Have you heard of the term “comfort knitting pattern”? Just like comfort food, it’s the basic and simple knitting pattern that you always want to turn to when you need to relax and need a little comfort in your day.
When designing my latest accessory piece, “comfort knitting” was my inspiration. My goal was to create something that would be fuss-free – something where exact gauge wasn’t critical, you could easily work on it while watching TV or chatting in your knitting group, and where you only needed a skein or two of yarn (or could easily use up stash). So what was the result?
Coffee Break is a simple bandana cowl that is comfort knitting at its best. Relaxing and rhythmic garter stitch is paired with a simple yet interesting construction, creating a knitting experience that is both soothing and satisfying (just like a good afternoon coffee break!). Click here for the Ravelry page.
Shown above in Lang Yarn’s Yak (color Sienne 62), a worsted-weight merino/yak blend (2 balls needed). I purchased mine at Wool & Co.
The Construction
Knit from the top-down, you start just as you would a shawl, working back and forth and beginning the shaping process. Then ends are joined together and it’s worked in the round just like a cowl, but with additional shaping to create the bandana-like look.
Versatility
The end results is a bandana cowl that not only makes a lovely little accessory (that stays nicely on your neck) but is also so versatile to knit, with a menu of different options you could consider.
- It can work well with all different types of fiber in either solid or variegated colors (or consider doing stripes to use up stash yarn).
- You can choose to knit it with a single-strand of yarn (the pattern calls for worsted-weight) or you can double-strand it with mohair.
- Although it’s written for worsted-weight, you can easily adjust for different yarn-weights.
Shown above in Juniper Moon Farm’s Cotton+Merino (in colorway Dove), a worsted-weight cotton/merino blend (just 1 ball needed). I purchased mine at my LYS Mother of Purl.
It works well for multi-color yarn too! Shown above in 1 skein of Hedgehog Fibers Merino DK in color Monsoon (it’s a heavy DK that knits up similar to a worsted). I purchased mine at Biddeford Fiber.
I also knit up a smaller version that could be worn as more of a neckwarmer or would fit a child. Shown here in Berroco Talara (1 skein). This is also available at Mother of Purl yarn shop.
Lots of Tips & Tutorials
Pattern includes in-depth photo tutorials and tips about:
- How to ‘read your knitting’ for a relaxing experience.
- How to work the joining process (step by step photos).
- How to make adjustments for a different gauge or a different fit.
- How to try it on as you go.
Interested in your own Coffee Break?
The pattern PDF is available to purchase on the following sites:
