Parent Playtime Post: Knit Your Own Kids' Cozy Cowl

When it comes to getting kids to dress appropriately for the winter weather, I've learned a thing or two. And still know nothing that works consistently all of the time with every kid! But one thing that does help encourage our seemingly cold blooded critters to bundle up out there in the winter is having options. LOTS of options. First there's the kid who wants to wear the puffy winter coat everywhere, maybe even inside, but it's not car-seat safe. Then there's the one who has a favorite hat. And the one who wants no hat, and only a hood. And the one whose mittens must match. And the one whose mittens must never match. And the one who will wear only one mitten. (Have I mentioned this is all the same kid?) Options. Options. Options.

And then came the scarf obsession. Y especially loves scarves and S took a liking to them as well when we had our dramatic play skating rink up. But to be quite honest, a long scarf on a short kid is just about the most impractical item for bundling up out there. Introducing the cozy cowl... a quick knit, perfect for family members of all ages and sizes. It's a great project for the seasoned knitter who wants something quick to whip up and easy to put down. It's a great project for the beginning knitter or even first-time knitter! It's even a great project for an older child first learning to knit independently.

Using my favorite leftover skeins of soft, chunky yarn, I whipped up a quick collection of these for the boys. Options are a mom's best friend. The little guy who loves Cookie Monster Blue today will feel in the mood to wear only shades of grey tomorrow... I liked them so well I decided to use up a skein of colorful variegated yarn I had leftover from last year's fingerless gloves to make my own version--a slightly longer infinity scarf to double wrap around my own chilly neck!

If you'd like to try your hand at knitting your own Kids' Cozy Cowl, here's what you'll need to know:

Materials:

• 1 skein or a partial skein of your favorite soft, chunky yarn
• Choose your favorite color or a variegated option. I find that working with striping yarns can make a project go faster as I eagerly await the color and pattern change! Since this will go right against the sensitive skin of the neck and upper chest, I do recommend something soft and not a potentially itchy wool or scratchy acrylic. If your little ones have sensitive skin, you may wish to opt for natural fibers.
• straight knitting needles in appropriate size
• I would recommend using the size suggested on your skein of yarn but you really can't go wrong here with this simple knit if it's a bit larger or smaller than suggested, so long as you're comfortable knitting. I also prefer wood options to metal, but use whatever you like!
• wide-eyed blunt needle for finishing

Instructions:
Cast on 20-25 stitches, depending on how chunky your yarn is. You want your cowl to be wide enough to cover the neck and to roll down a bit on either side (that's the cozy factor) but not so wide you'll lose your kid in there!

Row 1: Knit across
Row 2: Purl across
Repeat rows 1 and 2 to work in stockinette stitch until your piece measures long enough to fit comfortably over the head of the child or person you're making it for. Keep in mind that there will be a bit of stretch and give. You want it to be cozy. You don't want it so cozy it chokes you! You may need to test your length on your child's (or your own) head!
Bind off.

Finishing: with the "wrong side" (bumpy side) out, stitch together your ends to create a seam using the tail of yarn from either side. Weave in your ends and trim any remaining tails of yarn. Turn right side out and voila! 

Variations & Optional Additions/Modifications:

One for YOU: You can make cozy cowls in adult sizes, too! Just work your piece a bit longer for a comfortable fit. Turns out I have a really tiny head and neck, so I can share my kids' cozy cowls. They also function quite well as a headband if your ears are cold or can be pulled up over the mouth and nose for a quick thaw in really frigid temps!

Infinity Scarf: For a feminine more grown-up variation, knit your cozy cowl double in length (or even longer if you wish) and create your own infinity scarf. Wrap it around loosely twice for a longer scarf or more (length permitting) to get a bit more warmth and coziness.

Add Your Own Flair: Sew on a fun button or add a unique pin. More advanced knitters might wish to work in a ribbed stitch or cables. Very beginning knitters might be more comfortable working the project entirely in garter (knit) stitch. 

A Note to Beginning Knitters or Older Children: This is a great project for first time knitters. If you or your older child are new to knitting, there are great books out there and--even better--great videos and tutorials online. Better yet? Find a relative or friend who knows the craft to teach the basics! This project can be worked entirely in garter (knit) stitch as noted above if you're new to knitting and haven't yet learned the purl stitch. Additionally, soft, chunky yarns are very forgiving to errors. Don't sweat the mistakes, embrace them as the beauty and charm of the craft! Your kids won't notice the dropped stitch or unplanned line created by a repeated purl row. They will just be so pleased to have something cozy, warm and one of a kind!

This project is so quick and simple. You can make one. You can make a dozen. You can take it on the go and even knit one up on a long car trip (presuming you are not the driver and that you don't get motion sickness). They make a lovely gift and [very slightly] increase the chance that your little ones will be bundled and appropriately prepared for the cold windy days of winter!

Happy Playing!