Do you ever find yourself taking stitch pattern-books and turning them upside down, sideways, and every which way to see if entirely different patterns will jump out at you? (I do!) The swerve cowl is the happy result of book-spinning: knit sideways to appreciate this sweeping, geometric stitch pattern from a new angle. It’s a very wearable, versatile cowl.

Small buttons eliminate the need for buttonholes, so you’ll have lots of options to adjust the size and shape. You can button it side-to-side or side-to-top, go for a ruched look, or a draped look, whatever you’d like. Easily knits up in an afternoon or two for a great gift idea.

Yarn: Aran weight yarn. Shown in Malabrigo Merino Worsted, (210 yds/ 192 m, 3.5oz./100 g) “Roanoke”, slightly less than 1 skein needed. For less drape and a firmer fabric, try chunky or light bulky weight yarn at the same gauge.
Gauge: 3.5 sts/ in in stockinette stitch. (14 sts/ 4in, 14 sts/ 10cm).
Needles: In size needed to obtain gauge. I used US size 10/ (6mm) DPNS, (straights or circulars would also work).
Notions: 3-5 small buttons or toggles. Shown here with 3 buttons, approx. 1/2in/ 1.3cm wide.
Size: One size. Approximately 8.75 in/ 22cm tall and 22in/ 56cm around. See “Customize” section for size alteration ideas.
Skills: Cast on, cast off, knit, purl, SSK, K2tog, YO, attach buttons.
Accessibility Notes: All charted sections also written, 12 point san serif font with 14 point bolded headings, no columns (except for abbreviation key).