What You Wish Scarf and Cowl

What You Wish Scarf and Cowl by Terri Kruse

Project Overview

The What You Wish Scarf and Cowl is an advanced knitting pattern offering three versatile designs in one downloadable PDF: a full-length scarf and two cowl variations (short and long). Designed by independent designer Terri Kruse, this collection showcases elegant colorwork and cable techniques suitable for experienced knitters seeking sophisticated layering pieces.

Scarf Design

Finished Measurements: 68 inches long by 4.5 inches wide

The scarf features a striking two-color design combining garter stitch sections with cable work. The pattern uses a main color and contrasting color approach, creating visual interest through the interplay of textured stitches. The design demonstrates advanced construction techniques that prevent common knitting issues, such as holes forming between different stitch sections.

Cowl Designs

Two cowl options are included in this pattern:

• Short Cowl: 22 inches in length by 5 inches in width
• Long Cowl: 44 inches in length by 4.5 inches in width

Both cowls employ the same advanced techniques as the scarf, utilizing two-color colorwork and cable stitches. The cowls require provisional cast-on methods for seamless joining, making them ideal for knitters comfortable with intermediate to advanced construction methods.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This pattern incorporates several advanced knitting techniques:

• Garter Stitch: Creates textured, reversible fabric throughout the designs
• Cable Stitches: Cable 8 Back (C8B) stitches add dimensional texture and visual complexity
• Two-Color Colorwork: Main color (MC) and contrasting color (CC) create striking color combinations
• Provisional Cast-On: Used for cowl construction to enable seamless joining

The pattern notes include specific instructions to prevent holes from forming between cable sections and garter stripe sections, demonstrating attention to advanced finishing details.

Yarn and Materials

For the Scarf: Plucky Rustic yarn (100% wool; 165 yards per 100 grams) in Aran weight. The scarf requires 2 skeins of Flannel (main color) and 1 skein of Icey Audrey (contrast color).

For the Cowls: Malabrigo Worsted yarn (100% Merino; 210 yards per 100 grams) in Aran weight. The short cowl uses 1 skein each of Frost Gray (main color) and Bobby Blue (contrast color). The long cowl uses 1 skein each of Frost Gray (main color) and Sapphire Green (contrast color). Note that actual contrast color usage for the cowls is less than half a skein, making this an economical pattern for stash-busting.

Needles and Notions

The pattern calls for US 8/5mm needles. A 20-inch circular needle is recommended for the scarf, though straight needles may be substituted. Additional notions include a cable needle for cable stitches, a darning needle for weaving in ends, and scrap yarn for provisional cast-on (cowls only). A crochet hook is optional if using a chained cast-on method for the cowls.

Gauge and Difficulty

The pattern specifies a gauge of 17 stitches and 28 rows in 4 inches of garter stitch when washed and blocked. This advanced-level pattern is designed for experienced knitters comfortable with cable work, colorwork, and specialized construction techniques such as provisional cast-ons and seamless joining methods.