Sometimes you just want to get warm and make a statement. With the Frost Giant Cowl, you can achieve both. The cowl is worked flat and has two finishing options, choose the one you feel most comfortable with. The finishing options consist of either plain seaming or a three-needle-bind-off.
Materials
Yarn
The sample cowl was knit using 270 m (297 yards) / 450 g Wibra Myrna [80% acrylic, 20% wool; 60 m (66 yds) per 100 g skein] held double.
Substitute any (extra) bulky weight yarn for a similar result. Using a thinner yarn will result in a less humongous cowl.
Recommended needles
Needles in your preferred style in the following sizes (or to match gauge):
- Size 14 mm (US #18)
- 1 extra needle in size 14 mm (US #18) or slightly smaller (only needed with the three-needle bind-off finishing option)
Adjust needle size appropriately when using a less bulky yarn for a smaller cowl.
Other
- Yarn needle
- Waste yarn (optional) – only needed with the three-needle bind- off finishing option, worsted or aran weight yarn held double or triple can be used
Gauge
Gauge is not critical in this design. For the sample cowl:
5.5 sts / 8 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) measured over 2×2 rib.
Sizes and Finished Measurements
27 cm (11 inch) wide (unstretched), 70 cm (27 ½ inch) long.
Skills required
The plain seaming finishing option in this pattern is suitable for the beginning knitter. The three-needle bind-off finishing option requires a provisional cast on. Because this is a more advanced knitting technique, this version is suitable for the intermediate knitter.
Stitches used include knit, purl and slipping stitches.
Abbreviations
BO – bind off
CO – cast on
k – knit
p – purl
rep – repeat
sl – slip
st(s) – stitch(es)
wyib – with yarn in back
Pattern notes
- Yarn is held double throughout.
- Always slip the first stitch of the row purl-wise with the yarn held to the back.
- When you run out of yarn, a new skein will be attached by knitting a few stitches with both the new and old yarn held double. The ends can be woven in later.
Instructions
Seamed finishing option:
CO 18 sts with the yarn held double.
Row 1: Sl1wyib, k2, [p2, k2] 3 times, p3.
Three-needle bind-off finishing option:
CO 18 sts with waste yarn held double or triple.
Row 1: Knit. Switch to working yarn held double.
Row 2: K3, [p2, k2] 3 times, p3.
Both finishing options:
Next: Sl1wyib, k2, [p2, k2] 3 times, p3.
Rep this row until length of piece is 148 cm (58 inches) or desired length.
Bind-off
Seamed finishing option:
BO using your BO of choice, for example, the knit bind-off.
Next: Hold the ends of the piece together and use the yarn needle to sew both ends together and form a loop. Be careful not to twist the loop before seaming the ends together.
Three-needle bind-off finishing option:
Transfer the stitches from the waste yarn to the extra needle, be careful not to twist the loop when holding the beginning and end of the piece together.
Step 1: Hold both needles holding sts next to each other.
Step 2: With the third needle, knit each st through both the first st on the needle closest to you as well as through the first st on the back needle at the same time. Wrap as for a knit st and complete the stitch as usual.
Step 3: Rep step 2 one time.
Step 4: There are now 2 sts on your right hand needle. Lift the first st worked over the second st worked, using the tip of your left hand needle.
Step 5: Rep steps 3-4 until all sts are BO.
Click here for a tutorial on how to work a three-needle BO.
Finishing
Weave in ends and wear with attitude!
Tip: Use a crochet hook to weave yarn ends in, when the yarn is to thick to use regular yarn needles. Just grab the yarn with the hook, pull it through the fabric and repeat.
Click here to download the pattern for your convenience.
