The Free Spirit cowl knit up in bulky weight yarn is squishy and warm!
Added bonus: the “back” side of herringbone also makes a gorgeous design.
Consider this cowl reversible!

For my sample i used a solid bulky from The Plucky Knitter paired with 2 skeins of Fiber for the People’s 100% merino bulky (Lights Through the Trees colroway).

For this design, there are four sizes to choose from:
Fitted long length: approx 12.5” / 32 cm flat (width) measured at the center
Fitted standard length: approx 11.5”/ 29 cm flat (width) measured at center
Relaxed long length: approx 13.75”/ 35 cm flat (width) measured at center
Relaxed standard length: approx 13.75”/ 35 cm flat (width) measured at center

helpful tip: you may want to size down on your left hand needle only if you are finding it difficult to work the herringbone stitch with a relaxed tension. sizing down on the left hand needle only will allow the yarn to slide a little easier

Yarn information (Bulky weight)

➴ Standard length cowls
Color 1 90 yds / 83 meters solid color
Color 2 120 yds / 110 meters contrast

➴ Long length cowls
Color 1 90 yds / 83 meters solid color
Color 2 220 yds/ 202 meters contrast

For both sizes please make sure your speckled yarn has some give / stretch to it as Herringbone stitch is very tight in nature you will want to avoid stiff yarns.

Needles & Notions
US size 13 / 9mm needle
24” and 30” circulars
US size 15 / 10mm needle (or size for gauge)
24” and 30” circulars
Stitch marker
Darning needle to weave in ends

Post blocking dimensions on my 18” long length fitted sample: approx 11” flat at beginning of herringbone section / 12.5” flat after middle increase and 15.5” just before the final hem. Measures approx 18” wide flat at the bind off.

A helpful tutorial video from Garnstudio for knitting herringbone in the round:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9RtHZHA81b0