Cowls offer my favorite form of cozy comfort. They’re like a constant hug, scarves that you never have to bother wrapping and tying - and re-wrapping and re-tying when they come undone, which they always do. Nope, just slip the cowl over your head and presto, your neck is warm and you’re good to go.

Their small size makes cowls ideal for those decadent
luxury yarns that may be too costly for a full-sized project. The fact that the cowl sits so close to your tender neck makes a yarn full of luxury fibers even more appropriate. And cowls are also a great way to get to know a new yarn before you decide to invest in a bigger project.

This pattern will help you test-drive yarns that fall between worsted and bulky weights. It’s easy to memorize, and you may find its simple back and forth patterning quite meditative. I’ve even included an embedded video showing you how to work those cables without a needle, if you don’t already know how to do that.

The ribbing-based cables will help you get a better sense for a yarn’s elasticity, its roundedness and stitch definition. Each yarn you try will give you refreshingly different, nuanced results.

Have fun!