Cross Stitch Cowls

Cross Stitch Cowls by Laura Chau

What is Being Made

Cross Stitch Cowls is a downloadable knitting pattern collection featuring six versatile cowl designs in one PDF. The collection offers two distinct silhouettes—a Single Loop cowl measuring 20 inches (51cm) in circumference and 8 inches (20.5cm) deep, and a Double Loop cowl measuring 35 inches (89cm) in circumference with the same 8-inch depth. This multi-size approach allows knitters to create multiple cowls suited to different preferences and body types.

Techniques and Stitch Construction

The primary technique featured in these cowls is Barbara Walker's Quilted Cross Stitch pattern, a textured stitch pattern known for its dimensional, cushy fabric quality. This stitch pattern is characterized by its density and reversible design—the fabric looks equally attractive on both sides, making it ideal for cowls that are frequently visible from multiple angles. The quilted cross stitch creates a fabric that remains flat and structured rather than curling, a desirable quality in neck wear.

The pattern accommodates three different yarn weights, making it exceptionally flexible for various fiber preferences and project timelines. The dense nature of the cross stitch pattern requires using needles several sizes larger than standard recommendations for each yarn weight, which affects the final fabric drape and finished dimensions.

Yarn Weight and Gauge Options

The Cross Stitch Cowls pattern is designed to work with three yarn weight categories:

• Fingering/Sock Weight: Requires 250 yards for a Single Loop cowl or 400 yards for a Double Loop cowl, worked at a suggested stitch gauge of 7–8 stitches per 2.5cm on US 7 (4.5mm) needles, with a pattern gauge of 7.5 stitches per 2.5cm
• DK/Worsted Weight: Requires adjusted yardage and is worked at a suggested stitch gauge of 5–6 stitches per 2.5cm, with a pattern gauge of 5.5 stitches per 2.5cm
• Bulky Weight: Also included as an option for faster project completion

This multi-gauge approach means knitters can choose their preferred yarn weight and still achieve properly proportioned finished cowls. The pattern provides flexibility for yarn substitution—if you have slightly more or less yardage than specified, you can easily adjust by binding off early or adding extra depth to the cowl.

Skill Level and Materials

Rated as intermediate difficulty, these cowls are suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with textured stitch patterns and manage gauge adjustments. The downloadable PDF format allows for immediate access to all six pattern variations and detailed construction instructions.

Knitters will need appropriately sized needles—typically several sizes larger than standard for the chosen yarn weight—and yarn in fingering, worsted, or bulky weight according to the selected size and gauge option.