Suit Yourself! Adapting the Equinox Cowl

Designing handspun yarn offers nearly infinite possibilities. Slight variations in fiber content, twist angle, wraps per inch, and drafting method all vary from spinner to spinner, making every handspun yarn unique. All handspun yarn reflects the hand of its maker in some way, and that's what makes it so special.

Some designers would have you think that a knitting pattern is only possible with a narrow range of yarns that they recommend. If that were true, every spinner would need to be a designer too! Luckily, we have gauge swatches and plenty of flexibility to mix things up to suit ourselves.

With all this possibility, we had multiple models of the Equinox cowl, and got our numbers mixed up.

Amy Tyler's version of Equinox Cowl used 88 stitches in the cast-on.

Some Quick Math

The original model was worked with 9 wpi yarn on a size 10 ½ (6.5 mm) circular needle (cir) at 11 sts and 18 rounds/rows = 4". This cowl had 60 sts cast on and 21¾" finished circumference.

The model shown in the issue was made with 8 wpi yarn on a size 10 (6 mm) cir at 13 sts and 22 rounds/rows = 4", blocked. This cowl had 88 sts cast on and 27" finished circumference.

The gauge and size are customizable. Make this cowl in any similar yarn (or go thicker or thinner). If you can estimate the gauge, the math is simple:

1. Knit and block a swatch to check your gauge. Measure sts/in.
2. Determine the desired cowl circumference (in inches).
3. Multiply the sts/in × circumference to get the stitch count, then adjust the stitch count to be a multiple of 4. This is the number of sts to cast on. You will work the Mobius over 2 times the number of CO sts.
4. For the Yoke, BO the number of CO sts + 2. Work in rows over the remaining sts (number of CO sts -2).

Here's how it works over some examples:

Try it Yourself!

A larger circumference cowl, like Amy Tyler's, has gorgeous drape and plenty of options for wearing indoors and out. It will also use more yarn. If you want to use a smaller amount of yarn or want something a little closer to the neck, a smaller circumference might be just the thing. You can even add repeats for more depth.

Jill Fry is the first person to complete a finished object in the 2025 Spin-Along! Her Equinox Cowl used fewer stitches in the cast-on for a snuggly and cozy cowl. This is the perfect option for wearing under a jacket, and for last-minute gift knitting.

Jill Fry's Equinox cowl uses fewer stitches in the cast-on. Photo by Jill Fry

Marina Ma spun up two thick singles from a braid of Merino from Hello Yarn in the colorway Nymph, then added dyed silk strands and corriedale locks for an intermittent ply. It came out to 640 yards per pound after washing—the Merino poofed a bit. It worked out perfectly for the Equinox cowl—she was able to add two extra repeats of the main pattern for extra height and to help use up more of the yarn. 

Marina Ma made her cowl a little deeper to use up more yarn. Photo by Marina Ma

Further Reading

• Find the Equinox Cowl pattern in the Winter 2025 issue of Spin Off.
• See how Deborah Held made three different variations on the Equinox Cowl with handspun.
• Join the 2025 Spin-Along—there's still plenty of time!

Originally published February 21, 2025, updated February 26, 2025.