Bandana Cowl
Working at Purl Soho, I have a front row seat to the parade of effortlessly chic people that give our neighborhood its renowned style. From here I can report that, for men and women alike, this season’s prevailing trend in neckwear is the bandana. Jauntily tiedaround the neck, it tops off everything from Sunday’s T-shirt and jeans to Friday’s night-on-the-town dress! The bandana is a sassy, casual touch that suggests that the wearer possesses an innate stylishness. It’s the perfect accessory for those cool mornings when you’ve hit snooze a few too many times and need to turn “thrown–together–in–a–rush” into “casually glamourous”!
My Bandana Cowl is inspired by my desire to make “effortlessly chic” even more effortless. I was so excited to create something with the same freshness as the tied bandana but without the fiddly aspect of actually having to tie anything!
I chose to make my Cowl out of Swan’s Island Bulky, a brand new yarn made from a beautiful blend of undyed merino and alpaca that feels wonderfully soft against the skin. The yarn creates a dense, rich fabric that’s cuddly perfection for the chilly days of fall!
UPDATE: NOW IN CASHMERE
OCTOBER 14, 2012
Our original Bandana Cowl is a Purl Bee favorite, knit up in Swans Island beautiful merino Bulky. We love it too! But we couldn’t resist the temptation to get even cozier with the help of Jade Sapphire’s extraordinary 8 Ply 100% Mongolian Cashmere. Carefully selected, gorgeously spun and lovingly hand dyed, it doesn’t really get any better than Jade Sapphire’s cashmere!
UPDATE: NOW IN PLENTY!
MARCH 6, 2022
We revisited this favorite pattern to give it the very special Plenty treatment. As un-scratchy as wool gets, this 100% extra fine merino is soft and squishy with a distinctive spin and very lively bounce. Oh, and it only takes one skein of Plenty to whip up a Bandana Cowl… Casting on now!
UPDATE: BANDANA COWL IN NEW COLORS + STYLES!
SEPTEMBER 2022
Plenty has so many beautiful colors, we whipped up Bandana Cowls in every one, plus four new colorplay versions, too: Breton Stripes, Transitional Stripes, Colorblock, and even a duplicate stitch Monogram, so you can bring your A game to this knit! (Or your B game!) Cast on to find out why the Bandana Cowl is still one of our most popular knits!
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho. We can’t wait to see what you make!
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Materials
- 1 skein Swans Island Bulky, naturally dyed colors are 100% Organic Merino and undyed colors (Natural, Oatmeal and Seasmoke) are 85% Organic Merino and 15% Alpaca. Each skein is 130 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 130 yards required of Swans Island Bulky. We used the color Oatmeal.
- A US 10 (6 mm), 16-inch circular needle
- Jumbo Locking Stitch Markers, 3 total (optional)
Shop our wonderful collection of worsted/aran-weight yarn to find a suitable substitute for this project, and remember that it’s always a good idea to check your gauge before you cast on… Our All About Gauge Tutorial shows you how!
Gauge
16 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
Size
Finished Neck Opening: 17¼ inches circumference, comfortably stretching up to 5 inches
Finished Height From Point: 13½ inches
Notes
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
SLIP SLIP KNIT PASS (S2KP)
Slip 2 stitches together knitwise with yarn in back, knit 1, pass the 2 slipped stitches over the knit stitch. [2 stitches decreased]
For more help with this technique, please visit our Slip Slip Knit Pass tutorial.
SHORT ROW SHAPING: WRAP AND TURN (WRP-T)
On the right side: Keeping yarn in back, slip next stitch purlwise from left needle to right needle. Bring yarn to front. Return slipped stitch to left needle. Bring yarn to back. Turn work so wrong side is facing you.
On the wrong side: Keeping yarn in front, slip next stitch purlwise from left needle to right needle. Bring yarn to back. Return slipped stitch to left needle. Bring yarn to front. Turn work so right side is facing you.
For a step-by-step video and photo tutorial of how to work this technique, including how to work wrapped stitches with their wraps, please visit our Short Rows: Wrap + Turn Tutorial tutorial.
Pattern
Cast on 89 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Place a marker and join for working in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.
Set-up Round: Purl all stitches.
Round 1: K43, S2KP (see Notes, above), knit to end of round. (87 stitches)
Round 2: P42, S2KP, purl to end of round. (85 stitches)
Round 3: K41, S2KP, knit to end of round. (83 stitches)
Round 4: P40, S2KP, purl to end of round. (81 stitches)
The next section is worked back and forth in short rows, building from the point of the bandana to the back of the neck. You’ll be turning the work between each row instead of continuing around the needle. For a great Short Row Tutorial, click here!
Row 5: K42, wrap and turn.
Row 6: P3, wrap and turn.
Row 7: Knit to the wrapped stitch, knit the wrapped stitch making sure to pick up the wrap, k1, wrap and turn.
Row 8: Purl to the wrapped stitch, purl the wrapped stitch making sure to pick up the wrap, p1, wrap and turn
Repeat Rows 7 and 8 eighteen more times. Don’t worry if you lose count; you’ll know you’re done when you wrap and turn the stitches right next to the marker!
You’ve finished the short rows!
Next Round: With the knit side facing you, knit to the marker, making sure to pick up the wrapped stitch.
Continue with the knit side facing you, working again in the round. Knit 2 rounds, picking up the wrap of the first stitch.
Set-up Round: K18, place marker, k45, place marker, knit to end of round.
*Decrease Round: Knit to two stitches before the first marker, k2tog, slip marker, knit to the next marker, slip marker, ssk, knit to end of round. (2 stitches decreased)
Knit 3 rounds (or for 1/2 inch).
Repeat from * five more times. (69 stitches)
Next Round: Purl
Next Round: Knit
Repeat the last 2 rounds once more.
