Keep me warm
Since moving to Copenhagen, I have spotted a new-to-me type of neckwarmer, people wear here. It is worn under a jacket, looks like the collar of a jumper but the body just covers the shoulders and there are no sleeves. (No sleeve island sounds pretty appealing to many probably!)
Of course, my usual reaction to seeing most knitwear in a shop is: ‘Oh I can make this myself!’, so I set out to find modern cowl patterns that fall into this category and collate them in this round up.
I learned that there are many different (English) terms for this type of garment: neckwarmer, cowl, dickey or collar. Do you know of any others? In an effort to be as inclusive as possible and go beyond the more minimalist-Copenhagen-Scandi style, you’ll find six modern knit patterns for neckwarmers below!
Copyright: Second Knit
Patty Neck by Second Knit
The classic Scandi-vibes are undeniable on the Patty Neck by Second Knit. This one is very similar to the ones I see around the Copenhagen shops. The brioche and double-knit stitches give the neckwarmer a lovely texture and the folded over neck will be extra warm– so very ‘hyggelig’. This pattern comes in two sizes and is knit on 3.5 mm (US 4) and 4 mm (US 6) needles.
Coffee Run Collar by Samantha Guerin
The Coffee Run Collar is designed to be much longer in the front than in the back, and thus making it ideal to wear under an open coat. #OutfitGoals
The stitch patterns look very interesting and is probably something to keep you engaged, yet simple enough for a mindless knit. The pattern comes in one size and calls for fingering plus lace-weight yarn or DK on its own.
Copyright: Samantha Guerin
Copyright: Westknits
Askews Me Dickey by Stephen West
There is no question that the Askews Me Dickey is typical Westknits fashion, which is well-known and -loved in the knitting community. The two-colour brioche and asymmetrical details are so different to anything I have seen while researching for this blog post. The collar can be folded down and the ‘out-there’ shape, allows for a lot of playfulness when wearing it. The pattern is one-size only and uses DK weight yarns.
Neckwarmer 35 by Thea Vesterby
How cozy does this look? I am particularly smitten by the interesting cables on this one and would love to give it a go myself. It would be such a great first projects to try out cables! Neckwarmer 35 comes in one size and is knit on 4.5 and 5mm needles.
Copyright: Thea Vesterby
Copyright: Rastus Hsu
Arden by Rastus Hsu
Rastus Hsu, who is known for his origami-style knitting patterns, published the Arden with an extra high collar and intricate cable and twisted stitch texture on the front and back panels. The three-needle bind-off and other techniques make this an intermediate pattern, but the worsted weight yarn helps to see progress very quickly. It comes in one size, but the length is easily adjustable.
Copyright: Annie Baker Designs
Raglan Cowl by Annie Baker Designs
The Raglan Cowl is maybe the most clean and simple looking of the designs I’ve included in this round-up – and it’s a free pattern on top of it! The stockinette piece with garter edges make learning raglan increases that much easier. Knit in a thick, worsted weight yarn and 4.0mm needles will result in a dense fabric that will stand up nicely.