Wintermist is a cozy, hazy, reversible cowl made from plain brioche rib in the round, then topped with a pop of colour and the simplest of brioche rib patterning.

My favourite cowl shape is one knit up as a very long, straight tube. The longer you make it, the more folds and bunches and warmth there will be. At the recommended 17” length, you’ll even be able to pull it up over your head or maybe down over your shoulders.

If you’re new to brioche rib, this is an entry-level project that will give you a chance to practice the basics. Weirdly, using two colours actually makes learning the brioche stitch easier because you’ll be able to see the brk and brp columns more clearly. (Don’t worry, those weird terms are explained in the glossary!)

If you’ve never ever knit brioche before and find you need extra help beyond the pattern instructions, I recommend reading anything by Nancy Marchant on the subject. She also has a great Craftsy class about two-colour brioche knitting. If you’re in the Ottawa area, I teach this technique with this cowl pattern in my knitting classes, and I’d love to see you!

Also included with the pattern are photo tutorials for the invisible cast-on and bind-off techniques mentioned. You can, of course, use your favourite methods instead, with differing but still lovely results.

Yarn
Colour A: 306 yards / 280 metres of worsted weight yarn. (fluffy lilac colour) Shown in Universal Yarn Amphora (60% acrylic, 20% alpaca, 20% mohair; 100 g = 306 yards / 280 m / 3.5 oz) Note: This yarn has more yardage than average for a worsted-weight yarn and only requires one 100g ball when used as Colour A; if you’re substituting a different type of fibre, make sure to match the yardage measurement.
Colour B: 219 yards of worsted weight yarn. (darker lilac colour) Shown in Cascade Yarns Venezia Worsted (70% merino wool, 30% silk; 100 g = 219 yards / 3.5 oz)
Colour C: 75 yards of worsted weight yarn. (coral colour) Shown in Cascade Yarns Venezia Worsted (70% merino wool, 30% silk; 100 g = 219 yards / 3.5 oz)

To make a two-colour cowl instead, combine the needed yards for Colours B & C.

Needles
7 US / 4.5 mm circular needle, 24” / 60 cm length
I know the needle size may not match what you’d expect for gauge in worsted-weight yarn, but brioche rib really grows and creates a very drapey fabric. And, although you could use a 32” circular to match the 32” finished circumference of the cowl, you may find the stitches have to stretch too much to fit comfortably. I find the 24” circular nice for this project, especially at the beginning when the brioche rib is just being established.