Bind off very loosely in purl. (I like to go up several needle sizes to bind off. In this case, I bound off with a US #15 needle.)
Weave in your ends and block as desired.
Enjoy your Bandana Cowl on all the brisk fall days to come! -Erin
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
Thanks a lot ! I love it ! Is it possible to traduce it on my french blog ?
Thank you for the pattern! This cowl is sooooooooooo wonderful! I can't wait to give it a try!!
Lovely! I imagine it looks very stylish on.
I startet the Project yesterday, but had to give up At the point where you are supposed to repeat Row 7 and 8. How is it that there Remain three stitches between the wraps, i would think that every row adds stitches between the wraps, and three is what you Start with, isn't it? Please help, i Love the cowl 🙂
Birgit,
The 3 stitches that remain are the unworked stitches that haven't been knit as part of the short rows. So, at the end of the short row section you should have 78 stitches that you've worked back and forth, and 3 unworked stitches in between.
Thanks so much for the question!
love to see it on a model!
Thanks so much for posting this beautiful pattern! I have one question though. The notes call for a US 10.5 needle, bulky yarn, and a gauge of 4 stitches to the inch. If I was to substitute with a worsted yarn, would I want to go down a needle size or so? I was looking at several different bulky and worsted yarns at my LYS, and the suggested needle sizes on the bands were rarely as large as 10.5. I'm a little nervous that I will buy a yarn I love and the needle size for the pattern and end up with something that looks like a hammock. 🙂
Thank you in advance for your thoughts!
Amanda,
Every knitter's gauge is different, so it's always important to do a gauge swatch before you start your project. You should use whatever needle size gives you 4 stitches to the inch in your chosen yarn. I would steer clear of any yarn that has more than 5 stitches to the inch on the ball band if you want to avoid an open look, but if you double check your gauge before you should be all right!
Thanks for the great question, enjoy your project!
Love it! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I love this cowl and it seems perfect for what I was looking for as a gift for my father-in-law. He is an avid horseback rider and I think this would be great, however, I crochet and don't knit. Any thoughts to do a pattern in crochet? I would be all over that!
Such a lovely pattern!
Elizabeth
Hi, I love this pattern, but am stuck! On rows 2 and 4, both purl rows, do you move the yarn to the back, as if to knit, before you s2kpo? I've never seen a slip knitwise on a purl row before (I'm fairly new to knitting!). Thanks!
LOVE this! Can't wait to make it in a few different colors! Keep the great patterns coming!
-Caitlin
At first I was not overly impressed as cowls go…..but as I read the pattern and really looked closely , its design is quite ingenious!! and how nice not to have it bunch up at the back of the neck. How fabulous.!! I have a gorgeous skein of ECO just awaiting.Thank you.
I love this cowl, but I think I did something wrong. I finished the short rows and I am starting on the decreases. The pattern says knit for 11″ from point of cast on to the top to begin cast off, I am at 13″ now! I have difficulty with short rows and wonder if I did too many short rows.
Also, do you think this would knit up nice in worsted weight and what size needles would you use?
Hoping you can answer my questions!
Kelly,
For the s2kpo you do move the yarn to the back before you slip the stitches, even on the purl rows. Doing it this way creates the pretty line of decreases at the point.
Thanks so much for the great question!
Thank you very much for this beautiful pattern, I loved, I will make several as Christmas gifts.
Lisa,
I'm sure you've done nothing wrong! Every knit has both a horizontal gauge, in our case 4 stitches per 1 inch, and a vertical gauge which isn't crucial for this pattern. Your yarn, and tension as a knitter, is most likely giving you a taller stitch than I achieved with the Swan's Island Bulky. Your cowl will be a little bit longer when finished than mine, but that will just add to the lovely draping at the neck when you wear it!
If you'd like to substitute another yarn I would recommend doing a gauge swatch to decide what size needles will give you 4 stitches per 1 inch. Every knitter, and every yarn, is different, but many worsted weight yarns will knit 4 stitches to 1 inch on US 8, 9, or 10 needles.
Thanks for the question, enjoy your cowl!
-Erin
I just finished my cowl and I could not be more delighted with my new winter gear. Thank you for your clever and hip pattern!
I was confused by the short rows … stopped by the store yesterday. Perhaps the instructions should be revised to say something like ” Repeat rows 7 and 8 until 3 stitches remain at the back between wraps”.
Now that I got that straightened out, I'm all set. Cowls for Christmas!
Phew, thank goodness for comments 🙂 I pulled the stitches out two times and then just staaaaared at it after 8 rows… waiting for the lightbulb to go off. “Until three stitches remain” UNWORKED! Now I'm loving this, Merry Christmas to all!
You guys, I'm so relieved I was not the only one with the “until three stitches remain” part. I've finished my cowl now and it's perfect.
Yesterday I started the cowl, but I'm not from needle at 6 I understand nothing of stabbing three purl and then run. please help me
I see others have finished the cowl with no problems, but with an odd number of stitches in total, and an odd number of stitches worked between the wraps in the short rows, it seems there would always be an even number of stitches unworked. Therefore, when finishing the short rows there would either be 2 or 4 stitches unworked and not 3. (odd + odd always = even!) Please clarify!
Thanks!
Thank you so much for sharing! Nice pattern!
I too had trouble with the short rows and, after reading the comments, ended up starting over. Even so, it just took two sittings to complete my cowl and I couldn't be happier. Definitely the fastest knitting project I've ever done. I did improvise a little with the decrease rows at the end as I was running out of yarn and didn't want to have to buy more. I LOVE this cowl. Will definitely be making more as gifts!
Thank you so much for the 3 stitches left question, I couldn't figure it out at all so I came on here and there was the answer (makes perfect sense now that I understand!) Thank you, I'm almost done now!
