Here is a cozy cowl, with large alternating cables featured. The cables form a dense fabric that naturally stands up on the neck.

The cowl can also be worn as a wide headband to protect your ears from the cold!

I recommend using a soft merino or cashmere yarn. Gauge is not critical in this pattern, larger needles would give a floppier cowl.

If you are not comfortable with provisional cast on or grafting, just cast on and bind off in the usual method, then sew the ends of the cowl together.