A delightfully straightforward, endlessly adaptable cowl perfect for spring days and restful knitting. Cast on and knit your way forward through three easily-memorized patterns, then end up (almost) right back where you started - only now a little more experienced, a little warmer, and a lot more colorful!

This pattern is written to be accessible to both experienced and relatively new knitters, and is suitable for a first mesh/openwork project. The cowl can be worked with either a standard cast-on and seam, or a provisional cast-on and grafting (instructions for working kitchener stitch in garter stitch are included). As written the cowl is an excellent length and width for wearing open, or doubling up for extra warmth. If desired, the pattern can easily be modified by casting on more (or fewer) stitches in any multiple of 2, and/or by adding or subtracting repeats in the main portion of the cowl.

Materials

• Apple Tree Knits Plush Fingering in Melted Crayons Gradient; 100% superwash merino, 560 yds (512 m)/ 4 oz (113 g)
• Locking (moveable) stitch marker, to mark center st
• US #3 (3.25 mm) needles, or size to obtain gauge.
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and seaming or grafting. Length of waste yarn for holding live stitches (if using a provisional cast on).

Gauge
21 sts = 4 inches in garter st, gently blocked

Finished Size
10 in (25 cm) by 46 in (117cm) (circumference)