I love the look of this pattern! I made it through all the tricky bits, but I have run out of yarn! Uggh! I had 100 y. to start with and I'm just on the second decrease. I'm really disappointed and have to now decide whether to frog or spring for another skein- and end up with lots of left overs of it. I think 130 yards would be safer for this pattern. Do you agree or did I mess up?
I love this pattern!
I have started, but I need some help. How many short rows are you supposed to do? I'm so confused about the 3 unworked stitches. If you wrap one, then knit or purl the next, where does the 3 come in? I feel like I'm not leaving any room inbetween?
thanks!
Hi! I just finished this cowl, thank you so much for the pattern! It's absolutely gorgeous.
I was so excited to find this pattern. I have been looking for a cowl that was knit simple so I could show off some $$$ mixed fiber artisan yarn I bought at a fiber fair. This is even more perfect because when I had finally given up on ever finding one I handed my girlfriend a book of patterns & told her to pick a few & I would make something up. Your pattern fits right into what she was looking at I couldn't have gotten any luckier! This will be my 5th girlfriend cowl (Christmas gifts) & they have all managed to represent their views one way or another! I'll send a picture when I'm finished of your beautiful pattern sprinkled with a multitude of different fibers! Thanks!
I just have to say THANK YOU! Once I realized that you work all the stitches flat for the short row portion, creating a large V shape til you only have 3 St remaining, I'm so hooked. I never did short rows but after this I'm loving the effect. As I knit I'm mentally combining all my leftovers to create these bandanas. I even want to make one for my dog. Brilliant and useful. Thanks again. I used Jacqueline Fee's sweater workshop for short row help. So simple when you get it. I made 2 with leftover brown sheep worsted using a #7 knitpicks harmony in black. Classic. Thanks again
Just keep doing short rows as if you were working flat and you'll have 3 Stitches remaining. Then continue in the round with the decreases. Hope this helps
I like the simplicity and shaping. The color and basic design make it something I think most men would be comfortable with, and here in Texas, they take their masculinity very seriously. Looks great.
I wonder how you managed to end the short rows section with the 81st you start with since you are suposed to knit the wrap ? It is thus adding a stitch each round if I am correct ? I am done with the short row section and I have 107 st … I guess the 26 additional st are the knitted wraps …
Thanks !
Helen, if you click on the short row tutorial and scroll down you will see a really nice method on knitting the wrap and stitch together so it really only comes out to 1 stitch kn itted or purled. It took me some fiddling but it can be done.
Really nice cowl !! I used ECO and it looks grand. Yippee!!
Love how easy this is! Short rows are my favorite. It took me a second to realize I was suppose to knit the short rows leaving those three unworked stitches but I eventually got it. I'd just make that a little more clear in the pattern notes and it'll be perfect! I'm probably going to make multiples of this for Christmas presents. It knits up so quick! I love warm but un-bulky cowls.
Thumbs up!
-Kate
I have never done short rows before and have only been knitting for about a year. I am a little lost. I followed the short row tutorial and the comments. I understand that you keep going until there are three unworked stitches remaining but how can I tell which stitches have been “worked”? I have to put the stitch marker after the wrapped stitch too because it is difficult for me to see it.
Connie's post about the number of stitches left once all the short rows are worked is accurate as far as I can tell. I worked and re-worked that section trying to get the 3 stitches as directed. I don't see how it's possible. Four works though and that's what I went with….
I love the pattern and admit I haven’t studied it but at a glance it appears as if you only decrease on one side and not the other? The cowl appears symmetrical, but I can’t really tell from the images. Am I missing something? I also thought about adding a cable in the middle from the center point. I would determine the width of the cable and then put it in the middle starting 89 stitches cast on. I would not add more stitches just change the pattern. How do you think this will affect the drape of the cowl?
Lori,
Short rows can definitely be a little tricky at first, but don't let that discourage you! When you're knitting your short rows there will be a little gap between the wrapped stitch at the edge of the short row, and the next unworked stitch on the needle. I would suggest that you place a locking stitch marker on each wrapped stitch, moving it with every row, so that you can see the division between worked and unworked stitches.
Another trick that will work with this pattern is to count the rows from the cast on edge. Starting at the cast on edge, an unworked stitch will only have five rows, where any worked stitch will have six or more rows.
Thanks for the great question, I'm sure these tips will help plenty of knitters who were confused by the short rows!
Diane,
The decreases happen on both the right and left side of the back of the neck, but there are no decreases on the front of the cowl. One side has K2tog decreases, and the other SSK decreases creating two lines angling toward one another at the neck.
I love your idea for a cable! I would wait until the short rows section before starting the cable due to the decreases in the garter stitch border, but I think it would be a great addition to the design! The cowl is already densely knit, so the addition of a dense cable will not significantly change the drape of the cowl. The neck of the cowl does have a tendency to droop open a little, so I might consider working your cable over a k1, p1 rib to make it reversible.
This is a wonderful idea, thank-you so much for sharing it!
I've read all these comments carefully because I was having a couple of problems following the pattern. I think Lisa (Oct 19) was having the same problem as me – the cowl seemed too long. Then I realised that I had been omitting to do another K1 (or P1) after picking up the wrapped stitch. So I went back to the beginning (nearly), started again and now it looks much better. Now that I finally got it, I hope to make several before Christmas. It's a lovely pattern and looks good and cosy in a nice, soft wool.
I'm new to knitting, and just maybe, this pattern is too advanced for me, BUT I LOVE IT and would like to learn w\t.
Row 5, knit 42 sts, w/t, do I go back to the beginning of the round to my marker, or do I go back 3 sts? I have watched your great tutorial on short rows and I think I have it except I don't know where to go once I've wrapped/turned.
Sorry if this sounds like a dumb question.
Do you also crochet? And could this pattern be translated into a crocheted patter? I love this cowl, but I don't know how to knit. Thanks.
