To celebrate the release of my new pattern Squishy Double-Soled Socks, all of my patterns are on sale. Get 30% off my patterns when bought with the new pattern until 11:59pm EDT on Friday, 21 August 2026 (discount automatically applied), or use coupon code Squishy20 at checkout to get 20% off of any of my patterns until 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, 16 August 2026.

Knit with bulky yarn and textured with slip-stitch cables, the Firedancer Cowl is a cozily warm accessory that’s a simple but engaging knit, ideal for both solid and lightly variegated yarns.

A second version of this pattern, in worsted yarn, is available here: Firedancer Cowl Worsted

The cowl is rectangular, knit from short end to short end. As written, the pattern is designed for the cowl to be either styled as a loop around the neck or buttoned flat against the chest. A guide for alternative style ideas, including illustrations, is included at the end of the pattern with associated alternative buttonhole placement, etc.

The pattern uses completely written instructions, with an accompanying chart for the cabled stitch pattern. Difficulty-wise, it should be usable for most advanced beginners comfortable with working cables.

Gauge:
16 stitches by 24 rows in 4 inches / 10 centimeters in the given cable pattern (this is a tighter gauge than the same yarn and needle will yield for stockinette or garter stitch)

Needles:
US size 10 / 6 mm (or size needed to meet gauge) in whatever style needle you prefer for flat knitting. I prefer a 16” circular needle, but tastes will vary.

Materials:

• Approximately 120 - 150 yards / 110 - 138 meters bulky weight yarn (the yarns linked on the pattern page are just suggestions of what may work well)
• Stitch markers, at least 2 (optional)
• Cable needle (optional, especially for those who don’t like using them!)
• Yarn needle
• 3 to 5 buttons, approximately 0.75 in / 1.9 cm diameter (number depends on chosen style)
• Sewing needle
• Sewing thread

Size:
With this gauge, the finished dimensions will be approximately 7 in / 18 cm wide by 29 in / 74 cm long.

To adjust the length of the cowl, simply knit for longer or shorter than the recommended amount given in the pattern.

To adjust the width of the cowl, you could add or remove a stitch pattern repeat (with associated cast on count added or removed). You could also try adjusting gauge by using different yarns or needle, although this will also affect the resultant fabric. If changing pattern repeat number, less experienced knitters may wish to skip the buttonholes and simply sew the cowl together (making sure it’s long enough to fit/stretch over your head, since you won’t be able to unbutton it).

PDF Formatting:
The written pattern is formatted in two columns. The text is black on a white page, in size 11 and 12 sans serif font (Noto Sans, similar in size to Arial and larger than Calibri or Times New Roman), with no italics. The alternate styles page uses size 10 font. Images have alt text, but feedback on these would be appreciated.

Thank you to my pattern testers, who helped me polish this pattern before release! I will continue watching for feedback that I may incorporate into future revisions.

This pattern is for personal use only. Do not share or copy any part of it, including inputting it into an LLM. Items made from the pattern are your own, and you may sell them in small quantities. If you can, please add to your item’s tag the name of the pattern and my Ravelry designer name--thank you!

Although several pattern aspects had to be changed between the bulky and worsted weight versions of this design, I believe them to be similar enough that it’s only fair to give a discount for knitters who are buying both versions of the pattern. An ebook bundle including both the bulky and worsted weight versions is available for $8.40 USD (30% off both). Firedancer Cowls ebook If you have already purchased a copy of the worsted version (verifiable by account used for purchase), PM me on Ravelry and I can arrange a discount code for the bulky version.