PATTERN INSPIRATION

The Stars at Midnight cowl is all about transitions and changing focus. With a simple, yet stunning texture, this pattern brings relaxation and clarity as we move from day to night and think of the possibility of the future.

The slipped stitch texture creates a squishy, cozy fabric. The edges of the cowl are marked by transitional stripes with dot stitches that evoke memories of the stars dotting the night sky and the shift to a new day.

With only two row types and no purl stitches, this easy-to-knit cowl will fly off the needles as quickly as the shooting stars zoom through the sky. The cowl has a shawl-like construction that makes wearing and styling it just as easy.

RECOMMENDED YARN

This pattern will play nicely with any DK weight merino/merino blend yarn in two colors of tonal, speckled, or lightly variegated colorways. The design really pops when a speckled or variegated colorway is used for the main color and a solid or tonal “pop” color is used for the contrast color. You will not need a full skein for the CC, so leftovers and mini-skeins are recommended! Try multiple leftovers or mini skeins for a fun rainbow stripe effect.

Don’t have DK weight yarn in your stash? This is a Cold Sheep Designs pattern, which means it includes instructions for using yarn from your stash. Use a different weight of yarn and a pair of needles that gives a fabric you like, and follow the directions for “if you are working at a different gauge” within each pattern section. For the texture in this pattern, I like the fabric to be less dense than for a more structured garment, so choose a needle size on the higher end of the range suggested by the yarn dyer or manufacturer.

PATTERN INFORMATION

Difficulty Rating
EASY: Project is worked flat and includes knit and slip stitches and kfb increases. A garter stitch seam and Elizabeth Zimmerman’s Sewn Bind-Off are used to finish off the cowl.

Yarn

• Simply DK by Western Sky Knits, 100% superwash merino wool, 230 yds (210 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g): 1 skein in MC (shown in Icon) OR approximately 230 yds (210 m) DK weight yarn.
• Willow DK by Western Sky Knits, 100% superwash merino wool, 280 yds (256 m) per 4 oz (113 g): ¼ skein in CC (shown in Surf) OR approximately 70 yds (64 m) DK weight yarn.

Needles/Notions

• US #7 (4.5 mm) 24-32” (60-80 cm) circular, or straight needles; OR size needed to obtain gauge OR size needed to obtain a fabric you like.
• Tapestry needle for binding off, seaming, and weaving in ends.
• Stitch marker or progress keeper.

Gauge
19 sts and 38 rows to 4” (10 cm) in garter stitch on US #7 (4.5 mm) needles.

Pattern gauge was measured after washing and blocking. While gauge is not crucial for this project, a different gauge will affect how much yarn is required.

Can’t get gauge with your yarn? Don’t worry! Once you get a fabric you like, knit to the measurements provided. Yardage will vary.

Finished Measurements
Depth at center back: 5” (13 cm)
Circumference at top: 18” (46 cm)
Depth at center front: 16” (41 cm)
Circumference at bottom: 37” (94 cm)