The gauge is not crucial since the fit of a cowl is very forgiving. This cowl is knitted in the round from the top edge down to the skirted I-cord base. It’s designed to fit snuggly around an adult neck for warmth, with the skirted base lying flat around the neck and onto the shoulders. If you desire a different fit, you may adjust the needle size (larger needles = looser fit) for the upper portion of the cowl worked in Seed Stitch; the needle size is increased throughout the base of the cowl, worked in Stocking Stitch, to enhance the effect of the skirting. It is designed to use a variegated yarn with a coordinated solid.