Windy

Windy Cowl by Fiona Hamilton-MacLaren

What is Being Made

Windy is a simple, quick-to-knit cowl designed to provide warmth during cold and windy weather. This project is ideal for knitters looking to use up leftover yarn from other projects, requiring only 50 grams of aran weight yarn to complete. The cowl is worked in the round to create a seamless, tubular garment suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone neckwarmer.

Craft and Primary Technique

This is a knitting project worked primarily using the knitting in the round technique with circular needles. Working in the round eliminates the need for seaming and creates a continuous fabric, making this an efficient construction method for cowls. The straightforward stitch pattern and minimal shaping make this an intermediate-level project, accessible to knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with circular needles.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques Used

The Windy cowl employs fundamental knitting stitches and techniques:

• Knit stitch – the primary stitch used throughout the main fabric
• Purl stitch – used in the edging to create textural variation
• Yarn over (YO) – used for creating openwork or decorative increases
• Knit two together (k2tog) – a decrease technique for shaping
• Increasing and decreasing – shaping techniques incorporated into the pattern
• Long tail cast on – the recommended cast-on method for starting the 80 stitches

The edging features alternating rounds of purl and knit stitches, creating a subtle textured border that frames the cowl.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for 50 grams of aran weight yarn. The sample shown uses A Little Bit Sheepish Merino Aran in the colorway Go Go Green, though any aran weight yarn of similar yardage will work for this project.

Needles and Notions: A 5.5mm circular needle measuring 62 centimeters (24 inches) is required for working in the round. Additional tools include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and a stitch marker to denote the beginning of each round.

Gauge and Fabric Characteristics

Exact gauge is not critical for this cowl project, allowing for flexibility in yarn and needle selection. The pattern recommends using the needle size suggested on the yarn label or sizing up slightly to achieve a fabric with good drape. This relaxed gauge requirement makes the pattern forgiving and suitable for various yarn substitutions within the aran weight category.

Construction Details

The cowl begins with a long tail cast on of 80 stitches, which are then joined for knitting in the round while taking care not to twist the stitches. A stitch marker is placed to mark the start of each round. The edging is worked first, consisting of alternating purl and knit rounds that are repeated to create the desired textured border. The pattern incorporates increases, decreases, and yarn overs to shape and add interest to the finished cowl.

Finishing Skills

Completing the Windy cowl requires basic finishing techniques, including weaving in ends with a tapestry needle to secure yarn tails and create a polished final product.