The Cactus Cowl beautifully blends elegance and simplicity, featuring a delicate lace pattern set against the cozy texture of garter stitch. Choose the smaller version for a quick, single-skein project that adds a touch of sophistication to your outfit. Or, go for the larger infinity cowl to create a versatile, wrap-around accessory perfect for layering on breezy days. Whether you’re dressing up or staying casual, this cowl’s timeless design and soft texture make it a must-knit addition to your wardrobe.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Size: Finished Circumference 27½ (50)” / [70 (127) cm] x 8½” / [21.5 cm] height
Shown in 27½” / [70 cm].
Gauge: One 14 st-Cable Rep = 2½” x 2¾” / [6.5 x 7cm], lightly blocked.
Materials
Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes (100% Peruvian Wool; 110 yards [100 meters]/50 grams): #25990 Noble Heather, 2 (4) balls.
Needles: US size 7 (4.5 mm): 24” (60 cm) circular
Notion: Cable needle (cn); stitch markers
Abbreviations
1/2 RC: Sl 2 sts onto cn and hold in back, k1, k2 from cn.
1/2 LC: Sl 1 st onto cn and hold in front, k2, k1 from cn.
2/2 RC: Sl 2 sts onto cn and hold in back, k2, k2 from cn.
Special Stitches
Cactus Pattern (worked over 14 sts)
Rnd 1: P2, k4, p2, 1/2 RC, 1/2 LC.
Rnd 2: P2, k4, p2, k6.
Rnd 3: P2, 2/2 RC, p2, k1, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k1.
Rnd 4: Rep Rnd 2.
Rnd 5: P2, k4, p2, k1, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k1.
Rnd 6: Rep Rnd 2.
Rnd 7: Rep Rnd 3.
Rnd 8: Rep Rnd 2.
Rnd 9: P2, k4, p2, 1/2 LC, 1/2 RC.
Rnd 10: P2, k4, p3, k4, p1.
Rnd 11: P1, 1/2 RC, 1/2 LC, p2, k4, p1.
Rnd 12: P1, k6, p2, k4, p1.
Rnd 13: P1, k1, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k1, p2, 2/2 RC, p1.
Rnd 14: Rep Rnd 12.
Rnd 15: P1, k1, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k1, p2, k4, p1.
Rnd 16: Rep Rnd 12.
Rnd 17: Rep Rnd 13.
Rnd 18: Rep Rnd 12.
Rnd 19: P1, 1/2 LC, 1/2 RC, p2, k4, p1.
Rnd 20: Rep Rnd 12.
Rep Rnds 1-20 for patt.
Pattern Notes
Cowl is worked in the round from the bottom up. Place markers in between pattern repeats.
The cowl maximizes the use of the suggested ball amount. Consider an extra ball of yarn if gauge is not met.
The cable pattern can be worked in text or chart form.
Cowl Pattern
CO loosely 154 (280) sts.
Bottom Edging
Rnds 1-4: *P2, k4, p3, k4, p1; rep from * to end.
Body
Rnds 1-40: Work Rnds 1-20 of Cactus Pattern twice.
Rnds 41-50: Work Rnds 1-10 of Cactus Pattern once.
Top Edging
Rep Rnds 1-4 as for Bottom Edging.
Loosely BO in patt.
Finishing
Lightly block to measurements. Weave in ends.