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| Design-Your-Own Drawstring Cowl pictured in size Adult Medium/Large |
The idea behind this design is simple: I was inspired by the Olympics this year, and especially the snowboarders' awesome buffs. More specifically, I wanted to create a cowl that was long enough to be pulled up over the ears or head. And, since knitting typically stretches more than synthetic technical fibers might, I also went ahead and added a drawstring so you could also cinch it tight.
Oh and finally, I wanted this to be a good beginning machine knitting project, so I also filmed relevant videos for both electronic and punch card patterning to help you make and execute your own design for any child, teen/small adult, or larger adult in your life!
Sizes: Child (Teen/Adult Small; Adult Medium/Large) (the child size is roughly 18" around by 12" high, the next size 21" by 14", and the biggest 24" by 16")
Yarn: Malabrigo Sock (100% Superwash Merino Wool; 440 yards [402 meters]/100 grams); #807 Côte d'Azure - 1 skein (color A) & #851 Turner - 1 skein (color B) (all sizes) - both loosely caked with a ball winder to facilitate machine knitting
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| Another look |
Gauge: 32 stitches = 4 inches, 44 rows = 4 inches on tension 5
So let's make a cowl! Since I've designed this as a tutorial for either punch card patterning or electronic patterning, I've separated the directions; you can find electronic patterning directions first, and those for punch cards below. And you can even find hand knitting directions below that, if you're interested! :)
Electronic Patterning:
First, design or choose an electronic pattern. If you've never designed a two-color fair isle pattern before, please see the tutorial below (I have recommended that you cast on a multiple of 24 stitches for each size; therefore, it's best to design a pattern using a multiple of 3, 4, 6, 12, or 24 stitches, although you can always slightly change your cast on number if your pattern has a different repeat). Furthermore, if you'd like to use the same stitch pattern I did, you can download the .stp file here (called "Reflection").
