Boston South End Cowl Knitting Pattern
This cowl reminds me of the narrow streets and apartments in the south end of Boston. The best part about this cowl knitting pattern is how quick and easy this is! It looks like there is stranding but that’s not the case. In the border there are knit and purl rows but otherwise every row is knit and there are slip stitches every 3rd and 4th row. This is a cowl that is squishy and warm and a beautiful accessory and also makes a wonderful gift!
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1. Yarn
The pattern calls for a skein of worsted weight yarn and a skein of aran weight yarn. However, I like to improvise and for this cowl knitting pattern I chose 2 skeins from my stash, a worsted weight yarn and a DK weight yarn.
I used “Berocco Comfort” Worsted Weight Yarn. It is available on Etsy in several colors at FeltedForEwe. I chose 4 colors: gray, blue, green and yellow.
and:
Classic Alpaca also found on Etsy. For this one I chose red.
2. Needles
Since I was using Worsted and DK yarn, I chose size 6 Knitpicks needles instead of the size 8 recommended in the pattern.
Knitting Terms
K = knit
P = purl
S1 = slip as to purl
3. Boston South End Knitting Cowl Pattern Instructions
Cast on 112 stitches, place marker and join in the round.
Garter stitch border:
- Rows 1 and 2: Knit in Aran weight
- Row 3: Purl in worsted weight
- Row 4: Knit in Aran weight
- Row 5: Purl in worsted weight
- Row 6: Knit in Aran weight
- Row 7: Purl in worsted weight
- Row 8: Knit in Aran weight
Body of Cowl
So here is where I diverged again! I used the gray worsted Berroco for the “aran weight” yarn, and the DK red alpaca for the “worsted weight yarn”.
Knitting Tip: Twist the yarns together when you begin a new row
- Row 1: Knit in Aran weight (gray)
- Row 2: With worsted weight: *K3, S1, repeat entire round (red)
- Row 3: With worsted weight: *K3, S1, repeat entire round (red)
- Row 4: Knit in Aran weight (gray)
I knit Rows 1-4 for two rounds. The next 2 rounds instead of red, I used gray and yellow. Then 2 more rounds of gray and red. Then I switched to gray and blue, then gray and red, then gray and green, then gray and red, etc etc etc.
Can you tell that I like to improvise? Check out this close up of the cowl to see how I knit it:
Repeat Rows 1-4 until the garment is 13” from the cast on edge. Just be sure that the heavier weight yarn is always the same color, and then you can mix it up with the lighter weight yarn.
Finishing
- Row 1: Knit in Aran weight
- Row 2: Purl in worsted weight
- Row 3: Knit in Aran weight
- Row 4: Purl in worsted weight
- Row 5: Knit in Aran weight
- Row 6: Purl in worsted weight
- Rows 7 and 8: Knit in Aran weight
Bind off, break yarn and weave in the ends.
Oh that’s a big job isn’t it? But I watched TV and it was done quickly. It also didn’t hurt that we had a roaring fire.
Here is my knitting atmosphere!
Then I gave it a bath!
Oh how I love Eucalan! I just pour a little into a bowl of warm water and soak my garments and there is no rinsing necessary!
Voila! You now have a beautiful, squishy and warm cowl that is simple and fun to knit!
If you prefer an inexpensive pdf, polished up, ad free, clutter free copy of this pattern, you can nab it here on Ravelry:
Related Post: Swirl Hat & Cowl Set
Here are more cowl knitting patterns
Save for more, later!
I have not knitted anything in years. You’ve inspired me to start again.
What a fun post! I don’t knit but I admire the work and time that goes into it. Looks like you have a cozy set-up to enjoy your knitting! Thanks for sharing.