I absolutely loved how well written this books was! The patterns are lovely but I valued the basic instruction she had at the beginning of the book!

I just found out that cowlettes are a thing, and I’m a fan! It’s basically a cowl with a shawl like feature on the front (like a triangle). I loved how all the shapes were explained, and how you can make your own pattern with the schematics! That part is very awesome and unexpected. I can’t wait to try out some textured stitches or a slip stitch colorwork pattern… the information is very clear and extensive, and I can see a novice knitter definitely make these patterns, and make an informed choice at which yarn to use, while there is definitely much for the experienced knitter too. I love the stockinette edge which is so much easier and faster than icord but looks just like it! The cowlettes featured were a bit hit or miss for me, I think I liked about 50%, but as these are merely ideas and you can adapt or make your own versions, that’s ok (plus there were more than enough to my taste to buy this book even if it didn’t have the self draft option).

I received a free e-copy through netgalley but this hasn’t influenced my opinions.

Knitting Cowlettes is a charming and practical guide for knitters looking to create stylish, wearable accessories. Safiyyah Talley shares 23 beautiful patterns that blend the look of a shawl with the ease of a cowl—no fussing with pins or wraps. The book also includes a helpful design-your-own section for more adventurous makers. With clear instructions and tons of variety, it’s a creative and cozy addition to any knitter’s library.

Safiyyah Talley is a talented and innovative knitwear designer, and this book showcases her skills once again. I had no idea what a cowlette was before seeing this book, but was pleasantly surprised when I realised they are as accessible as the synopsis suggested. My only gripe was that the glossary of knitting terms and abbreviations was at the back of the book and even when a stitch or it's use is being described in detail you still have to go to the back for instruction. The patterns themselves will cover most people's tastes and abilities, and even if you are a novice, things will become clear as your work progresses.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storey Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is an excellent book, especially for new or impatient knitters as the cowlettes included here look relatively quick to complete.

As a newer knitter, this book looks easy to follow. It includes a lot of background information on yarn weights and required materials. Unfortunately, I just can't see myself wearing anything featured in this book. Definitely not my style, but for those who enjoy the look, I think you'll find the patterns easy to follow.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and storey publishing for letting me read this arc for an honest review.

As an avid knitter having made many shawls cowls haps, jumper yokes and lots and lots of different techniques. This book is so beginner friendly with excellent tutorials visually and written for those who need either to learn.

Even pictures of the items you need different yarn weights and textures explained .


Each pattern has its own unique style , its own weight and different textures style and challenges.

I adored the great representation of all people as models sizes age gender and race . Knitting is got everyone and it was excellent to see different people wearing these amazing cowlettes,

I think even the small cowl could be used as a bandanna or a neckerchief for a dog.

I can’t wait to try a pattern ! I knit in sock weight so there are many in this book maybe moonstone ❤️

Knitting Cowlettes - Safiyaah Talley

“When searching online for Cowlette patterns, you may find them under ‘Cowls’ or ‘Shawls,’ because it is a fairly new knitting term.”

With Beautiful, clear patterns and instructions on how to make Cowlettes, Safiyaah Tally’s book was a great read even for an intermediate knitter like myself. This is definitely one I would come back to again.
There are four patterns I would love to try at my level of experience then when I’ve learnt a few more techniques there will be more.

The design your own Cowlette section a great guide and for me personally, will be useful for many other projects too!

I highly recommend this book, thank you so much. 🧶💕

This excellent book is full of inspiration for knitters of any level of experience and skill. The author states, "This book is designed as a guide to help you create your dream cowlette, with or without a pattern." She goes on to give knitters all the information they need to do just that. She starts with the basics, starting with choosing the right yarn and providing information about the qualities inherent in each type. She goes on to write about yarn weights, how to read the ball band, how to choose needles, swatching, blocking, and useful notions. Then she lays out the basics of cowlette construction, providing different methods to start (called setups), how to calculate the neck opening, edge stitches, shaping increases, types of increases and when to use them, cowlette depth, binding off, and tips for customizing cowlettes. Following this chapter, there are 23 cowlette patterns, ranging from very basic to more involved. There are small kerchief style cowlettes (even a baby size) and larger ones in both triangular and half pi shapes. Perhaps you want to design your own cowlette--Saffiyah Talley has you covered here as well, with useful tools for doing just that--helpful steps in the cowlette design process, a cowlette knitter's worksheet, and a cowlette shaping cheat sheet. If you are a newer knitter or need a refresher, there is a glossary of techniques with text instructions and clear drawings that will provide the information you need. There are the same for cast off and bind off methods. There's a list of abbreviations for the knitting terms used, and a list of cowlette patterns by shape.

I love this book. I've been knitting for over 40 years and have taught individuals and classes. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to students who have basic knitting knowledge. With the excellent instructions here, even beginners can create a beautiful cowlette to wear or gift. This is a fabulous book. I plan to cast on a cowlette tonight myself.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author/designer for a DRC.

This book is a beautiful guide to creating gorgeous hand knit cowlettes, and would be a welcome addition to the book collection of any knitter, newbie or experienced.

The photos inside are gorgeous,, with beautiful detail. At the start of the book you are guided through everything you will need to pick the perfect needles, yarn and notions you will need to create your cowlette, as well as all you need to know before you start knitting, from swatches to blocking. It then goes into detail on everything you need to know about cowlettes themselves. There are a series of lovely patterns for you to choose from, or even make one or more of each. They have different looks and are perfect for all skill sets. There is also a very handy Cowlette Knitters Worksheet near the end of the book, which is very useful.

This book is a beautiful guide, and would be welcome in the hands of any knitter.

What a great book! The patterns are straightforward, with choices to adapt. The pictures are so inclusive of all types of people. There is even a section on how to make your own Cowlette.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.