This pattern is part of the Knit for the Girls 2026 Exclusive Collection, created for the annual Knit for the Girls breast cancer research fundraiser. With one in eight women diagnosed with breast cancer every year, it’s hard to find a member of our community who hasn’t been impacted — be it personally or through a family member or friend.

I wanted this cowl to be a statement piece — bright and graphic. And Caroline of LITLG created amazing colours for it. One can also use more colours or make nipples as big/small/oddly shaped to highlight the diverse beauty of breasts — some small, some large, all part of who we are.

The cowl is worked as a tube seamlessly in the round using stranded colourwork and ladderback jacquard. The ends of the tube are twisted by 180 degrees and connected with an invisible seam.

During October 2026, 20% of pattern and yarn sales from the Knit for the Girls 2026 Exclusive Collection will be donated to the official North American Knit for the Girls fundraiser, supporting breast cancer research. You can find more information and the yarn kits here.

Size

The pattern is written for one size with a finished width of ca. 21.5 cm (8.75 in) and 66.5 cm (26.75 in) circumference. The finished circumference can be adjusted by a half/full pattern repeat if necessary.

Yarn

MC: ca. 65 g / 195 m / 213 yds or 1 skein of Husk from LITLG,
80% merino, 10% silk and 10% cashmere with 300 m (328 yd) in 100g, 
shown in colourway Berry;

CC: ca. 75 g / 225 m / 246 yds or 1 skein of the same yarn,
shown in colourway Tan.

Or similar amounts of any other sport weight yarn or combination of yarns to match the gauge.

Needles and notions

• 4.0 mm (US 6) circular needles;
• three stitch markers, two of which removable; 
• a tapestry needle.

Gauge

24 sts & 24 rnds in 10 cm (4 in) on 4.0 mm (US 6) needles measured over stockinette st and colourwork pattern worked in the round after blocking.

Adjust the needle sizes to obtain the required gauge or modify the size of the cowl.