Oswald Cowl. by Nick Davis

Oswald Cowl.

Knitting
October 2026
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
18 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches
in pattern as written, moderately/lightly blocked
US 4 - 3.5 mm
US 5 - 3.75 mm
158 - 168 yards (144 - 154 m)
One size fits most.
English
This pattern is available for $6.00 USD buy it now

Through October 31, get the Oswald Cowl pattern for 20% off! No coupon code required; this discount is taken automatically at checkout.

The Oswald cowl combines shaped garter stitch tabs and rich textured for a cozy, light neck warmer. The tapered button tabs add some nice detail, and the stitch motif is easier than it might look—it’s a basic knit and purl pattern, but adds a great texture.

Choose four buttons sized to fit the eyelet buttonholes—use a matched set, or mismatched ones from your button collection.

The sample is made from O-Wool Classic Two Ply merino—substitute any heavy fingering- to sportweight yarn that gives you a good fabric and you’ll be good to go!

Materials:

  • 158-168yds of sportweight wool yarn (shown in O-Wool Classic 2-ply)
  • 1 24” circular needle in US4-5/3.5-3.75mm, or size needed for gauge, or a pair of straight needles.
  • Tapestry needle
  • removable stitch markers
  • Four buttons, in wood or other lightweight material, 5/8” or sized to suit yarn
  • optional: needle and thread if buttons are not suited to yarn and * tapestry needle. (I used raw linen weaving thread here, if you want to replicate the sample down to the details.)

Gauge:
Gauge is 18 sts and 30 rows over 4”/10cm of pattern, moderately blocked. Please be sure to check your gauge (though, frankly, gauge is not too important for this pattern).

Measurements:
The finished cowl is about 23”/58cm long and 8”/20cm wide. The tabs are about 5”/13cm wide, and the circumference of the cowl when buttoned is about 21”/53cm.