It’s amazing what you can do with a mindful mix of knits and purls. This design features elegant waves of knits on a sea of purls, creating a striking embossed effect. This project lends itself to solid, tonal, and heathered yarns, which will allow the simple textured details to shine.

This project uses one full skein of DK weight yarn, so I recommend skipping the swatch to conserve yarn (or plan to reuse the swatch in your project). I’m usually very committed to swatching, but for the sake of yarn usage, swatching really isn’t necessary here. For best results, if you’re a naturally tight or loose knitter, I recommend adjusting your needle size accordingly.

CONSTRUCTION

This cowl is knit in the round, with 1×1 rib details along the top and bottom edges and rolled trim. The body of the pattern features a dramatic combination of knits and purls that create a sea of embossed waves across the fabric.

SKILL LEVEL

Advanced Beginner

GAUGE

About 22 sts in 4 inches (10 cm) in knit/purl pattern, blocked (row gauge is less critical)

YARN

DK or Light Worsted Weight Yarn (this is a great way to use stash!) | 246 yards in 100 grams – you will need ALL of this (I used all but about 5 grams of my skein)

NEEDLES

US Size 5 (3.75 mm) 16 in (40 cm) circular needles

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

A) Circumference: 23 in (60 cm)
B) Length (top to bottom): 12 in (30 cm)

Measurements are post-blocking with superwash wool.