This rhythmic gender-inclusive cowl design is the perfect complement to any cool-weather wardrobe. This cozy piece is a perfectly fashionable accessory for a hike or a pop of texture for any look. Knit in a squishy heavy worsted weight wool, this pattern uses knit and purl stitches with simple increases and decreases to create a truly symmetrical finished object. Because it is entirely reversible (both top and bottom, and inside and out), it also makes a great gift, since there’s no need to tell the recipient the ‘right’ way to wear it.
This design reflects feelings I’ve been having lately: the search for balanced rhythms amidst the ups and downs of life. The 4 sections find balance amongst themselves: 2 sections have increasing or decreasing stitch counts while the sections between them remain constant. If you’re SEEKING BALANCE like me, I hope this cowl pattern does the trick for you to find the calm you need.
Find full gallery images here.
YARN
2 skeins of Knit Picks Twill, 100% Superwash Merino, 149 yd /136 m per 100 g, or 165-175 g of similar heavy worsted / aran weight yarn
Sample shown in colorway Twister, 241 yd / 221 m (162 g)
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
22” around x 13” tall (56 cm around x 33 cm tall)
GAUGE & NEEDLES
20 stitches & 27 rounds = 4” (10 cm) in K3, P3 rib after blocking
US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle, 16” (40 cm), or size needed to get gauge
TECHNIQUES
Tubular cast-on with waste yarn, knit stitch, purl stitch, simple increases and decreases, tubular bind-off
PATTERN ATTRIBUTES
This gender-inclusive reversible design is a written pattern using a table format, and includes a schematic.
EXPLORE ON INSTAGRAM
#SeekingBalanceCowl
Tech Editing: Bronwyn Hahn
Test knitting: Cathy A. Jenny B., Cindy C., Lauren C., Ryan C., Erin L., Tina P., Nicci S., Kortney T., and Cera W.
From Cathy A.
I love Shana’s pattern designs. I have knit at least eight different patterns (some multiple times). The patterns have unique construction and are easy to follow. Shana responds to any questions in a very timely manor. She is always very positive and wants to make sure you are comfortable knitting her designs.
Cathy has knit and test knit many Shanalines Designs patterns including Seeking Balance, Moduloncho, Recalibrate, Semantics, and Side Hustle Wrap (Light).