Comfy Seed Cowl
Easy repeat
Beginner-friendly
Mindless stitching
Quick project
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Much has changed in the +2 years since this pattern’s original release! These moments of reflection give me an opportunity to celebrate how far I’ve come and excite me for how much further I plan to go. Knitting and crocheting restored a sense of independence and self-confidence that I lost when my mom passed away in 2006. Designing reminds me of how smart and capable I am of doing whatever I put my mind to accomplish. I think it’s cool I’m beginning to make a living finding solutions and creating projects for this incredibly encouraging and supportive community to enjoy!
The Comfy Seed Cowl is the result of multiple failed attempts at a “hipster” slouchy beanie. Back in November 2020 my gauge and I weren’t seeing eye- to-eye. I loved the Seed Stitch texture too much to let the wip go to waste. This pivot in design concepts would result in the development of a cowl. That cowl would eventually become my first self-published knitting pattern!
I didn’t hesitate to call for testers and found a few trusted individuals to help me bring this pattern to “life”. The test was fast, easygoing, and a few weeks later the pattern was ready for the world. Looking back on the pattern and experience, I realized that I still needed a tech editor’s eye, and feedback from other knitters more experienced than I was at that time. You don’t know what you don’t know and that’s ok! I did the best I could with the resources I had available to me at that time. This pattern, amongst other works of mine from +2-3 years ago, remind me that it’s ok to do things scared and from a place of unknowing. The most important parts of our journey are the steps taken and lessons learned along the way.
I once assumed and wrote that working with a tech editor could be seen as an optional partnership in regards to pattern development. That statement and assumption couldn’t be any further from the truth. Tech editors provide support from an objectively analytical position that’s often unmatched by the average pattern tester. They can help designers establish “style guides” so that their body of work across patterns is cohesive and consistent. Tech editors play a vital role in ensuring a pattern is as sound and accurate as possible. As an additional service, many freelance tech editors help designers communicate more effectively with their testers, and assist with pattern promotion.
With that being said, as an amateur designer, I couldn’t always afford a tech editor. Tech editing services can get expensive really quickly, and finding an editor that you trust isn’t always the easiest task. The next best thing to partnering with a tech editor is to utilize testers. At the very least, get a knowledgeable secondary “fresh set of eyes” on your work before releasing to the public. Do your best with whatever resources you have available to you and refine your processes over time.
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
― Maya Angelou
If you’re in the market for an amazingly fast, kind, and concise tech editor that will upgrade your approach to pattern writing, I HIGHLY recommend Anne Marie Hart, @wahooknits. I’ve had the pleasure of partnering with Anne Marie on a few of my more recent knit patterns. Her work and friendship have been invaluable to me as a person and designer! I promise this isn’t an ad/sponsorship for tech editors or Anne Marie’s services. Simply put, I wanted to take this opportunity to share how my thoughts and actions have and will continue evolving as I gain more confidence, experience, and success in this industry.
Continue reading for the free version of the Comfy Seed Cowl pattern. Don’t forget to save this to your favorites and add it to your queue on Ravelry.
This super bulky cowl is squishy, warm, and compliments any style! The Comfy Seed Cowl is perfect for pairing with a hat, cardigan, or wearing on its own.
NOTES
This cowl is worked in even rounds of Seed Stitch. The 2-row repeat is worked thoroughout the cowl. Add/subtract any even number of stitches to increase/decrease the circumference; add/subtract any number of rows to alter the height.
NEEDLES
US size 15 / 10mm circular with 16" / 40.6cm cord
YARN
K + C Cozy (50% Superwash Wool, 50% Acrylic); 87.5yds / 80m - 1 Skein (or equivalent CYC 6 Super Bulky yarn)
NOTIONS
Scissors
Tapestry Needle
GAUGE (4 x 4")
8 sts x 12 rnds Seed Stitch (in the round), blocked
FINAL SIZE
10" x 11.5” (flat)
25.4cm x 29.2cm
ABBREVIATIONS (US TERMS)
CO - Cast On
k - knit
p - purl
st(s) - stitch(es)
rep - repeat
Rnd(s) - Round(s)
SPECIALTY STITCH
Seed Stitch (in the round)
CO any even # of sts. Mark the first st and join to begin working in rounds.
Rnd 1: k 1, p 1.
Rnd 2: p 1, k 1.
Rnds 3 and onward: continue alternating Rnds 1-2 and bind off in pattern.
PATTERN
CO 46 sts. Mark the first st and join to begin working in rounds.
Rnd 1: k 1, p 1. (46 sts)
Rnd 2: p 1, k 1.
Rnds 3-30: rep Rnds 1-2.
Rnd 31: rep Rnd 1.
Bind off in pattern.
FINISHING
Block as desired and weave in ends.
Congratulations! You now have a brand new handmade cowl to wear, gift, and enjoy!
Let’s Connect!
I hope you enjoyed this pattern! Don’t forget to tag me across social media @iplaywithfiber and use hashtags #iplaywithfiber #comfyseedcowl so I see and may share your posts!
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*This pattern and its contents are sole property of I Play With Fiber. You may not sell or redistribute any portion or use these images as your own. Pattern for personal use only.
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