Free Knit Cowl Pattern – Game Changer Knit Cowl by Marly Bird
Some designs come together exactly as planned.
And then there are the designs that change everything.
The Game Changer Knit Cowl is one of those patterns — born from a last-minute creative pivot, shaped by community energy, and polished through hands-on knitting during one of my favorite yearly traditions. This free knit cowl pattern is bold, engaging, and packed with texture, making it just as fun to knit as it is to wear.
If you love learning new stitches, playing with color, and knitting projects that keep your interest from cast-on to bind-off, this one’s for you.
Quick Pattern Overview
The Game Changer Knit Cowl is a circular, worsted-weight knit cowl worked in the round. It features multiple stitch sections, color changes, and texture shifts that create a dynamic, eye-catching finished piece.
In this post, you’ll learn:
- The story behind the Game Changer name
- How this cowl builds skills without feeling overwhelming
- Yarn options to replace the discontinued Chic Sheep yarn
- Why this pattern has become a longtime community favorite
The Story Behind the Game Changer
Back in 2018, I hosted my very first Game Day Mystery Make-Along — a spontaneous idea sparked just a week before the Super Bowl. The concept was simple: knitters and crocheters would all work on a mystery project together earlier in the day, then settle in to enjoy the Super Bowl (or… not 😉).
You don’t have to be a sportsball fan to join the fun.
The event was a huge success, and since then, Game Day Mystery Make-Alongs have become one of the biggest events of the year, happening every Super Bowl Sunday. We knit and crochet before kickoff so everyone can relax, snack, and enjoy the rest of the day however they like.
In early 2020 — just before the world shifted in ways none of us expected — I was designing what I thought would be the knit project for that year’s Game Day Make-Along. I knew I wanted:
- A cowl
- Multiple stitch sections
- A true skill-builder people would enjoy learning from
I cast on using my Chic Sheep yarn and spent weeks working through the design… and then, just days before the event, I changed my mind. (Very on brand for me. Very ADHD. Very real.)
I redesigned the official Game Day knit project — and the original design became something else entirely.
That “something else” is what you’re knitting here.
Hence the name: Game Changer.
The design that wasn’t supposed to be — and ended up being one of the most loved cowls I’ve ever created.
What You Will Love About This Pattern
- Free knit cowl pattern with rich texture and colorwork
- Ideal for advanced beginners and confident knitters alike
- Multiple stitch patterns keep the knitting engaging
- Worked in the round for a seamless finish
- Perfect balance of learning and relaxing knitting
✨ Designer Tip: This cowl is an excellent way to practice stitch pattern transitions — a skill that makes reading and understanding more complex patterns much easier down the road.
“The best designs aren’t always planned — sometimes they’re the ones that happen when you trust your instincts and change direction.”
Design, Fit, and Construction Details
The Game Changer Knit Cowl is worked in the round using worsted-weight yarn, creating a cozy, substantial fabric without feeling bulky. The stitch patterns are arranged in sections, allowing you to focus on one technique at a time before moving on to the next.
The finished size offers generous coverage, sitting comfortably around the neck and layering easily over coats, sweaters, or lighter tops.
Yarn Choices & Chic Sheep Substitutions
The original sample was knit with Red Heart Chic Sheep by Marly Bird, a smooth superwash merino that showcased stitch definition beautifully. While Chic Sheep is no longer available, there are many excellent substitutes that work just as well.
Recommended Chic Sheep Alternatives (Affiliate Links)
All of the following are worsted-weight yarns with great stitch clarity and durability:
- Malabrigo Rios – soft, rich color, slightly rustic feel
https://tidd.ly/49VZcW1 - Berroco Ultra Wool – smooth, springy, and easy care
https://tidd.ly/4pSjENv - Swish Worsted – buttery soft with excellent stitch definition
https://tidd.ly/4qL6Zxt - Cascade 220 Superwash – reliable, affordable, and widely available
https://tidd.ly/4afBG7B - Plymouth Yarn Worsted Merino Superwash – classic feel with great elasticity
https://tidd.ly/3M2TXMd - Madelinetosh Tosh Vintage – luxurious feel and stunning hand-dyed color
https://tidd.ly/4rgPp3P - Malabrigo Washted – slightly heavier drape with a soft hand
https://tidd.ly/4qC5nWh - Heatherly Worsted – consistent texture and beautiful solid colors
https://tidd.ly/4a7z2Qj - Woodland Tweed – subtle texture with a cozy, rustic look
https://tidd.ly/4r7dfPs - Twill Yarn – smooth structure with modern stitch definition
https://tidd.ly/4pK2CBn
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Special Features That Make This Cowl Stand Out
- Multiple stitch pattern sections for skill building
- Latvian braid accents for visual interest
- Color changes that highlight texture
- A design that feels intentional but playful
This is a cowl you’ll enjoy knitting just as much as wearing.
