Have a ball of self-striping sock yarn that is just too magical and awesome for socks? Grab a contrasting skein and let them join forces in a fellowship that forms a cozy cowl. Braided cables cross a bed of fun stripes and garter for texture. This a perfect beginner project for cabled colorwork. Knit in the round as a tube and then grafted together, this cowl is nice and sturdy.

Finished Dimensions:
5“ (12.7cm) x 13” (33cm) / 26” (66 cm) laying flat.
26” (66 cm) / 52” (132 cm) circumference

The long size is shown in photos.

Yarn:
Fingering Weight
MC: 430 yds
CC: 430 yds

Yarn in photos is Valkryie Fibers Matte Sock.
MC: Gashlycrumb Tinies
CC: Boromir

Needles:
US2/2.75mm DPNs or long circular needle for magic loop method.

Gauge:
32 sts x 50 rows = 4” in Garter Stitch

Notions:
Stitch marker
Darning needle
Cable needle (or use cable without a cable needle method)
Spare needle for bind off

Accessibility
Chart is color blind friendly. Video tutorial includes captions.

Don’t be intimidated by the color work and cables at the same time. They are really just vertical stripes and are not hard to work. I recommend knitting with your work inside out, this will help you keep your floats more even on the striped sections.

The stitch count of this cowl should work out for any self striping yarn that was dyed for socks so that the stripes will stripe properly and not pool.

Video demonstration for grafting two ends of a tube together: https://youtu.be/nf6NiRIFTsw