A couple of years ago I released my Cresta Cowl. It was my answer to the question “What can I do with 2 skein of DK-weight yarn?“. Because I worked at a yarn shop, I saw around that time the increased popularity of hand-dyed DK-weight yarn, but many customers were stumped about what to make with it. Sweaters are great of course, but with hand-dyed yarn it could be cost prohibitive. So I wanted to come up with a project where you would only need 1 skein each of 2 colors.
In my efforts to help you find projects right now that might help provide a bit of comfort and distraction as we all go through this crazy and stressful time together, I thought Cresta Cowl could be a great idea. So I made a few layout updates (just to make it even easier to follow) and re-published the pattern.
This cowl has easy texture – a combination of basic stripes, garter eyelet bands, and Stockinette stitch ridges. Enough to keep you interested but still mindless enough to do while you are watching tv or a movie. I used Biscotte Yarns Pure DK which I loved – so soft and in beautiful colors too. A lot of indie dyers have DK-weight options so make sure to check their websites, or email/call your local yarn shop.
Cresta Cowl Tips
- I used a US 7 circular for my sample to get the gauge of 5.25 sts/inch. However, depending on the DK yarn you choose, you may need to go down to a US 6 (or if you find you’re a looser knitter in general)
- You don’t have the cut the yarn each time you switch colors – you can carry it up as you go! If you’ve never done this before, I really like Knit Purl Hunter’s YouTube tutorial here.
- You don’t have to use 2 colors if you would prefer 1 (or if you only have 1 color available). The stitch patterns are textured enough that even in 1 color they will still provide visual interest.
Click here for more pattern details. Also, if you want to know how to adapt this pattern for a different weight yarn, just send me an email – I’m glad to help!