size to match gauge listed above

Suggested needle size: US 6 (4.0 mm)

TOOLS
One stitch marker for end of round, plus five optional markers between pattern segments
Size G (4.5 mm) crochet hook (optional)
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
Techniques: Knitting in the round, bobbles, increases, decreases