Hi Sarah-
Thank you for your interest in a crochet version of this pattern. It's not on the docket right now but we'll keep it in mind going forward. In the meantime all of our crochet patterns can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/crochet-projects/
Thanks you for your question!
This is a wonderful pattern!! You mention Soak wash at the end – is that a brand name of soap? I have some not-Quite-as-rough-as-Brillo-Pads wool that could use a soft influence!!
Hi Vicki K-
Soak is indeed the brand name of our favorite phosphate free fiber cleanser! It's available here: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/105-notions-tools-accessories?company=240
It really does soften things up and as an added bonus it smells great!
Thanks for your question!- Molly
I also do not know where to go once I w/t. Do we go back to the beginning of the row?
Another thank you for a terrific pattern. I'm on my second and loving it. It has also provided some much needed practice with short rowing. I've found it helpful, when doing rows 7 and 8 for the first time, to place a stitch marker at each end ( after your first and second wrap and turn). This separates the three unworked stitches and is an easy way to see the true center of the scarf. They can be removed after the short rows are finished.
Love this pattern. But in my usual manner of making life a bit difficult, I have decided I have to make it out of a gorgeous Madeline Tosh Merino DK (in the most gorgeous colour imaginable), which is a bit lighter weight. I could add a strand of something else (kid silk haze?) to make it bulk up, but would really like to use only the Tosh. My question is this; do I make it more open to get the gauge, or do I add more stitches so it comes out the correct size?
Thinking I could add 10% more stitches, and would I then keep the same number of decreases? Hmmm… any help would be greatly appreciated.
Hello,
I am a German fan of yours and try it now been a week, but I do not succeed. My question: where did I put the marker? Question Two :: Where do I start with the short rows? Is it the focus on S2KPO?
I would appreciate an answer very much.
Best regards from Dortmund, Germany
Tina
Hi Bettina,
You place a marker on the right needle as you join the cast on stitches for working in the round.
The s2kpo is not the short rows section (it is the decrease for the bandana's point). The short rows begin with Row 5.
Thank you for your questions. Please let us know if you have any others!
Whitney
Hi, I'm just starting this project and had a quick question…after the three set up rounds, but before the short rows, you have a knit row, a purl row, a knit, and a purl. I get why the short rows alternate, since the work is turned, but why are the first rows alternating, if you're working in the round?
I'm one of those freakish knitters who leads with alternating hands and never turns, so sometimes written patterns give me more trouble than other people!
Hi Rachel,
The beginning of the pattern alternates knit and purl rounds because you're creating a garter stitch edge, and garter stitch in the round is made by knitting one round, purling one round.
I hope this clarifies things for you. Please let us know if you have any more questions and thanks for this one!
Whitney
I'm on the short row section and it looks somewhat correct BUT it says to do 18 rows or until you get to the marker. I think I've done about 30 rows and I'm not close to the marker. Any idea what I'm doing wrong? I think my point is going to be super dramatic!! haha
Hi Sarah Noll,
Sounds like you may be on the right track! When the pattern says to "repeat Rows 7 and 8 eighteen more times", that actually means to work 36 rows (18 x 2 = 36).
Does that clarify things for you or are you still feeling like things aren't quite right? Let us know if you need more help and thanks for your question!
Whitney
I'm having trouble with rows 7 and 8. Is it easier to mark the wrap and turn?
Hi Katherine,
It may be for you! If you're having a hard time seeing the wrap when you get to it, then yes, definitely try marking it with a removable stitch marker or a piece of scrap yarn.
I hope this gets you on the right path. Thanks for asking and good luck!
Whitney
I just finished making this cowl and love it. It took me a bit to get the short rows and I had to rip it once but once I did the whole project moved pretty quickly.
I used Eco Cloud. I was afraid I would going to run out of yarn, but I ended up with enough.
I plan on making a few more for gifts. . All of the comments really helped. thank you for providing it
Hi, have already made 2 and love them! I'm looking at a skein of handspun yarn on Etsy… 92 yards of aran thick and thin. Would this be enough yarn? Thank you!
Hi Yuka-
The thickness of that yarn might work (it's hard to tell without knitting a swatch) but you would need 2 skeins because 92 yards will not be enough.
Thank you for your question!
Molly
I'm stuck D: So I just finished the short rows and did the two knit rows, but now it seems like my work has turned and I have to knit on the wrong side for the set up round row.. I'm severely confused ._. otherwise I really love this pattern
I have 3 questions-
1- On the decrease rounds – do I do the 3 knit rows after each decrease round?
2- On the ssk in the decrease – do I slip the stitches as if to knit?
3- I'm using worsted weight yarn and a size 9 needle. It's giving me the correct gauge but turning out longer than 12 inches. Is this going to make a huge difference?
And lastly, thank you so much for such a great pattern. I love it and plan on making these for Christmas gifts this year for family back in the Midwest and Northeast. Unfortunately I won't be able to wear one. I live where it never gets below 55 degrees. EVER. So wrapping wool around my neck is not going to work. Ha.
Hi Sierra,
After the short rows, you are again working in the round with the knit side of the fabric facing you. You should never turn your work at this point. If you find that somehow the purl side is facing you, you probably put your bandana down for awhile and when you started working again you accidentally started in the wrong direction. That's my best guess, anyway!
I hope you sort it out, but if not, please let us know if we can try to help you again!
Whitney
Hi Jacqulyne,
Question 1: Yes!
Question 2: You can slip them both as if to knit, although our SSK video tutorial shows you a slightly different way that is a bit neater: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/knitting-videos/
Question 3: It can happen that you get the correct stitch gauge but not the correct row gauge. It sounds like this may be the case for you, but if you like the way your cowl is turning out, I wouldn't worry about it! If you do want to fuss with the gauge, you'll have to experiment with different needle sizes and possibly different yarn.
Thanks so much for all three of your questions and let us know if there's a fourth!
