This pattern is now available as a fully customisable and FREE OPAF pattern.

Open Pattern Format is a comprehensive file format aimed at yarn based crafts. OPAF patterns have the ability to store dynamic information making it possible to create truly customisable patterns.

Enter gauge and desired finished cowl measurements (circumference and depth) to generate your bespoke pattern.

Download the OPAF pattern for free from my website and visit openpatternformat.com to get started!

/ˈkwɪnzi/

“A Canadian snow shelter that is made from a large pile of loose snow which is shaped then hollowed to create a domed chamber inside. A quinzhee can be made for winter camping and survival purposes, or for fun.”

The Quinzhee Cowl is designed to keep you warm if you ever found yourself taking shelter in a quinzhee! The slim fit makes it a perfect accompaniment to a high, slim necked coat. But there is no compromise on warmth; the squishy texture of the quinzhee cable rib coupled with the Suri alpaca ‘fluff’ makes this a super toasty addition to your cold weather wardrobe!

Sizing

The Quinzhee Cowl is designed to be one size only. However, due to its simple construction, customisation is easy and instructions on how to do so are given throughout the pattern.

Finished cowl circumference
20” (51cm) - customisable

Finished cowl depth
10” (25.5cm) - customisable

Yarn Requirements

The sample cowl is knit with Felt Fusion Superwash Merino/Nylon Sock 425m (465yds) per 100g held together with Felt Fusion Brushed Suri Alpaca 4ply 400m (437yds) per 100g both in the colourway ‘Sea Foam’.

Suggested Yarn

• Any Merino/Nylon Sock yarn 425m (465yds) per 100g. Held together with:
• Any brushed Suri Alpaca 4ply 400m (437yds) per 100g.

The Brushed Suri Alpaca 4ply base is a little less common so as an alternative, a 4ply sock yarn coupled with the more common brushed Suri Alpaca Lace should give the same gauge, but please to swatch to double check and adjust needle size if necessary! The fabric created will be slightly lighter and airier than that created by the 4ply Brushed Suri.

Required Meterage (Yardage)

240m / 263yds of EACH of the yarns used. This equates to 1 skein of Merino/Nylon Sock yarn 425m (465yds) per 100g AND 1 skein of Brushed Suri Alpaca 4ply 400m (437yds) per 100g.

OR substitute the Brushed Suri Alpaca 4ply for 1 skein of Lace Weight Brushed Suri Alpaca 300m (328yds) per 50g.

Needles and Notions

16” (40cm) length circular needles in sizes 5mm (US size 8) for the main body of the cowl and 4mm (US size 6) for the ribbed brim OR size needed to get gauge.
5mm (US size 8) DPN’s (or size needed to obtain gauge) may be used to make the i-cord tie, but they are not essential as the i-cord can be worked using any needle type.
Spare circular needle (size needed for gauge or smaller) to hold the provisional cast on stitches on before securing the folded brim.

Stitch marker
Cable needle if necessary
Waste yarn for the provisional cast on