Two-Point Cowl Using Rowan Brushed Fleece

The Design

“Snuggle up right quick!”

Inspired by our ever-popular Easy Folded Poncho, this scaled-down version is totally seamless and slips easily over the shoulders. The simple shape makes it easy to re-yarn in another gauge. Just swatch for a softly draping fabric, then multiply the schematic dimensions by your stitch gauge—the math is easy!

Plush, chunky-weight Rowan Brushed Fleece yields a wonderfully cozy cowl. A knitterly version of the Northwest’s ubiquitous polar fleece, it’s a super-soft blend of extra fine merino and baby alpaca. Warm and insulating but remarkably light, Brushed Fleece has a rustic charm and a range of natural colors. Plus, all that plump fluff means you’ll be snuggled up in your cowl in no time!

The Details

FINISHED SIZE:
Shoulder Section: approx. 18″/46cm across x 14″/35.5cm deep, folded.
Cowl Collar: Approx. 22″/56cm around x 7″/18cm deep.

YARN
4 skeins Rowan Brushed Fleece (115 yds / 105m each) or approx. 410 yds/375m chunky-weight yarn.
Shown in 267-Headland (discontinued).

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
US 10½ (6.5mm) 24″/60cm and 16″/40cm circular needle, or size to obtain gauge.
Spare 16″/40cm circular needle one size smaller than gauge needle.
US D/3 (3.25mm) crochet hook and 1 locking marker for provisional cast-on.
Smooth fingering-or worsted-weight waste yarn for provisional cast-on.
1 stitch marker.
Darning needle to finish.
Blocking Wires and T-pins.

GAUGE
13 sts & 21 rows= 4″/10cm in stockinette stitch, after blocking.

KNITTER’S NOTES
Much like our beloved Easy Folded Poncho, this project is so simple and so enjoyable, you’ll want one in every yarn you can get your hands on! The key to regauging is to knit a generous swatch, one that’s at least 6” x 6”. Wet block your swatch, allow it to dry thoroughly and let it rest. You want a softly draping fabric that has some body but isn’t stiff. Once you have a fabric you like, measure and note your stitch gauge—it just takes a little bit of math to achieve the finished dimensions.

The 2-stitch I-cord side edges and bind-off give a beautiful, minimalist finish. Don’t skip the pressing step on this one—that’s what gives the fabric a designer ready-to-wear finish.