Whitney
THANK YOU SO MUCH! I watched your short video on SSK. OH MY GOSH! That was so helpful. I've been knitting for years and never knew about that trick. I'm frogging what I've gotten done so far on my cowl and starting over. You guys are great!
For the instructions that read:
*Decrease Round: Knit to two stitches before the first marker, k2tog, slip marker, knit to the next marker, slip marker, ssk, knit to end of round. (2 stitches decreased)
Knit 3 rounds (or for 1/2 inch).
Repeat from * five more times. (69 stitches)
is the repeat a 4 row repeat (in other words the decrease round and three plain rounds repeated 5 times) or is just the decrease row the row that gets repeated 5 times?
I have one printed copy of this pattern and it says to use a size 10.5 needle and another printer copy that says to use a size 10 needle. Which is correct?
I am learning…. but must make this now. I purchased the Jade Saphire cashmere Purl Bee. Since it is 8 ply, do I follow the same pattern as is shown for the "bulky" yarn? I understand the "guage" but if it is off by using the cashmere I am sunk. Not advanced enough yet to adjust a pattern. If a pattern is available for the cashmere option I would be grateful! If not, I may need to seek the advice of a local knitting fashionista!
Hi Helen-
You don't need to alter the pattern at all for your 8 ply cashmere yarn, just follow it as written! Good luck, and please let us know if you have any questions!
Molly
These comments have been really helpful to me, so I thought I'd pass along a thought to Sierra. I *think* I might know what happened, because I did a similar thing. I'd assumed I'd be done with the short rows when I picked up the wrapped stitch on the very last stitch on the purl round.
So when I picked up the last stitch on the knit round (thinking I'd then turn around and purl back), I turned it around and realized my working yarn was still on my left needle. This was, of course, because I was at the end of the row… When I looked at the instructions again, I realized I'd actually reached the end of the short rows one row back, and the row I'd just knit was the one marked "Next Round:With knit side facing you…"
If Sierra somehow figured out a way to purl back when she turned, she'd pick up the last wrapped stitch on the purl round and then be headed in a purl direction, not knit…
Side note – picking up the first wrapped stitch when you keep knitting (aka the "last" wrapped stitch of the purl side) wasn't easy but some of the links I found in the comments were helpful. Good luck!
Hi Susan,
Everything after the asterisk gets repeated, so as you say, it is "a 4 row repeat (in other words the decrease round and three plain rounds repeated 5 times)".
I hope this sets you on your way. Please let us know if you have any other questions and thanks for this one!
Whitney
Hi JoAnn,
The version that says US size #10 is correct, but of course, that is just a suggested size. The needle you should actually use is the one that gets you 4 stitches to the inch in stockinette stitch, which depending on how you knit and what yarn you're using, may be a #10 or some other size close to that.
I'm sorry for the confusion and please let us know if you have any other questions!
Whitney
This pattern is the greatest! Ive made three so far. The first was for me the other two as gifts. I'm making two more for Christmas.
Your short row tut helped a lot. Finally! I could do short rows without cussing.
All of your tutorials are extremely helpful. Thanks for a great pattern and such an informative helpful site.
Love this cowl and want to make several. I would prefer to use worsted weight yarn and know that I would have to make pattern changes. Before I try to do this do you have a worsted weight version of this cowl? If not, would you have suggestions for me? I would use no larger than #8 needle.
Thanks,
Margie
When you finish all the short rows and you have two wrapped stitches (facing in opposite directions) right next to the start marker…how do you pick up the second wrapped stitch..i have made 6 so far and have had to pick up what looks like a "ladder" of stitches with a crochet hook because i must be doing something wrong with the (knit side facing you) wrap to the left of the marker…help??? I can pick up the first wrap, then do i immediately try to pick up the next wrap or do i do something different?
Dear Purlbee,
Thank you indeed for this pattern!
I made one for my son and I'm knitting the second one. In both occasions I could not pick up the last wrap on the knit side (first stitch after finishing short rows and starting knitting on the round). I read all comments and posts on the matter that I found but I keep on getting a hole that I solve by making a new stitch (same problem as Will, Laurie and Brownsed…). It does not look great 🙁
So, I write you to ask whether you could take a picture on how to pick up that wrap. Would that be possible? I would be very thankful!
PS: Sorry for any mistakes, my mother tongue isn't English… Therefore I could not understand how to proceed with the solution posted by Brownsed
Hello.
I have a question about your casting on method. I have just finished making my first of these cowls but found that the first row of purl stitches seemed to create loops between each stitch (it looked like the cast on stitches were coming undone!)… does this sound right or am I doing something stupid?! I used the cable cast on and I've just tried with the regular cast on and it seemed to do the same thing.
Thanks for any help you can offer. Philippa
Hi Becky,
I agree that there is some looseness in the knitting at that point. When I knit this cowl, I resolved that issue by knitting into the back loop of the first stitch of the round (while picking up the wrap). This took up some of the slack. For me, the looseness is hardly visible, so I hope you have the same results!
Thank you for asking and please let us know if you have any other questions!
Whitney
HI Philippa,
I almost always start a project with a long tail tail cast on, which doesn't result in the "loops" or messiness you seem to be describing. If you need to review the long tail cast on method, check out our tutorial right here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/knitting-tutorials-cast-ons/2006/9/29/long-tail-cast-on.html
I hope it works out! Please let us know if you have any other questions and thanks for this one!
Whitney
Hi Carmen,
It's true that that one wrap is different than the others because you're approaching a wrapped purl stitch with the right side facing you instead of the wrong side. Bronwen seems to have really good advice. While we don't have the resources to photograph it step-by-step, I can try to clarify what Bronwen wrote. He/she says to put the wrap on the left needle (lifting from the bottom up) and then to slip the knit stitch through the wrap and gently off the needle. Put the knit stitch back on the left needle (now with the wrap to the left of it) and knit the wrap and knit stitch together.
