Recently, I have been considering how I can create more and consume less. This is challenging for someone who loves shopping, especially in our consumerist culture. I have realized that buying and consuming (usually) gives me very temporary pleasure whereas creating fuels long-term joy, satisfaction, and creativity. Do I still buy things? Of course, I do, giving and receiving gifts are some of my favorite activities, but I am trying to come into more of a balance with my personal consumerism.
Winter is the perfect time to focus on this goal. The air is cold and the evenings are dark, so why not take the time to make something beautiful? Wintering is such an important season to look within and find ourselves after the busyness of autumn and the holidays. One of my favorite winter hobbies has always been knitting. It is the perfect activity to do with a cup of tea by the fire or while watching a movie.
I created this fisherman’s cowl as a companion to my knitted fisherman’s cap because I wanted a matching cowl that would be just as cozy and sophisticated. The result is this beautiful and simple cowl that compliments any wardrobe or style. I have a lot of guys in my life to knit for, which is what happens when you don’t have sisters, so I love using a fisherman’s pattern to create a more masculine-looking knit. This cowl can absolutely be unisex, but for some reason, I think it looks so good on guys! We did a fun cowl photoshoot so you can see how it looks with masculine and feminine styles.
How to make the Fisherman’s Cowl
Glossary of Abbreviations
ST(s) = stitch(es)
CO = cast on
K = Knit
P = Purl
Supplies
Around 90 yards of super bulky (weight 6) yarn:
I love using the Lion’s Brand Hometown yarn. It comes in so many beautiful colors and has the best texture!
Needles: US 15/ 10mm 16″ circular knitting needle
*optional* A stitch marker
Pattern
CO 52 sts in the round and join. Place a stitch marker to identify the beginning of the round.
*You can cast on more or fewer stitches depending on how wide you would like the opening of your cowl to be. Make sure you are always casting and keeping an even number of stitches.
**be careful to knit loosely here because this cowl can easily become bulletproof if knitted too tightly
Round 1: K1 P1 repeat until you reach the end of the round
Round 2: Repeat Round 1, being sure that each stitch aligns with the same kind of stitch beneath it from round 1. For example, if you are doing a knit stitch, it will align with the knit stitch below it from the previous round. repeat until you reach the end of the round
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 for at least 10 rounds. At this point, it can be helpful to measure or try on your cowl to gauge how large or small you prefer.
Cast off and weave in any ends.
I hope you enjoyed one of my favorite beginner knitting patterns. If you did, you will love the Knitted Fisherman’s Cap pattern (as seen in this photo) and the Braided Crown Knitted Headband pattern.
Happy Knitting!
[…] These hats make the best gifts for guys (they can also be more feminine depending on what colors you use, but I think the simple fisherman’s ribbing is perfect for a no-frill men’s hat). My father, who loves anything handmade, wears his while hunting and fishing in the elements. I also knitted one for my boyfriend (who kindly modeled for the photos below). He can be found sporting this fisherman’s beanie beside fall campfires and on chilly winter walks. If you enjoy this pattern, you can also follow my pattern to knit a matching fisherman’s cowl. […]