The Bay Panel Cowl is an adaptation of our Bay Panel Shawl, for a faster stash-busting knit. The cowl is in the form of a loop constructed with alternating panels of linen stitch, brioche stitch and garter stitch, with moss stitch borders. A twist in the loop allows it to show off both sides of the work and each of their dominant colours.

It is designed to work with yarns from different sources and fibre types, giving you the freedom to create your own perfect colour palette.

This pattern is rated intermediate because it uses a variety of stitches, making it a great project for knitters who’d like to try something new and build confidence.

Sizing
The cowl has approximate dimensions of 74 cm x 24 cm (29 inches x 9 ½ inches).

Yarn
It is worked in an 8ply yarn for the main colour and three 4-ply yarns (one of which is also in the main colour), as outlined below. Alternatively, the 8-ply yarn may be substituted by holding the 4-ply yarn in the main colour double for the brioche panels.

Yarn 1 (Main Colour, Cream in Sample)
Choose a soft and cosy 8-ply merino yarn recommended for 4 mm (US size 6) needles with a gauge of approximately 22 stitches per 10 cm. Alternatively, Yarn 1 can be substituted by holding Yarn 4 double (you will need to add about twice the yardage of Yarn 4).
(Yarn 1 was substituted in the sample for Yarn 4 held double in the sample).

Yarn 2 (Charcoal in Sample)
Choose a 4ply yarn recommended for 3.5 mm (US size 5) needles, with a gauge of approximately 26-28 stitches per 10 cm. When held double, it should achieve a similar gauge to Yarn 1. The match need not be exact, as the pattern is forgiving of some variation.

Yarn 3 (Blue in Sample)
Choose another 4ply yarn recommended for 3.5 mm (US size 5) needles, with a gauge of approximately 26-28 stitches per 10 cm. Preferably use a smooth (rather than ‘fluffy’) yarn to allow the contrasting stitches at the back of the brioche panel to show through on the right side of the cowl.
(The yarn used in the sample is Yarn Phase Hand Dyed 4-ply 19.6 micron 100% NZ Merino, 400 m per 100 grams).

Yarn 4 (Main Colour, Cream in Sample)
Choose a yarn that is about half the weight of Yarn 1 and the same colour as Yarn 1 so it will have a similar gauge to Yarn 1 when held double.
(The yarn used in the sample is Yarn Phase Natural Undyed Merino Yarn 4-ply 100% NZ Merino held double, 400 m per 100 grams).

Approximate Yardage:

• Yarn 1 (8-ply, main colour) 170 m (185 yards) or can be substituted for yarn 4.
• Yarn 2 (4-ply) 50 m (55 yards).
• Yarn 3 (4-ply) 140 m (155 yards).
• Yarn 4 (4-ply, main colour) 35 m (40 yards) or 375 m (410 yards) if also used for Yarn 1.