Another issue at that point is a little looseness in the bars between the stitches. I help resolve this problem by knitting the wrap and knit stitch together through the back loop which takes up a bit of slack.
Thanks so much for question (in perfect English!) and please let us know if we can help you further!
Whitney
I would like to make the front piece longer, would I have to cast on more stitches to do this, but won't this make the cowl too wide?
Thanks for any advice given! and thanks for the tutorial it really helped!
Hi Anja,
You could try a couple of things. One would be to work 8 initial rounds instead of 4 by purling the even rounds (2, 4, 6 and 8) and working the S2KPO's on just the odd rounds. And/Or in the short row section, you could wrap and turn the stitch directly after each wrapped stitch instead of knitting (or purling) 1. Both suggestions would maintain the stitch counts as written, so wouldn't widen the finished cowl!
I hope this answers your question and please let us know if you have more!
Whitney
Hallo – I made an Italian translation of this project and I'd gladly send it to you if you like.
Thank you so much, it's a great pattern!
Silvia
I really don't understand what row 7 and 8 mean when they say knit to the wrapped stitch? Where is the wrapped stitch? How many stitches to get to it? If anyone could clarify i'd really appreciate it.
Hi, if I want to make it with a thinner yarn, can I adapt the pattern, say, cast on more stitches?
Hi Eduardo-
We don't recommend using a different weight yarn for this pattern because it's a bit complicated to adjust. Sorry! Thanks for writing in and good luck with the project!
Molly
hi,
I started the bandana cowl with a different yarn and gauge, and up to the decrease rounds everything went fine. For the decreases I am a bit confused: you have 89 st, and for the decrease set-up round, you divide the stitches 18-45-26 (with the markers in between). Why don't you divide them evenly (22-45-22)? I wonder, because I don't know how to translate it to my gauge. If I understand the reasoning behind it, it would be easier for me to convert the stitches (I cast on 109 st, fyi)
thanks for the pattern!
I hope to make this … it's great and thank you very much for the pattern!
You're wonderful!
Could i knit this in your super soft merino? If so, any tips on how I would adjust the pattern? Thanks!
Hi Jennifer-
Unfortunately this pattern is a bit tricky to scale up and down so we don't recommend knitting it in another gauge.
You can see all of our Super Soft Merino projects (including 2 great cowls!) here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/super-soft-merino-projects/
Thank you!
Molly
Hi Lucy,
The wrapped stitch is the one that you turned the yarn around on the previous row's "wrap and turn". You can identify it by the horizontal loop of yarn around the stitch's base. For a more thorough explanation, you may find our Short Rows Tutorial helpful. It is right here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/knitting-tutorials-advanced-te/2008/6/18/short-rows.html
Please let us know if you have any other questions and thank you for this one!
Whitney
Hi Leen,
At that point in the pattern you actually only have 81 stitches (having decreased by Round 4 of the pattern from 89 to 81 stitches). So actually, the markers are set up evenly, just the way you would expect: 18-45-18.
Thanks so much for asking! I hope this helps you with your own pattern!
Whitney
Now I feel so absolutely silly even asking this but, regardless, on I press. If I dont have circular knitting needles is this still possible to make? And if so is there any changes to the pattern? Any tips? I'm still fairly new to knitting for the most part
Hi Kristina-
This project needs to be knit in the round. You could do it on double pointed needles but it will be a lot easier on the recommended circular needles.
We don't recommend this project for beginners as it contains a lot of more advanced skills. Especially if you have never knit in the round before we would recommend you try knitting a hat or simpler cowl before tackling this project. Here is a link to all of our hat patterns: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/hats-knitting/
And here is a link to our cowls and scarves: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/scarves-shawls-and-cowls-knitt/
We'd be happy to give you more specific recommendations if you'd like. Just let us know!
Thank you!
Molly
Hi- I am almost finished with the short rows, and I think I've twisted it somehow… did I do that at the beginning?? It's got sort of an infinity twist to the entire thing and I think I'll have to pull it all out and start over- AGHHH!!!!! But otherwise, it's looking pretty amazing…. How do I avoid doing this error a second time?
Thanks
Susan
Hi Susan,
This most likely happened when you joined to work in the round. It's very important when you join that you make sure the stitches aren't twisted around the needle anywhere. Double check when you start the second round, and after that, you should be fine!
It's a very common mistake; we've all been there and we'll all be there again! Thanks for asking and good luck the second time!
Whitney
Hello Purl Bee,
Thank you for the pattern. Question, my problem is that after the short rows the texture shifted. I looks much tighter. Please advice me.
Stella.
Hi Stella,
It sounds like you're a loose purler! The short rows are worked back in forth in rows, knitting one row and purling the next, whereas the rest of the bandana is worked in rounds of only the knit stitch. For some knitters the difference can be significant!
I'd suggest that when you're working a stockinette pattern that switches between working flat and in the round, you use either a smaller needle for the flat section or a bigger needle for the in-the-round section (depending on which is giving you the correct overall gauge).
This is not uncommon and is totally fixable, so do not despair! Please let us know if we can help further and good luck!
Whitney
I love this pattern. But unfortunately I cannot download it to save it as a PDF . 🙁 that way I could work on the pattern later when I had time for it.
HI Jessica-
Sorry to hear you're having this issue. You can save our patterns in two ways:
You can click on the print button and you will get a print friendly version. When you go to print it there is usually an option in the dialogue box to "open in PDF preview" if you click on that you can then save it as a PDF.
Or, you can simply copy all of the info you want from the pattern and paste it into a WORD or text document and work from there.
Thanks for getting in touch about this!
Molly
I don’t see a “print” button on you site for this pattern
Hi Marcia R-
There is no print button on our new site but this pattern is available as a free prinatble PDF! It is linked under the “Pattern” section of the pattern.
