Product Description
These cowls are knit in the round with two colors of worsted weight yarn, using slipped stitches and a simple cable technique. Only one color is used per round. Two 100g skeins of Malabrigo Worsted in coordinating colors will get you on your way! The pattern has instructions for a short cozy cowl, and a longer infinity cowl. Use a 24" circular for the short cowl, or a 32" circular for a long cowl.
New to cabling? I've posted a video tutorial on how to make the cables for these cowls, both with and without a cable needle. You can see it here on YouTube.
Intimidated by the possibility of running out of yarn before your long tail cast on is finished? This two-tailed long tail cast on is your solution.
ZigZag Lightning Cowls by Michele Bernstein
What Is Being Made
The ZigZag Lightning Cowls are a pair of coordinating cowl designs created by designer Michele Bernstein. This downloadable knitting pattern offers two distinct garment options: a short cozy cowl and a longer infinity scarf version. Both pieces are knit in the round using two coordinating colors of yarn, creating a striking visual effect through contrasting colorways. The design was featured by Malabrigo as a Malabrigo Quickie for September 2014.
Techniques and Stitches Used
The ZigZag Lightning Cowls showcase a distinctive zigzag stitch pattern that combines two fundamental knitting techniques: slipped stitches and simple cable work. The zigzag effect is achieved by working only one color per round, allowing the two coordinating colors to create visual interest and texture without complex color changes. The cowls are knit in the round, a technique that produces seamless, tubular fabric ideal for neck wear. This construction method, combined with the stitch pattern, creates sumptuously squishy fabric with excellent drape and comfort.
Yarn and Materials
The pattern calls for heavy worsted weight yarn in two coordinating colors. For the short cowl, you will need 100 yards of main color (MC) and 80 yards of contrasting color (CC). For the long cowl, yardage increases to 210 yards of MC and 140 yards of CC. The samples shown in the pattern were created using Malabrigo Worsted, a 100% merino wool yarn that offers 210 yards per 100 grams. The short cowl sample features Polar Morn as the main color paired with Whale's Road, while the long cowl showcases Colorinche as the main color with Indigo as the contrasting color.
Needles, Gauge, and Notions
The pattern requires two sizes of circular needles. Use US #9/5.5 mm circular needles (24 inches for the short cowl, 32 inches for the long cowl) for the main knitting. US #7/4.5 mm circular needles in the same lengths are used for cast on and bind off, creating a neat, finished edge. The recommended gauge is 19 stitches over 4 inches in the ZigZag stitch pattern on the larger needle; however, the pattern notes that gauge is not critical, making this an accessible project for knitters of varying experience levels. Additional notions include one stitch marker, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and an optional cable hook for managing the cable stitches.
Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Pages: | 1 |
| Designer: | Michele Bernstein |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
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