Great for beginning knitters or someone wanting to create their own cowl pattern. Safiyyah Talley explained in detail each step of creating your own cowl. Picking out yarn and things to consider with each yarn type and weight. Simple easy to follow techniques for different types are cowls are explained then patterns are given. Included are tips on creating your own cowl design.

What a beautiful book! There are so many patterns here that I’ve lost count. Directions are both written out and charted. For those new to knitting cowls, there are simple patterns and explanations of stitches used. For more experienced knitters, there are so many patterns from which to choose. I have to admit to never knitting a cowl (shawls are my fav) but I have selected at least three I will be knitting in the future.
Well done!

Cowlettes are a cross between a cowl and a shawlette – which means you are knitting a shawl in the round. So, not only is your neck warm, but so is the open area at the top of your coat/jacket - a plus, in my opinion. And as they are small projects, they should be quick, satisfying knits (full disclosure: I have not had time to knit one yet).
This book has 20 interesting patterns – different cowl shapes – like crescent, heart, triangular with ideas for customizing your project. Good information about choosing yarn, notions, needles, a section on designing your own cowlette - which I am inspired by her to try - and finally a glossary of techniques.

This is a beginner friendly knitting book. There is a lot of information on yarn weight, yarn fiber, needle sizes, gauge, and more. Although I have been a crocheter for 15 years, I still found some of this information new, particularly about the fiber types. Not to mention the book was very informative surrounding cowlettes, common techniques, and how to create your own pattern! If creating your own pattern is daunting, there are many available patterns in the book as well with different vibes and styles for everyone.

The reason I took a star off was because I found the organization a bit off. The glossary of the techniques was in the back of the book rather beside the pattern you would use it for… also, you either have to know how to do the basics of knitting or your will need a supplemental guide. That could be a person or YouTube.

I cannot wait to try out one of these cowlettes out!

Thank you Netgalley, Safiyyah Talley, and Storey Publishing for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this lovely book.

Knitting Cowlettes by Safiyyah Talley is a wonderful resource that gives knitters all the basics needed to start designing their own cowlettes. I especially appreciated the planning worksheet and the clear, summarized design steps, which make the process both approachable and inspiring.. (I received an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.)

Knitting Cowlettes by Safiyyah Talley
Book starts with foreword and why cowlettes are explained.
Love the full page colors and textures of the cowlettes shown. The book advises you to choose your own story, pick the yarns, patterns and needles to begin. They guide you along the way.
Stitches and everything you need to know how to knit are explained in detail and pictures.
There are tips along the way in a gray box that are very helpful.
Each pattern starts out with a title and summary of the cowlette. Includes finished measurements, shape, gauge, notes used in pattern, yarn, needle size, and notions.
Patterns themselves are easy for anyone to accomplish and the rows are listed so you won't get lost.
Pictures of the completed item are also included. Some of the pictures are very dark along with dark background. Wish these had been taken outside, even on a gray day they would've popped the texture of the cowlettes.
Love that the cowlettes are NOT only for women but men and kids as well.
I have a hard time deciding which I want to start with first. So many to choose from.
Enjoyed this book, easy to understand and follow along.
Received this review copy from Storey Publishings via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

#KnittingCowlettes #NetGalley.

I was already a fan of this accessory shape, so it's nice that there's a whole book dedicated to it. The patterns are pretty simple, and the book provides a lot of clear information that would be helpful to beginners. The photography was clear. I was also surprised to learn a new stitch (kfsb), which I'll definitely be trying out in the future.

The book about knitting cowls using one specific method. They start knitting flat from under your chin, knit and increase until the edge of your knitting reaches desired length, to go around your neck. Then the knitting is joined and is worked in the round, increasing to desired size. There is a bunch of talk about customization and making your cowl looser or tighter. They use all weights of yarn from thin to extra thick. The cowl do look nice, but in most cases there is a lumpy front top where it just bunches up because it is constructed this way, and also in many cases the top back of the neck is plunging down. If this is what you really want, then this book is for you. The patterns are quite simple and they seem to be written well. I like that they use so many different yummy yarns in so different weights.

I received a digital copy of the book from NetGalley

Another great book from Safiyyah Talley. I love that it gives you all the things you need to create your own cowlettes. The pictures are great and help explain any techniques.

Gorgeous, beginner-friendly, and inspiring 🧶✨

An absolutely gorgeous book! Packed with beautiful, easy-to-follow patterns. Talley’s instructions are so clear, and the tips and tricks scattered throughout are worth their weight in gold.

I especially love that it gives you the confidence to start designing your own. It’s the kind of book you’ll reach for again and again, whether you’re knitting your first project or dreaming up something completely unique. A 5⭐ gem for any knitting shelf!

#KnittingCowlettes #SafiyyahTalley #KnittingBooks #KnittingPatterns #KnittersOfInstagram #BeginnerKnitting #KnittingTips #CraftBooks
#YarnLovers #HandmadeStyle

Knitting Coweletts: Clever Techniques for Making Custom Mini Coweletts to Elevate Any Outfit by Safiyyah Talleyy is such a fun and inspiring knitting book. It’s coming out in September 2025, and I honestly think it’s going to be a favourite for a lot of knitters.

The first thing that grabbed me was how beautifully it’s laid out. It’s so easy to navigate, and every single pattern (23patterns) has a finished photo so you know exactly what you’re aiming for. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it great for both seasoned knitters and those new to garment-making.

One of my favourite parts is the “choose your way” approach. You can start wherever you like, maybe with Cowlettes 101 for the basics, or jump right into a project. I love that it gives you the freedom to work the way that suits you best.

The book also has a really handy section on all the yarns used in the photos, plus info on yarn weights, stitch patterns, cables, mix-and-match ideas, and even a complete tools list. It feels like everything you need is right there in one place.

There’s a mix of projects, too, quick and fun knits, some baby patterns, and pieces that would make perfect first garments. It’s the kind of book you can keep coming back to whenever you want something enjoyable and satisfying to make.

Highly recommend this one to knitters of all levels, it’s creative, practical, and just a joy to flick through.

Thank you, NetGalley and Story Publishing, for supplying me with an e-ARC of Knitting Cowlettes.

I am a beginner/intermediate knitter. Basically know the basics. Feels like this book is for more experienced knitter. I've done on the bias projects but this felt more advanced than what I have done so far with a lot of techniques I'm not familiar with. That being said, it's very lovely, presented book with many photos and charts. I also like how the author encourages the reader to make up their own design of a cowl. It was refreshing to see this because most of these kinds of books don't do that.

Thank you Netgalley, Storey Publishing, and Safiyyah Talley for sending me this advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is a stunningly gorgeous knitting book!

I've knit a few cowlettes in the past, and I really wish I had the book at the time. The patterns are beautiful, and the instructions are incredibly clear and easy to follow.

I really liked the different shapes, interesting borders, and also the variety of yarn types as well. I enjoyed all the beginner info included at the beginning, and all the photos were easy to see the details.

I think my favorite part is that most of the patterns were written out instead charted. The few charts that there were, were small and super easy to follow.

I can totally see myself knitting my way through this entire book. It's so good!

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. 🧶💕