Arizona Snood

Arizona Snood by Loopy Handmade

What Is Being Made

The Arizona Snood is a versatile neck warmer and hood designed by Gillian Docherty from Loopy Handmade. This knitted cowl features a deep height that allows it to be worn either as a cozy neck warmer or pulled up as a protective hood during winter months. The finished piece measures 37cm (14.5") in width when laid flat, making it suitable for adult and teen sizes in one universal size.

Knitting Techniques

The Arizona Snood is constructed using circular knitting, which means the entire garment is knitted in the round. This technique eliminates the need for seaming, resulting in a seamless, professional finish. The snood is worked continuously in a circular motion using a single circular needle, creating a tubular fabric that naturally forms the cowl shape.

Stitches Used

This pattern employs a simple combination of fundamental knitting stitches to create visual interest and texture:

• Knit stitch – the primary stitch used throughout the pattern
• Purl stitch – alternated with knit stitches to create texture

The knit and purl stitches are worked in alternating sequences to form a checkerboard texture, which adds depth and visual appeal to the finished snood while remaining simple enough for beginners to execute confidently.

Yarn and Materials

The Arizona Snood is designed to be knitted with Aran weight yarn (Medium #4), requiring approximately 328 yards (300 meters) of yarn. The pattern sample was created using Tea Time XL yarn from Hobbii in the shade Earl Grey, which is a 100% acrylic fiber available in 200g balls with 400 meters (437 yards) of yardage per ball. One ball provides more than enough yarn to complete the project.

The required tools include one 5.5mm circular knitting needle measuring 60cm (24") in length, a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round, scissors for finishing, and a darning needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Difficulty Level

The Arizona Snood is rated as Easy/Beginner, making it an ideal project for those new to knitting or looking to build foundational skills. The straightforward combination of knit and purl stitches, combined with the elimination of complex shaping or seaming, ensures accessibility for novice knitters.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 24 rows by 14 stitches over a 10cm x 10cm (4" x 4") swatch worked in knit stitch. This gauge information is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions and ensuring the snood fits properly when worn.