This Churchmouse Classroom First Projects pattern will teach you how to knit soft and elegant stockinette stitch. You’ll work stockinette back and forth (knit a row, purl a row) for the handwarmers. For the cowl, you’ll be delighted when you knit in the round: the knit side is always facing you, so you just knit, knit, knit. Once you’ve tried it both ways, it’ll make sense—you’ll see!

PHOTO TUTORIALS IN THIS PATTERN: • Joining in the round. • Make-one increases. • Slipped bind-off for thumb opening. • Mattress-stitch seaming in stockinette stitch, side-to-side.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: the cable cast-on method, the knit stitch, the purl stitch (handwarmers only), binding off, and weaving in tails. Need help with any of these techniques? See our Learn-To-Knit Companion booklet.

Our First Projects patterns are intended for newer knitters wanting to get a solid understanding of the basics. Each pattern is a “twosie” -- two projects in one, and includes more photo tutorials for the techniques particular to those projects. While simple, these projects create accessories that even advanced knitters will want to wear. Beginners (and those who want to coach new knitters) should refer to the Churchmouse Classroom Learn-To-Knit Companion, an instructional booklet not available here (because it’s not a pattern) but found at many Local Yarn Shops and online at churchmouseyarns.com.

FINISHED SIZES
Cowl:Approx. 24”/61cm around x 7”/18cm deep.
Handwarmers: 6½“/16.5cm around palm x 6”/15cm long.

YARN
Cowl: Approx. 140 yds/128m of worsted-weight yarn (ball band should suggest a gauge of approx. 18 stitches = 4”/10cm).
We used 1 skein Manos del Uruguay Maxima (219 yds/200m) in Color 2426 Stratus.
Handwarmers: Approx. 90 yds/82m of worsted-weight yarn (ball band should suggest a gauge of approx. 18 stitches = 4”/10cm.)
We used 1 skein Manos del Uruguay Maxima (219 yds/200m) in Color 2426 Stratus.

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
Cowl: US 9 (5.5mm) 16”/40cm circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge.
Handwarmers: US 8 (5mm) needles (straight or circular), or size needed to obtain gauge. Note: Handwarmers are knit on smaller needles for a slightly denser fabric.
2 stitch markers.
Blunt darning needle to finish.

GAUGE
Cowl: Approx. 16 stitches = 4”/10cm in stockinette stitch.
Handwarmers: Approx. 18 stitches = 4”/10cm in stockinette stitch.