How to make a reversible "doodle" cowl
Updated: Jun 14, 2022
Do you love pumpkins, ghosts, and all things spooky, and ALSO love the crisp wintery snow and hot cups of cocoa? Do you want to knit a cowl that is versatile enough to last you from October through March?
This pattern hack will show you how to create a reversible, double sided cowl that evokes Autumn on one side and Winter on the other!
IMPORTANT: You’ll need to have both the Holiday Doodle Cowl and Autumn Doodle Cowl patterns to complete the pattern below, as they will provide both the “doodle” chart sets, as well as instructions on how to use them to design your own motifs.
This pattern is designed for Pacific Knit Co. by Jamie Lomax.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pictures with #holidaydoodlecowl, #autumndoodlecowl, and @pnw_knitdesign! I can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
For this pattern, you can use either:
3-4 skeins of DK weight yarns OR
Multiple colors of various stash or leftover DK or light Worsted yarns
NOTE: You’ll need approximately 750-775 yards [685-708 m] to complete this project. However, due to the customization options within the charts for main colors and contrast colors, the exact yardage will depend on your unique and festive choices!
You’ll also need…
US 5/3.75 mm, 24in [60 cm] circular needles or size needed to obtain gauge
Crochet hook for provisional cast on
Spare circular needles, US 5/3.75 mm or smaller
Stitch markers, tapestry needle, waste yarn
Gauge
24 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in colorwork (blocked)
Size
This pattern includes small (large) sizes; however, you can further adjust by adding more or less chart repeats to suit your personal taste. Sample shown is the large size.
Finished Height: 11.5 in [30 cm]
Finished Circumference: 24 in (28 in) [60 cm (72 cm)]
Flat Dimensions (for blocking, pre-Kitchener): 23 in [60 cm] height x 14 in [36 cm] width
Pattern Instructions
Using waste yarn, a crochet hook, and the provisional cast on method, cast on 144 (168) stitches.
Change to main color, and knit 1 round into the crochet chain cast on.
Place marker for BOR and join in the round, being careful not to twist stitches.
Set Up
R1: Purl 1 round.
R2: Knit 1 round, placing marker every 24 sts.
Autumn Doodle Side
In this section, you will “create your doodle” by using the charts available in the Autumn Doodle Cowl. Follow the instructions in the pattern PDF to determine which charts to use, and it what order.
You can choose to focus on spooky Halloween motifs, leafy autumn motifs, or both!
Continue to work the charts until your “doodles” measure approx. 11.5 in [30 cm], or roughly 70 rounds of charts.
Transition From Fall to Winter
NOTE: You’ll want to use the main color in the last “doodle” row as you color for these transition rounds, as well as consider starting your first “doodle” on the opposite side with the same color.
R1: Knit 1 round
R2: Purl 1 round
R3: Knit 1 round
Holiday Doodle Side
In this section, you will “create your doodle” by using the charts available in the Holiday Doodle Cowl. Follow the instructions in the pattern PDF to determine which charts to use, and it what order.
You can choose to focus on festive Christmas motifs, snowy winter motifs, or both!
IMPORTANT: If you’d like both sides of this reversible cowl to face in the same direction, you’ll want to knit the second side charts upside down (i.e. top to bottom, rather than bottom to top).
Continue to work the charts until your “doodles” measure approx. 11.5 in [30 cm], or roughly 70 rounds of charts.
Break all contrast colors yarns.
Break main color yarn (the one you’ll be using for Kitchener Stitch) with approx. 5x cowl circumference.
Finishing
Weave in all ends, except the main color tail.
Place the live stitches on waste yarn and block to flat dimensions.
Once dry, place live stitches on working needle. Remove provisional cast on waste yarn and place cast on stitches onto a spare needle of the same size.
Bring the Holiday section inside the Autumn tube, with wrong sides facing each other (see above).
Thread the yarn tail onto a tapestry needle, and holding the working and spare needles parallel in your left hand, use the Kitchener Stitch to graft the edges together.
Weave in the remaining end and trim.
Enjoy your cowl throughout the entire season!
