Turn Left

Turn Left Cowl by Terri Kruse

Project Overview

Turn Left is an intermediate-level knitted cowl designed by Terri Kruse. This downloadable knitting pattern offers two versatile size options: a shorter, close-fitting cowl measuring 21 inches in circumference and 7 inches in height, or a longer infinity scarf-style version with 42 inches circumference and 6.75 inches in height. The design features eye-catching garter stitch stripes in contrasting colors combined with a decorative bobble block section, making it both a functional and visually interesting accessory.

What Is Being Made

The Turn Left pattern creates a circular cowl or infinity scarf—a tubular neckwear piece worked seamlessly in the round from bottom to top. The finished garment can be worn as a close-fitting neck cowl or as a longer, drapier infinity scarf depending on which size option the knitter selects. The design combines practical warmth with decorative stitch work.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. The cowl is worked in the round, requiring the knitter to join stitches carefully without twisting to ensure a seamless tube. The construction uses garter stitch as the primary stitch pattern, which is created by alternating knit and purl rounds when working circularly. Color work is incorporated through the use of a main color (MC) and contrasting color (CC) in the striped sections. The pattern also includes bobble stitches, which are decorative raised elements that add textural interest to the top section of the cowl.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Garter Stitch: The foundation stitch used throughout most of the cowl. In the round, garter stitch is achieved by alternating rounds of knit and purl stitches. The pattern calls for 2 rounds of garter stitch worked in the main color at the bottom, followed by multiple repeats of a 4-round garter stripe sequence that alternates between main color and contrasting color (2 rounds MC, 2 rounds CC).
• Garter Stripe Sequence: A 4-round repeat consisting of Round 1 (knit in MC), Round 2 (purl in MC), Round 3 (knit in CC), and Round 4 (purl in CC). This sequence is worked 10 times for the short size and 8 times for the long size, creating bold horizontal stripes. Knitters may work additional repeats if they desire a taller cowl with more stripe variations.
• Bobble Blocks: The top section of the cowl features bobble stitches separated by garter stitch squares, creating a textured, dimensional finish to the piece.

Materials and Gauge

The Turn Left pattern is designed for worsted weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that works up at a good pace while providing structure and warmth. The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 20 rows in garter stitch over 4 inches when the finished fabric is washed and blocked. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the specified finished measurements. The pattern requires needles appropriate for worsted weight yarn in the round, such as circular needles or double-pointed needles, sized to achieve the stated gauge. Two yarn colors are needed—a main color and a contrasting color for the striped sections.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Turn Left pattern is suitable for knitters with some experience beyond the absolute beginner level. While garter stitch and basic color changes are relatively straightforward, the requirement to work in the round, manage two colors, and execute bobble stitches makes this pattern appropriate for those comfortable with circular knitting techniques and ready to expand their stitch repertoire.