Kindness

Kindness Cowl by Josée Paquin

What Is Being Made

Kindness is a downloadable knitting pattern for a cowl designed by Josée Paquin. This project creates a versatile neckwear piece available in two sizes: a smaller cowl measuring 10 inches high and 23.5 inches in circumference, or a larger cowl measuring 10 inches high and 47 inches in circumference (after blocking). The design accommodates both single-color and two-color colorway options, offering flexibility for different yarn stash preferences and aesthetic choices.

Techniques Used

The Kindness cowl employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The pattern uses circular needle construction, worked in the round from a cast-on edge to create a seamless tubular garment. Knitters will practice garter stitch in the round, English rib stitch, and yarn-over decreases. The pattern includes an optional color-joining technique for those choosing to work with two coordinating yarn colors. Finishing involves a loose bind-off to maintain elasticity at the edge.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch: Worked in the round, creating a textured, reversible fabric that appears the same on both sides. The pattern incorporates garter stitch sections totaling 44 rounds across the cowl.
• English Rib: A classic ribbed stitch pattern that provides vertical texture and elasticity. Two sections of 32 rounds each create the primary visual and functional structure of the cowl.
• Yarn-Over Decreases: A decorative lace round featuring k2tog paired with yarn-overs (YO), creating an eyelet detail that adds visual interest and allows for optional color changes mid-project.

Materials and Tools

The Kindness cowl requires approximately 200 to 225 metres (220 to 246 yards) of worsted weight yarn for the smaller size, or 400 to 450 metres (440 to 492 yards) for the larger size. Knitters can work in a single solid color throughout or use half the yardage in each of two complementary colors. The pattern was originally showcased in Illimani Royal I yarn in light grey and natural colorways, using one skein of each color for the larger size.

Essential tools include one 4 mm/US 6 circular needle measuring 60 cm (24 inches) in length, which accommodates the cast-on stitches comfortably while working in the round. Additional supplies include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and one stitch marker to denote the beginning of each round. The gauge is 16 stitches and 44 rows over a measured swatch, which is important to verify before beginning to ensure proper finished dimensions.

Pattern Structure and Construction

The Kindness cowl follows a structured sequence of stitch patterns that build visual and textural interest. After casting on 84 stitches for the smaller size or 168 stitches for the larger size, knitters join to work in the round. The pattern begins with 18 rounds of garter stitch, establishing the foundation. This is followed by 32 rounds of English rib, which forms the primary textured body. An 8-round garter stitch section provides transition, followed by the decorative eyelet round featuring k2tog and yarn-over combinations. This eyelet round serves as an optional color-change point for two-color versions. The pattern concludes with another 8 rounds of garter stitch, 32 rounds of English rib mirroring the earlier section, and a final 18 rounds of garter stitch before binding off loosely.