Pastabilities Cowl

Pastabilities Cowl by Sandra Kwan

What is Being Made

The Pastabilities Cowl is a beginner-friendly knitted cowl designed by Sandra Kwan. This is a circular neckwear project that can be worn flat or folded for different styling options. The finished cowl measures 24 inches wide by 5.5 inches tall when laid flat (25 inches wide for the super bulky option), and compresses to approximately 9-10 inches wide when folded for wear.

Knitting Techniques Used

This cowl pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginner-level knitters. The primary construction method involves working in the round using circular needles, which creates a seamless tubular fabric. The pattern features I-cord edging as a decorative and structural element, which is a specialized technique that creates a small rope-like trim. The I-cord is worked over either 4 or 5 stitches depending on the yarn weight chosen, using a combination of knit stitches and decreases (knit 2 together through the back loop or knit 3 together through the back loop) before slipping stitches back to the left needle to create the characteristic rounded cord appearance.

Stitches Used

The Pastabilities Cowl utilizes a limited stitch vocabulary, making it accessible for advancing beginners:

• Knit (K) – the fundamental stitch that forms the fabric base
• Purl (P) – used in combination with knit stitches to create texture
• K1, P1 Ribbing – a classic alternating knit-purl pattern that creates vertical columns and provides stretch and structure to the cowl
• Knit 2 Together (K2tog) – a right-leaning decrease used in the I-cord edging
• Purl 2 Together Through the Back Loop (P2tog TBL) – a decrease variation for purl stitches
• Knit 3 Together Through the Back Loop (K3tog TBL) – used in the super bulky I-cord variation for additional shaping
• I-Cord – a specialized technique that creates decorative edging by working a small number of stitches in the round and slipping them back to work again, forming a rope-like trim

Materials and Yarn Weight Options

The Pastabilities Cowl is offered in three yarn weight options, allowing crafters to choose based on desired drape, warmth, and finished size:

Worsted Weight Option: This version requires 140-160 yards of worsted weight yarn. Knitters use US 7 (4.5mm) circular needles in 24-32 inch length for the main fabric, with US 8 (5mm) circular needles in 32 inches for the cast-on edge. The gauge is 28-30 stitches by 24 rows over 4 inches in K1, P1 ribbing when worked on US 7 needles.

Bulky Weight Option: This variation calls for 90-100 yards of bulky weight yarn. Construction uses US 10 (6mm) circular needles in 24-32 inch length for the main cowl, with US 10.5 (6.5mm) circular needles in 32 inches for cast-on. The gauge measures 20 stitches by 17 rows over 4 inches in K1, P1 ribbing on US 10 needles.

Super Bulky Weight Option: The quickest version uses 80-90 yards of super bulky weight yarn. This option employs US 15 (10mm) circular needles in 24-32 inch length for the body and US 17 (12mm) circular needles in 32 inches for the cast-on edge. Gauge is 13 stitches by 12 rows over 4 inches in K1, P1 ribbing when worked on US 15 needles.

Additional Materials Required: Beyond yarn and needles, crafters will need scissors for finishing and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Difficulty Level

The Pastabilities Cowl is rated as an Advanced Beginner project, making it ideal for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to tackle circular needle work and simple decreases. The straightforward construction and limited stitch palette make this an excellent project for building confidence with in-the-round knitting techniques.