GAME CHANGER KNIT COWL
by Marly Bird
SKILL LEVEL
Advanced Beginner
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Cowl: 28.25″ [72 cm] circumference × 14.5″ [37 cm] tall, after blocking
GAUGE
17 stitches and 28 rows = 4″ [10 cm] in Stockinette Stitch, worked in the round, after blocking.
✨ Designer Tip: To save time, take time to check your gauge. Use any needle size needed to obtain gauge.
MATERIALS
Yarn
Red Heart Chic Sheep by Marly Bird™
(100% Superwash Merino Wool; 186 yds / 170 m; 3.5 oz / 100 g; CYCA #4 Worsted)
- Color A (CA): Suede – 1 ball
- Color B (CB): Velvet – 1 ball
- Color C (CC): Linen – 1 ball
- Color D (CD): Regal – 1 ball
- Color E (CE): Sunset – 1 ball
Needles
U.S. 9 [5.5 mm] 24″ [61 cm] circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge
Notions
- Stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
- Cable needle
- Wool wash
- Leather tags and rivets (optional)
ABBREVIATIONS
K – Knit
P – Purl
K2TOG – Knit 2 together
P3TOG – Purl 3 together
PM – Place marker
PTBL – Purl through the back loop
RS – Right side
WS – Wrong side
ST(S) – Stitch(es)
YO – Yarn over
STITCH PATTERNS
Stockinette Stitch (in the round)
Knit all rounds
SPECIAL TECHNIQUES
Latvian Braid
Worked over multiple rounds using two colors to create a decorative horizontal braid. The yarns will twist as you work—this is expected. Do not untwist until the braid is complete.
NOTES
- Read through each section before beginning.
- Use stitch markers to help track sections and color changes.
- Allow your work to rotate naturally to prevent yarn tangling during colorwork.
- Lifelines are recommended in textured sections (noted in pattern).
- Blocking is essential to relax stitches and showcase texture.
- This cowl is worked entirely in the round from bottom to top.
VIDEO TUTORIALS
- Long Tail Cast-on
- Knit Stitch
- Purl Stitch
- K2tog
- SSK
- How to Tink
- How to Add a Lifeline
- How to Bury Ends
- Latvian Braid
- Jogless Stripes
- Wash & Block Tutorial
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I’m thrilled to share this amazing pattern with you, many patterns on my blog are absolutely free! I kindly request that you don’t copy and paste or distribute this pattern. Prefer an ad-free experience? Buy a digital PDF pattern for a small fee from one of my online stores for a seamless crafting journey.
I appreciate your support and readership. You are the reason I can keep doing what I love and sharing it with others. So, thank you from the bottom of my yarn-loving heart! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.
GAME CHANGER KNIT COWL PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS
SECTION 1 – CAST ON & SETUP
With Color A (CA), cast on 120 stitches.
Place marker and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.
Round 1 (RS): Knit.
SET UP FOR LATVIAN BRAID
Round 2:
*K1 with CA, K1 with CB; repeat from * around.
Round 3:
Bring yarns to the front between the needles.
P1 with CA, *CB under CA and p1, CA under CB and p1; repeat from * around.
(Yarns will twist—do not untwist yet.)
Round 4:
CA under CB and p1, then switch direction of twist.
*CB over CA and p1, CA over CB and p1; repeat from * around.
Bring yarns to the back between the needles.
SECTION 2
With CA
Rounds 5–7: Knit.
Round 8:
*K4 with CA, K1 with CB; repeat from * around.
Rounds 9–11: Knit.
Cut CA.
SECTION 3
With CB
Round 12: Knit.
Round 13: Purl.
Round 14: Knit.
Round 15:
*K3, k2tog, yo; repeat from * around.
Rounds 16–19: Knit.
Round 20:
*K2tog, yo, k3; repeat from * around.
Rounds 21–24: Knit.
Round 25:
K2, k2tog, yo, *K3, k2tog, yo; repeat from * around to last stitch, k1.
Round 26: Knit.
Round 27: Purl.
Cut CB.
SECTION 4
With CC
Round 28: Knit.
Rounds 29–30:
*K1, p7; repeat from * around.
Rounds 31–32:
K2, *p5, k3; repeat from * to last 6 stitches, p5, k1.
Rounds 33–34:
K3, *p3, k5; repeat from * to last 5 stitches, p3, k2.
Round 35:
K4, *p1, k7; repeat from * to last 4 stitches, p1, k3.
Rounds 36–37:
*P1, k7; repeat from * around.
Rounds 38–39:
P2, *k5, p3; repeat from * to last 6 stitches, k5, p1.
Round 40:
P3, *k3, p5; repeat from * to last 5 stitches, k3, p2.
Rounds 41–42:
P4, *k1, p7; repeat from * to last 4 stitches, k1, p3.
Round 43: Knit.
Cut CC.
✨ Designer Tip: This is a great place to add a lifeline.
SECTION 5
With CD
Round 44: Knit.
Rounds 45–46: Purl.
Round 47:
*P3tog, (p1, k1, ptbl) into same stitch; repeat from * around.
Round 48: Purl.
Round 49:
*(p1, k1, ptbl) into same stitch, p3tog; repeat from * around.
