Ruffled Cowl Tutorial

Last spring, I found this cute red plaid coat for a killer deal.  It wasn't until it was cold enough to wear it last week that I realized there wasn't a button under the collar.  Brrrr! My original plan was to knit a cowl, but I have a bunch of other projects lined up, so it'd be too long before I got to it.  Yesterday, while E. was playing, I grabbed some black fleece and came up with this:

Yes, those are Halloween decorations still up!

Want to make one too?  Here's how.


You'll need:
1/3 yard fleece
matching thread
elastic thread


Cut your fleece into a 12"x32" rectangle, with the greater stretch going lengthwise.  I wanted mine to fit fairly close to the neck, but if you want a more dramatic cowl, cut it several inches longer.


Wind your elastic thread by hand onto the bobbin,  if you don't have some on one already.  Ideally, if you're making a dark cowl, you'd want to use black elastic.  I, however, was going for instant gratification and didn't want to wait until I went to the store.  Use the matching thread for your top thread.

With your fabric right side up, sew a line of stitching lengthwise, 3" from the edge.  Preciseness isn't necessary for this project, so I eyeballed it, but you could also mark the distance on your machine with a piece of masking tape to use as a guide.  Make sure you backstitch at the beginning and end or tie the threads together.

 
Do the same thing 3" from the opposite edge.  It'll look like this:

Fold the piece in half, right sides together, and pin along the short edge.

Change your bobbin to regular thread.  Stitch.

Turn right side out, put it on, and keep your neck warm!

See how I stick my tongue in between my teeth when I smile?  My daughter does that too.  On her it's endearing.  On me, rather dorky. 


If you try the cowl, I'd love to hear how it works out for you!