Looking for a simple cowl with lots of options? The Three Fine Daughters of Farmer Brown is just that…one pattern, five variations, easily adjusted for any circumference or yarn weight. It’s the perfect pattern for those one or two skeins of handpainted yarn that you bought “just because they were pretty”…with no plans for what to make with them.

Named for the song by the folk group Eddie from Ohio, the Three Fine Daughters features two parent stitch patterns (Farmer Brown and Mrs. Brown) and three variations (their daughters Nellie, Dottie, and Becca). Choose one pattern stitch that best works with your yarn, or mix and match to create a cowl that’s unique to you.

This cowl coordinates with my Fall Harvest hat, which is designed for DK/light worsted yarn and features the same stitch patterns.

Sizes
Cowl is completely customizable. Suggestions are included for stitch counts for a range of gauges (10 to 32 stitches per 4 inches (10 cm)) for both a short cowl that fits around the neck and a long cowl that can be worn loose or wrapped twice.

Yarn
Typically, 100 g of any weight yarn will make a short cowl (once around the neck), while longer cowls will require ~150-200 g, depending on size desired and yarn weight used.

Needles and Tools
Needle for working in the round in a size that is suitable for knitting your chosen yarn at a standard gauge. Fabric should be neither too loose nor too dense.

Skills needed
knit, purl, slip stitch, knit through the back loop, purl through the back loop, knitting in the round.

All stitch patterns are both written and charted. The top and bottom edges are written only.