Cowpoke

Cowpoke Bandana Cowl by Lynne Sosnowski

What is Being Made

Cowpoke is a cosy bandana cowl designed as a versatile, unisex accessory for keeping out the cold. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a triangular bandana that can be worn as a neck warmer or head covering. The finished piece measures 22.5 inches (57 cm) in diameter at the widest point, with a depth to the point of 14 inches (35 cm), making it an ideal quick gift project suitable for crafters of intermediate skill level.

Construction Method and Techniques

Cowpoke employs a hybrid construction technique that combines circular knitting with flat knitting sections. The bandana is worked top-down and in the round for the main body, allowing for seamless construction and the ability to try on the piece as you progress. Once the circular portion is complete, the point of the bandana is worked flat, creating the distinctive triangular shape characteristic of a traditional bandana. This mixed construction approach makes the pattern engaging for knitters learning to work both in the round and with flat knitting techniques.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern features simple lace stitches worked throughout, making Cowpoke an excellent learning project for knitters developing their lace-working skills. The design incorporates a fir tree motif, a classic lace pattern that creates an elegant, nature-inspired aesthetic. Additionally, the pattern includes a purl ridgeline, which provides textural interest and helps define the structure of the bandana while offering visual contrast to the lace sections.

Yarn and Materials

Cowpoke is designed for double-knitting weight yarn (DK weight), though the pattern offers flexibility by allowing knitters to substitute two strands of fingering weight yarn held together as an alternative. This adaptability makes the pattern accessible to knitters with varying yarn stashes.

Yarn Requirements: The pattern calls for approximately 235 yards (215 meters) of yarn for the main project.

Yarn Suggestions: The pattern recommends selecting a yarn that is soft for next-to-skin wear but is not too drapey, and provides good insulation properties. The grey version shown in the pattern was created using Berroco Ultra Wool DK (100% superwash wool; 292 yards/267 meters per 3.5 ounces/100 grams) in colour 83108. An alternative blue version was made using Holst Garn Coast (55% wool, 45% cotton; 383 yards/350 meters per 1.8 ounces/50 grams), demonstrating how different fiber content and yarn characteristics can affect the finished bandana's appearance and performance.

Pattern Details

• One size fits most
• Intermediate difficulty level
• Downloadable PDF format for immediate access
• Suitable for learning lace techniques
• Unisex design appropriate for gifting
• Quick to complete project