Free pattern: Cute Cabled Cowl

Like a lot of knitters, when I see something knitted and cute in a store I immediately think to myself, "I could make that." The question is - will I ever get around to it? But in the case of the knitted cowls that have been so popular the last two years the answer is 'yes.' A simple cable pattern worked in the round, with some decreasing at the top to create a pooled shape around the neck, I threw this pattern together and knitted it up in an evening.

Quick and easy, knit up with bulky yarn on size 13 needles, I used stash yarn - Patons North America Rumor. (And who isn't a fan of stash busting? It frees up space to buy more yarn!). Have at it, and please ask any questions in the comments, or post pictures of your results.

Cute Cabled Cowl Pattern

Notions

Size 13 circular needles, I used 29"

Any bulky yarn, in my case Patons Rumor, roughly a skein and a half

Cable needle

Directions

Cast on 90 stitches and join in the round, being careful not to twist stitches. Work four rows of the following rib pattern;

Knit 4, purl 4, knit 6, purl 4 repeat until end.

Begin cable pattern;

Knit 4 rows, 1st cable cross row. Hold 2 knit stitches in front on a cable needle, knit two stitches from the needle. Place the two stitches back on the needle, knit them. Purl 4. Hold 3 stitches in front on a cable needle, knit 3 stitches from the needle, place stitches back on needle and knit those 3. Purl 4. Repeat across the row.

Knit another six rows, then repeat the cable cross row. But this time hold the first 2 or 3 stitches in back when knitting the stitches from the needle, then place them back on the needle and knit them.

Repeat until cowl measures five and a half inches, or height desired.

Decreases;

As you work decreases, continue to work cable crossings everything six rows.

1st decrease row -*Knit four, purl 1, purl 2 tog, purl 1, knit 6, purl 4. Repeat from *

Work four rows in pattern.

2nd decrease row - *Knit four, purl 3, knit 6, purl 1, purl 2 tog, purl 1. Repeat from * (now all purl sections have 3 stitches)

Work another four rows.

3rd decrease row - *Knit 4, purl 1, purl 2 tog, knit 6, purl 1, purl 2 tog. Repeat from * (now all purl sections have 2 stitches)

Switch to knitting the rib pattern for the last four rows. Be sure to bind off loosely - the stitches need to be able to stretch to fit over your head.

Note: if you want the cowl tighter around the upper part of the neck, you can work more decrease rows and/or start working them sooner.

And here I am rocking the cowl this morning at Starbucks.