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
The pdf link takes me to the Italian version. . .
Hi Peggy!
This is very weird. Here is a direct link to try instead! Click here.
Hope this helps!
Thomas
I don’t see a “print” button on your site for this pattern
Hi Marcia,
Thanks for asking about this!
We have just uploaded a printable PDF of this pattern to the post. If you check under the heading PATTERN, you will find a link to the PDF. Thanks for your interest in the pattern and for writing in!
Best,
Laura
Are we supposed to use a US #10 or US #10.5 needle? These instructions say both.
Thanks.
Hi Beginner Knitter-
This pattern suggests using a #10 needle. However needle size is always just a recommendation, what matters is that you are getting the correct gauge so we always recommend doing a gauge swatch before you get started.
Thank you!
Molly
I want to make this for my son, he is six years old but this would be a great alternative to a scarf for school (no ends to pull), but I am afraid this would be quite large on him and wondered if there is a way to make it in a smaller size.
I want to use a finer yarn & size 8 needle. Can this pattern be adjusted for this? I cast on 119 stitches to get the same dimensions of 19 in. I've worked thru the double decrease but I'm not sure on how to adjust the short rows. Can it be done on a smaller needle & yarn? Please help I really want to make the cowl.
Hi Marsha-
We don't recommend using a different weight yarn for this pattern because it's a bit complicated to adjust. Sorry! Thanks for writing in and good luck with the project!
Molly
Hi Ann,
We haven't written the pattern for a smaller size… yet, but I'd love to make one for my son also, so maybe next fall we'll work on a smaller size Bandana Cowl for the kids!
Thanks for asking!
Whitney
I made a version for a small child by casting on 69 and following the instructions, except in the first decreases I counted out 33 (instead of 43), then down from there. And then in the second set of decreases I counted out 12 (instead of 18) from the back middle and only performed 3 decrease repeats (instead of 4).
All else was as directed with bulky yarn and size 10 needles. The cowl is just under 12 inches tall with a resting neck circumference of 18 inches. It stretches big enough to fit over my adult head and is a little snug and short on me. The child I made it for isn’t here, but I feel confident that it’s child scale.
For slightly larger, use larger needles.
I finished the short rows, and have had some trouble in the past with the weird stitches in the back- picking up the wrapped loops, and loose stitches in the back. I've read through the other comments, and maybe because I'm not familiar with knitting abbreviations, or because I'm a fairly new knitter, not much of it makes sense to me. I also have 83 stitches on my needles as I'm about to begin my first knitted round after the short rows. Anything would help.
Thank you!
Edit to my last post: I have 83 stitches, not 81. Should I just decrease in the back?
HI Carina,
I suggest that you knit the final wrap (together with the knit stitch) through the back loop. This means that instead of inserting the needle to left of the front legs, you put the needle into the stitches to the right of the front legs. Essentially, this twists the stitches and takes up some slack.
As for your 83 stitches… For the Set-Up Round you should K19, place marker, k45, place marker, knit to end of round. Then at the end of repeating from the * five more times, work one more Decrease Round. This should bring your count to 69, right where you want it!
I hope this helps you finish up your cowl. Thanks for your questions and good luck!
Whitney
Are the short rows necessary? i'm a beginner at knitting and was wondering if there was a way to make the scarf without short rows.
Hi Claire-
They are necessary to give this cowl its shape and while they aren't super hard we don't recommend this pattern for a beginner. Whitney's Springtime Bandana might be a better place to start:
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/the-purl-bee/2010/3/28/whits-knits-springtime-bandana.html
Thank you for getting in touch!
Molly
Is there any way you could make a tutorial video for this scarf?
Hi Molly-
Thanks for getting in touch. We don't have plans to make this into a video tutorial at the moment but we might consider it moving forward. If you have any specific questions please don't hesitate to contact us here. We try to answer all of them!
Thank you!
Molly
Hi! So I think I've mastered the short rows, but I think I'm doing something wrong in regards to the number of stitches between each wrap and turn, because once I finished that section it seems i only did short rows on one side of the cowl – i.e. from the middle point to the beginning marker, not all the way around.
am i counting wrong somehow? do i go all the way around the round before i get to my wrap and turn stitch? for some reason the instructions aren't resonating and some clarification on this point would be really helpful!
Hi Meg,
Are you knitting in the round while you're working the short row section? You shouldn't be… For the short row section, you actually work back and forth in rows, turning the work at the end of each row. So, to begin, you have the right side (i.e. the knit side) of the work facing you. You knit to just beyond the middle of the row, wrap and turn so that the wrong side (i.e. purl side) of the work is now facing you and work to just the other side of the midpoint of the row, wrap and turn, so that, again, the knit side is facing you, ready for Row 7.
I hope this puts you on the right path. If not, please let us know and we'll work it out with you! Thanks for your question!
Whitney
I have watched and practiced the wt, but I am confused after row 5 . Knit 42 wt, p3, wt, then if I knit to the wrapped stitch, isn’t it just k2 and I am back to the wrapped stitch? What wrapped stitch is row 7 talking about? Thank you for your help.
Hi Velvet,
Yes… Well, you actually knit 3 stitches and you’re back to the wrapped stitch, then you knit the wrapped stitch (picking up the wrap), knit one more stitch, wrap and turn. The basic concept here is that you’re building a triangle, and each row you’re adding a stitch to the width of that triangle. So at Row 5, you’re still at the narrow point of the triangle, and as you work, the number of stitches between wraps will grow, broadening the width of the triangle.
Or if all that is too complicated (short rows can be a little mind bending!), rest assured that it sounds like you’re on the right track and give it a whirl! And please let us know if you run into any problems. We’ll be happy to get you back on track!
Whitney
thanks, i am getting the hang of it, should i use a double pointed needle for the short rows since i am not knitting in the round?
