This cowl is knit back and forth, at a loose gauge, to enhance drape and create a beautiful fabric that hugs your neck and offers warmth. If you want, you can just not graft the two edges together, so this makes it a nice scarf for you. I strongly encourage that you read the whole pattern before starting to work on it. It is a very easy, beginner-friendly knit, that you will enjoy, but its beauty comes from the different stitch patterns that are described in detail below. I am sure you will find it much easier to work than it shows. There is an I-cord edge selvedge on each side of the knit to help you hide all those tails. So, grab your needles and join us in the special MKAL thread!