Meet the Freeplay Cowl:

How many mini skeins and leftovers are lurking in YOUR stash? The top-down Freeplay Cowl is designed to work with any of them! Work it as written, or use the guidance provided in the pattern to customize your version to suit your preferences and the yarn you have. Tips are given to alter the circumference, depth, number of colors, and even yarn weight. Thanks to the paired increases worked along a center spine, the finished cowl gives you the look of a triangular shawl, but it uses less yarn—and is so much easier to style.

(Psst: You may also be interested in the Freeplay Wrap or the Freeplay Improvisation Guide! You can even save $5 and get them together with the Freeplay Collection.)

All the Details:

SIZE 
Top Circumference: 20” [51 cm]
Bottom Circumference: 49” [124.5 cm]
Center Depth: 18” [45.5 cm]
Back Height: 15.5” [39.5 cm]

Measurements taken after firm blocking following the pattern as written.

YARN 
Freeplay is designed to work with any number of colors and yardages, so use what you have! The pattern provides guidance on how to do so.

The sample used the following: 

  • The Kinetic Knitter Yarns Fancy Sock (80% Merino, 10% Cashmere, 10% Nylon; 435 yd / 398 m per 100 g / 3.53 oz skein) in Vineyard (MC) and Majestic (CC1), 1 skein each

  • Birch Hollow Fibers Morrison MCN Sock (80% Merino, 10% Cashmere, 10% Nylon; 435 yd / 398 m per 100 g / 3.53 oz skein) shown in Slated (CC2) and Ballgown (CC3), 1 skein each

To make the same cowl with different fingering-weight yarn:

  • MC: approximately 171 yd / 157 m

  • CC1: approximately 81 yd / 75 m

  • CC2: approximately 110 yd / 101 m

  • CC3: approximately 92 yd / 85 m

Totals include a 15% buffer.

NEEDLES 
US 4 [3.5 mm] 16" [40 cm] circular needles, or size needed to obtain gauge

NOTIONS 
2 stitch markers (one unique, to indicate start of round), tapestry needle

GAUGE 
20.5 stitches and 32 rounds = 4” [10 cm] in stockinette stitch after firm blocking. Gauge is not crucial but will affect yardage used and final dimensions.

TECHNIQUES 
Single increases and decreases, yarn overs, twisted stitches, knitting in the round. Pattern includes links to more information about required stitches and techniques.

Here’s how testers described knitting Freeplay: Easy, fast, fun, interesting, great result, relaxing, satisfying, repetitive, colorful, unique, cozy, “great for those who are always cold,” economical, addictive, rewarding, manageable, clear, happy, and “great for those who are always cold.” According to one tester, “This pattern is perfect”!

Want to knit Freeplay?

Freeplay is available for purchase through Ravelry and Payhip. (If you’re interested in the other Freeplay options, you’ll find the whole collection here.) If you are not using Ravelry at the moment, you can include your Ravelry name with your Payhip order and I will gift you a copy of the pattern on Ravelry. Questions? Please reach out.

 
 
 

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