THE LIFE BEHIND IT ALL
THE LIFE BEHIND IT ALL
SNICKERDOODLE KNITS
Creativity, Clarity + Confidence in Knitting
Last Minute Invite Cowl
Cozy and warm, quick to knit, and easy to wear, this super bulky knit is a perfect last-minute gift knit... or a knit for yourself! The shaping of the cowl helps it to fit nicely over your shoulders, and you can choose to wear it buttoned or unbuttoned.
Did you know.... this pattern includes a tutorial that walks you through the entire knit?!
The techniques used in this pattern are relatively simple: the majority of the knitting is plain stockinette knitting. The pattern also includes decreases, an I-cord bind off, and a provisional cast on. More information on techniques can be found here.
The Last Minute Invite Cowl uses 130 yards of super bulky weight yarn. For more information on yarn requirements, click here.
The inspiration behind the Last Minute Invite Cowl - and all three patterns in the Time Sensitive Collection - was to create some quick, simple gift knits using super bulky yarn. They're practical and enjoyable to wear, but the sizing isn't fussy, and you can work one up in an afternoon -- whether you're rushed because of a last minute invite, you totally spaced it, or you've procrastinating.
For this cowl pattern, I was particularly interested in creating a cowl that keeps the neck and shoulders warm, uses buttons as a cute decorative element, and has a way to folk down when you don't need the extra warmth around your neck. And, if I might say so myself, I think I hit the nail on the head :)
It's chilly winter morning and you're headed out to work. It's been so cold lately that you can't seem to get enough layers, so you throw on your Last Minute Invite Cowl and then a warm knit hat as you walk out the door.
You start to wonder why you hadn't thought of it days ago.
On an especially cold day like today, you're wearing it standing tall with both buttons buttoned, and it's keeping your whole neck warm: that area where most cowls still don't quite protect because they're too loose. You also love that, as you're transporting to work, if you start to get a bit warm, you can push the cowl down a bit to slouch or you can unbutton one or both buttons. So perfectly cozy and practical!
Why does this always seem to happen? It's holiday time and suddenly you have five gifts to knit in just three days. How in the world will you get it done?!
You want to knit gifts that are nice and practical, that the recipients will actually enjoy and wear. And sometimes that can be hard to find for your gift list when it comes to quick knits.
Suddenly, you come across the Last Minute Invite Cowl. It's cute, it looks super cozy, and you know just the lady who will love it. So you decide to give it a try.
It turned out to be the perfect solution to your conundrum. It was quick and simple to knit with super bulky yarn, and you used the cutest buttons that made it come together perfectly!
The pattern is knit in the round from the bottom until you reach the split in the neck, at which point the pattern is worked flat. It may sound a little confusing at first, but the video tutorial shows how simple it is. It took test knitters an average of 5 hours to knit the cowl.
The techniques used in the Last Minute Invite Cowl pattern are relatively simple: the majority of the knitting is plain stockinette knitting. The pattern also includes knitting stitches together, an I-cord bind off, and provisional cast on. The pattern is written for an adventurous beginner knitter wanting to learn how to challenge their current skills.
All of my patterns include clear, step-by-step (written and charted) instructions and linked video technique tutorials that walk you through the pattern with confidence and joy. I am also available for pattern support if you have questions.
Size
Bottom Circumference: 35 in / 89 cm
Top Circumference, Closed: 16 in / 40.5 cm
Height: 12 in / 30.5 cm
Yarn
130 yds / 120 m; 209 g Super Bulky Weight Yarn
Designed using Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick (80% Wool, 20% Acrylic; 87 yds / 80 m, 140 g), shown in Cranberry.
Get color combination & alternate yarn recommendations here.
Tools
9.0 mm (US size 13) – or size needed to obtain gauge – circular needles, 32” (80 cm) minimum length, or double- pointed needles
Additional set of needles, at least one size smaller than size needed to get gauge (for picking up the provisional cast on)
Darning needle
2 stitch markers (plus 4 optional removable stitch markers)
2 Buttons, approximately 1.75 in / 4.5 cm in diameter
Waste yarn, for provisional cast on
Gauge
10 sts, 12 rounds = 4” / 10 cm in stockinette stitch in the round