Round 50: Purl.
Round 51:
*P3tog, (p1, k1, ptbl) into same stitch; repeat from * around.
Round 52: Purl.
Round 53:
*(p1, k1, ptbl) into same stitch, p3tog; repeat from * around.
Round 54: Purl.
Round 55:
*P3tog, (p1, k1, ptbl) into same stitch; repeat from * around.
Rounds 56–57: Purl.
Round 58: Knit.
✨ Designer Tip: Another good place to add a lifeline.
SECTION 6
With CE
Round 59: Knit.
Round 60: Purl.
Round 61: Knit.
Round 62: Knit.
Round 63:
*K1 with CE, K1 with CD, K4 with CE; repeat from * around.
Round 64:
*K1 with CD, K1 with CE, K1 with CD, K3 with CE; repeat from * around.
Round 65:
*K1 with CE, K1 with CD, K2 with CE, K1 with CD, K1 with CE; repeat from * around.
Round 66:
*K3 with CE, K1 with CD, K1 with CE, K1 with CD; repeat from * around.
Round 67:
*K1 with CE, K1 with CD, K2 with CE, K1 with CD, K1 with CE; repeat from * around.
Round 68:
*K1 with CD, K1 with CE, K1 with CD, K3 with CE; repeat from * around.
Round 69:
*K1 with CE, K1 with CD, K4 with CE; repeat from * around.
Rounds 70–72: Knit.
Round 73: Purl.
Cut CD and CE.
SECTION 7
With CB
Round 74: Knit.
Round 75: Purl.
Set up for two-round stripes:
- Rounds 76–77: Knit with CC
- Rounds 78–79: Knit with CB
- Rounds 80–81: Knit with CC
- Rounds 82–83: Knit with CB
- Rounds 84–85: Knit with CC
- Rounds 86–87: Knit with CB
- Rounds 88–89: Knit with CC
- Rounds 90–91: Knit with CB
- Rounds 92–93: Knit with CC
Cut CC.
Round 94: Knit with CB.
Round 95: Purl with CB.
Cut CB.
SECTION 8 – FINAL LATVIAN BRAID
Round 96: Knit with CD.
Round 97: Purl with CD.
Round 98:
*K1 with CD, K1 with CE; repeat from * around.
Round 99:
Bring yarns to front between needles.
P1 with CD, *CE under CD and p1, CD under CE and p1; repeat from * around.
Round 100:
CD under CE and p1, then switch direction of twist.
*CE over CD and p1, CD over CE and p1; repeat from * around.
Bring yarns to the back.
Cut CE.
Round 101: Knit with CD.
Round 102: Purl with CD.
Bind off loosely.
FINISHING
Weave in all ends.
Wet block to finished measurements and lay flat to dry.
Styling & Everyday Wear
The Game Changer Knit Cowl fits beautifully into real life. Wear it:
- Looped once or twice for warmth
- Over a jacket on chilly game days
- With casual outfits to add instant texture and color
It’s cozy without being heavy — and bold without trying too hard.
Explore the Game Day Make-Along Tradition
If you love the story behind this cowl, you might enjoy exploring the Game Day Mystery Make-Along tradition:
- Where it all began:
https://marlybird.com/blog/game-day-make-along/ - Game Day 2019:
https://marlybird.com/blog/game-day-mystery-make-along-2019/ - Game Day 2020 (the project that replaced this one):
https://marlybird.com/game-day-mystery-make-along-2020
https://marlybird.com/blog/game-day-mystery-make-along-2020/ - Game Day 2021:
https://marlybird.com/blog/game-day-mystery-make-along-2021/ - Game Day 2022:
https://marlybird.com/blog/game-day-mystery-make-along-2022/ - Game Day 2023:
https://marlybird.com/blog/game-day-mystery-make-along-2023/ - Game Day 2024:
https://marlybird.com/blog/game-day-mystery-make-along-2024/ - Game Day 2025:
https://marlybird.com/blog/game-day-mystery-make-along-2025/
Skill-Building Support
This cowl introduces techniques you’ll see again and again in knitwear — making it a fantastic stepping stone toward more complex projects like sweaters and shawls with textured sections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this knit cowl pattern beginner-friendly?
Yes — adventurous beginners who are comfortable knitting in the round will do great with this pattern.
Can I simplify the color choices?
Absolutely. You can use fewer colors or stick to a cohesive palette for a more subtle look.
How long does it take to knit?
Because of the changing stitch patterns, the project stays engaging and typically moves along faster than you’d expect.
Is this pattern good for learning new techniques?
Yes! It’s designed specifically to help knitters practice multiple stitches in a supportive way.
Final Thoughts
The Game Changer Knit Cowl is a reminder that sometimes the best designs come from trusting your instincts — even when that means changing your mind at the last minute. It’s playful, skill-building, and rooted in community, which makes it a joy to knit and to wear.
If you make one, be sure to save the pattern, share your progress, and tell me what colors you chose.
#marlybird #mmmdi
❤️ Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird
