Gladys Alejandra Cowl

Gladys Alejandra Cowl by Carla Cuadros

What Is Being Made

The Gladys Alejandra Cowl is a generously sized knitted tube cowl designed to be worn in multiple ways. Created by designer Carla Cuadros, this cowl was inspired by a desire to make something cozy and colorful—a piece intended to keep the wearer warm while evoking memories of tropical home, specifically Colombia. The finished cowl features ruffles on each end and can be folded, twisted, and pinned in several different configurations. Because both sides of the cowl are attractive, the wearer has flexibility in how they style and wear the finished piece.

Techniques Used

This cowl is knit in the round using a provisional cast on method. The construction begins with a provisional cast on, which allows stitches to be picked up later without the need for picking up stitches in the traditional sense. The cowl features a simple lace pattern worked throughout the main tube. Ruffles are created on each end by knitting directly from live stitches, eliminating the need for seaming or additional finishing steps. Once the second ruffle is bound off, the cowl is complete. The pattern also provides an alternative set of instructions for knitters who have only two circular needles available or who wish to use more or less yarn than specified in the main pattern.

Stitches and Abbreviations

The Gladys Alejandra Cowl employs fundamental knitting stitches and techniques appropriate for beginner-level knitters:

• CO — cast on
• k — knit
• p — purl
• k2tog — knit 2 together (a decrease stitch)
• M1L — make 1 left (an increase stitch)
• M1R — make 1 right (an increase stitch)
• ssk — slip, slip, knit (a decrease stitch)
• yo — yarn over (creates lace openings)
• pm — place marker
• rnd(s) — round(s)
• rep — repeat
• st(s) — stitch(es)
• BO — bind off

Materials and Tools

The Gladys Alejandra Cowl is worked with 3-ply yarn, a lightweight yarn weight suitable for creating drape and fluidity in the finished cowl. The pattern is designed to be worked on circular needles for knitting in the round. An alternative set of instructions is provided for knitters who prefer to use two circular needles or who wish to adjust yarn yardage as needed.

Difficulty Level

This cowl is rated as a beginner-level project. The simple lace pattern and straightforward construction make it accessible to knitters new to the craft, while the flexible styling options and lack of seaming provide an encouraging first experience with cowl construction.