Twisted Stitch Columns Cowl

   Winter hit Portland hard this year.  Lots of snow and ice on the roads meant less driving and more walking.  And who doesn't like a walk through beautiful snow covered woods and fields?  However, I needed to add a nice long cowl to my armory of cold weather gear.  I chose this pattern for two reason.  First, it has a good amount of stretch to it.  Second, the ribbing and columns give it a vertical...I want to say rigidity...so that it won't sag downward off my face.  The pattern itself is a very simple 13 stitch repeat that resets every 4 rows, so once you get going you won't even need to look at the pattern any more.

Materials you will need:

• 1 full 100 gram skein of worsted weight yarn.  I used my favorite local brand Bumblebirch, in the color Spruce
• US #7 circular needles approximately 30"
• Stitch marker
• Tapestry needle

Skills you will need:

• Casting on 
• Knit 
• Purl
• Right Twist (RT) - K2tog leaving both stitches on the left hand needle, then knit the first stitch again
• Binding off
• Weaving in ends

 

  I don't think that gauge is important for this project as it doesn't need to be form fitted and the ribbing will allow for a good stretch.  However, if you're interested my gauge was 4"= 30 stitches and 33 rows in pattern.

  Begin by casting on 130 stitches.  This will be ten repeats of the 13 stitch pattern.  If you would like to make a smaller or larger version of this cowl be sure to adjust the cast on by 13 stitches.  Be sure to use a very stretchy cast on.  You'll need the bottom to easily stretch.  

  Once you have your stitches cast on, place your marker and join in the round.  The rest of this project is quite simply a 4 row repeating pattern of 13 stitches.  Knit for as many rows as you like.  My project used the entire skein and ended up about 9.5" tall.  I feel like this is a good length to keep the bottom snugly over my neck and collarbone while allowing the top to come up over my nose if needed.  It also looks pretty good folded in half.

• Row 1: [P1, K1] 3 times, P1, RT 3 times.  Repeat to marker.
• Row 2: [P1, K1] 3 times, P1, K6.  Repeat.
• Row 3: [P1, K1] 3 times, P1, K1, RT 2 times, K1.  Repeat.
• Row 4: [P1, K1] 3 times, P1, K6.  Repeat.

  

  And its as easy as that!  You thought it would be harder didn't you 😉.  Just be sure to end the pattern on row 4.  I suggest binding off in pattern.  That will allow the top edge to stretch but also keep it snug around your face if you want to pull it up over your nose.  Then cut the yarn, weave in, yada yada yada.  Enjoy your new cowl!