Squish Monster Cowl of Awesomeness

I like cowls, and I really like seed stitch. About 2 years ago I bought one of those enormous infinity cowls. It’s made out of fine jersey knit fabric and layers on itself really nicely. It’s not all that warm, but it’s really versatile and goes with everything. Since then, I’ve been a bit obsessed with infinity cowls. I don’t really like wee cowls, but I love long ones that can be doubled up.

I knit this cowl on a flight from Chicago to Denver in approximately 2 hours. It’s fantastically fast, and it’s also super warm. It’s one instance when bulky yarn does exactly what it should: keeps you warm without making you look like a linebacker.

Sure, I could have knit this cowl in the round. But honestly, who wants to deal with a hugely long US 17 circular needle? It’s already so large as to be unmanageable. Plus, knit flat, you can swap out any yarn you want and it’s a lot easier to adjust the circumference.

The Squish Monster Cowl of Awesomeness is knit entirely in seed stitch, making it 100% reversible. There’s nothing better than a reversible infinity cowl if you ask me.

So here’s a freebie pattern. This is one of my favorite things to gift and knit. Everyone I’ve shown it to oohs and ahhs over it. If you can’t grab super bulky yarn, knock this out with some scraps held double or triple. It’s a super quick knit and ideal for gifting. Enjoy!

Squish Monster Cowl of Awesomeness

By Liz Abinante

You’ll need: 1 skein of Malabrigo Rasta (100% merino, super bulky, 90 yards). I knit my cowl in Abril.

Needles: US 17 (12mm).

Gauge: 2.5 sts per inch.

Finished size: 5.25 inches wide, circumference of 48 inches.

CO 11 stitches (or any odd number if substituting yarn)
Alternatively, you could provisionally cast on and graft the cowl together. But that’s so much effort. 

Repeat the following row until you run out of yarn: k1, *[p1, k1] rpt from * to end

Bind off and seam up. Wear loosely for style, or wrapped once to keep out the cold.