Swift Cowl Knitting Pattern

My Swift Cowl Knitting Pattern is a quick and beginner-friendly project worked in the round with bulky yarn. If you enjoy simple stitches that create a soft, reversible texture, this cowl is a great pattern for you to knit up. It uses only knit and purl stitches, so you can relax into the easy rhythm while watching your project grow quickly on your needles.

Yarn and Supplies

For this pattern, you’ll need a bulky weight (#5) yarn. I chose Cascade 128 Superwash Merino Wool, a yarn I love for its softness and easy care.

• Yarn Requirements:
  • Color A: 80 yards (73 m)
  • Color B: 48 yards (44 m)

With the leftover yarn, you can knit a second cowl simply by switching the color order.

• Sample Colors: Teal (322) and Feather Grey (875)

Other supplies include:

• US Size 10 (6.0 mm) circular knitting needles, 24” long
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors
• Stitch marker
• Blocking mats and T-pins (optional, but helpful for finishing)

How the Cowl is Constructed

The Swift Cowl is knit in the round from the top down, creating a seamless tube with a clean finish. Working in a continuous round gives the cowl a smooth, comfortable feel with no seaming.

The Swift Stitch repeat develops quickly, and most knitters find they memorize it after just a couple of repeats. It’s a great project for cozy evenings, travel knitting, or those moments when you want a relaxing knit that doesn’t require constant checking of the pattern.

Customizing Your Cowl

You can make your cowl taller or shorter by repeating the six-row pattern more or fewer times. Blocking is optional, but lightly blocking the finished piece can open up the texture for a more defined look.

Skill Level and Helpful Tips

This project is designed for experienced beginners. If you know the beginner basic knitting techniques of how to cast on, knit, purl, and bind off, you already have the skills to make this cowl. A stretchy bind off and a little finishing with a tapestry needle are all you’ll need to complete it.

Helpful Tips

• Place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round so you always know where your repeat starts.
• If this is your first time knitting in the round, take a moment to ensure your cast-on stitches are not twisted before joining.
• A stretchy bind off helps keep the edge comfortable and flexible.
• If you decide to block your cowl, the fabric will open up beautifully and show off the stitch definition.

The Story Behind the Design

I love designing patterns that build on each other, and the Swift Cowl grew from one of my most popular scarf patterns. The Swift Stitch first appeared in my All Too Well Scarf, which was inspired by a Taylor Swift music video. I then added a matching Swift Stitch Hat to match, from suggestions by fellow knitters. The stitch quickly became a favorite because of its reversible, ribbed texture and modern look.

After seeing how beautifully the Swift Stitch worked in bulky yarn, I knew it would make an ideal cowl. I wanted something quick to knit, cozy to wear, and stylish enough to gift. This design came together “swiftly” and has become a go-to project when I want a satisfying knit that doesn’t take long to finish.