Second Nature Cowl

Second Nature Cowl by Sharon Slarke

What Is Being Made

The Second Nature Cowl is a bulky, warm woollen cowl designed by Sharon Slarke. This is a neck accessory featuring a generous circumference of 84cm (33 inches) and a width of 31.5cm (12½ inches), making it a substantial and cozy layering piece. The cowl is worked in the round and designed as a beginner-friendly knitting project that can be completed quickly.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project worked with 7mm needles. The cowl is constructed using a provisional cast-on method with contrasting waste yarn, which allows for a seamless join when the piece is completed. The pattern involves working in the round to create a continuous tube of fabric, making this an excellent introduction to circular knitting techniques for beginners.

Stitches Used

The Second Nature Cowl features Basket Stitch as its primary pattern stitch. This textured stitch is worked over a 12-row repeat with a 6-stitch multiple:

• Rows 1–2: Garter stitch foundation (knit and purl)
• Rows 3–6: First basket pattern section alternating knit and purl columns
• Rows 7–8: Garter stitch transition
• Rows 9–12: Second basket pattern section with reversed knit and purl placement

The Basket Stitch creates a dimensional, woven appearance that adds visual interest and texture to the finished cowl while remaining accessible for beginner knitters.

Materials and Gauge

The Second Nature Cowl is designed to be worked in chunky weight yarn (also called bulky or 12 ply). The pattern specifies Cleckheaton Country Wide, a 100% wool yarn sold in 50g balls with approximately 49 metres (54 yards) per ball. Five balls are required to complete the cowl, with very little yarn remaining. Any bulky or 12 ply weight yarn of similar yardage and fibre content can be substituted.

The pattern calls for 7mm needles or the size needed to obtain the correct gauge. The recommended gauge is 13.5 stitches and 20 rows to 10cm (4 inches) measured in Basket Stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished cowl meets the specified measurements.

Difficulty Level

This cowl is rated as a beginner level project. The straightforward Basket Stitch pattern, quick completion time, and generous yarn weight make it an ideal choice for knitters new to textured stitch patterns or circular knitting techniques.