Hi again Velvet,
You’ll probably want to stick with your circular needle, since as you add stitches, you’ll be working in a tubular shape (even though you’ll still be working back and forth in short rows). Having said that, I’m all for doing what feels comfortable! Try the double pointed needles, and if/when they get weird, you can always switch back to the circulars.
Keep the questions coming and good luck with the short rows!
Whitney
Greetings!
Thank you for the wonderful Bandana Cowl Pattern!
I’ve started with 12ply Oatmeal yarn and 7mm Circulars and have gotten to this part of the pattern (with my comments in brackets):
” Row 5: K42, wrap and turn. (DONE)
Row 6: P3, wrap and turn. (DONE)
Row 7: Knit to the wrapped stitch, knit the wrapped stitch making sure to pick up the wrap, k1, wrap and turn. (DONE, but not sure if correct)
Row 8: Purl to the wrapped stitch, purl the wrapped stitch making sure to pick up the wrap, p1, wrap and turn (DONE, but not sure if correct)
Repeat Rows 7 and 8 eighteen more times. Don’t worry if you lose count; you’ll know you’re done when you wrap and turn the stitches right next to the marker! (NOT COMPLETED)
You’ve finished the short rows!
”
I have found many helpful wrap and turn short row tutorials/videos for this cowl and can do them well, but as this is the first time i have ever used them in a project, I am:
One: Not following why these 18 more short rows are necessary/what they do for the cowl
Two: Not sure how ‘short’ these last 18 rows should be.
Do I go back and forth maybe 4-6 stiches*, wrap and turn and repeat? Or do I go the whole way around to the stitch marker, knit, wrap and turn, go the whole way around to the stitch marker, purl, wrap and turn, and repeat this 18 more times?
I am so so sorry how incredibly confused I am, I wish I didn’t have to bother you, but I have wanted to knit this cowl since I started knitting 3 months ago (I’m a fast learner :P)
I will try to do just this part on straight needles as I only have one 40cm/16″ cable, there maybe a swatch pattern you could write up if that wouldn’t be too hard?
Thank you so very much for any help you can give me, I’d love to continue and finish this lovely cowl :3
Regards,
Sera Lea
Hi Sera Lea,
The short rows are designed to build a triangle of fabric that gives this cowl its shape. You start out knitting rows that are only 3, 5, 7, 9… stitches; each repeat of Rows 7 and 8 makes the row longer, so that by the end you are actually knitting almost all 89 stitches. They are not called short rows because they’re “short” but because they don’t reach the end of the round (or row). You should not be passing the stitch marker when you work the short rows. To practice, you can cast on 24 stitches, purl a row, knit 27, work Rows 6-8, then repeat Rows 7 and 8 until you get the hang of it!
Please let us know if you have any more questions and good luck!
Whitney
On this pattern, after decrease Round and knit 3 rounds it than says to repeat from * five more times.
I don’t see the asterick (*) on my pattern. Could you tell me where it is supposed to be.
Thank You!
Hi Kay,
The asterisk is at the beginning of the Decrease Round. Here’s what it looks like in the pattern:
*Decrease Round: Knit to two stitches before the first marker, k2tog, slip marker, knit to the next marker, slip marker, ssk, knit to end of round. (2 stitches decreased)
I hope you see it! Thanks for asking and please let us know if you have any other questions!
Whitney
did I miss a line where markers should be put to stop the
short rows?I kept going thinking you meant the marker for
begining row is where I should stop,but that’s alot more than 18X
the short rows.
Thanks
Hi Barbara,
You didn’t miss a line! You do use the beginning-of-the-round marker to indicate the end of the short rows, and it’s true there are more than 18 short rows: there are 36! Because you “repeat Rows 7 and 8 eighteen more times”, you’re actually working 18 x 2 rows.
I hope this gets you on the right path. Please let us know if you have any more questions and thanks so much for this one!
Whitney
I’m having trouble understanding R7 – Knitting into the wrapped stitch and making sure to pick up the wrap. Can you explain it in more detail?
Hi Marty,
Have you checked out our Short Rows Tutorial? It’s right here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2008/06/18/short-rows/ and it has photos and step by step instructions for Picking up the Wrapped Stitch on both the knit and purl sides.
If you’re still confused, please let us know and we’ll try to get to the bottom of the problem!
Thank you for your question!
Whitney
Thanks for the pattern! Have made this several times now for friends. Wanting to make a slightly larger version. Casted on 99 instead of 89 and increased all knits by 10 as well. However, for starting the short rows, should I still just purl 3? I noticed that if I purl 13 that it makes the rows way off center.
Where do you get the pattern in English please?
Hi Alison-
This page is the pattern in English. If you’d like to print it you can copy and paste the information into a Word or Text doc and print from there. I know this isn’t ideal and we’re working on it, but right now this is the best way to print one of our patterns.
Thank you!
Molly
I have started this pattern twice (it’s fairly easy to follow) but 36 short rows of doing 7 and 8 combined do not take you to the marker, has anyone else encountered this?
I had the same problem as well. I stopped counting my rows and continued doing short rows until I reached the marker. When I finished the instructions the cowl came out way longer than it’s supposed to be. I can’t seem to figure out what I did wrong.
Hello Lisa!
Did you get a chance to measure your row gauge and stitch gauge? That very well could be the issue. Another thing to mention is that each time you pick up the wrapped stitches, you should knit or purl one past that wrapped stitch and then wrap and turn the following stitch. This means that only every other stitch is involved in any wrap and turn. Please feel free to call us or email at [email protected] if you have further questions.
Alyson
Hi Jennifer,
I have not heard reports of this, nor have I experienced it. How many stitches do you have remaining when you’ve completed the short rows? Are you definitely starting with 81 stitches? Are you remembering to work one stitch past the picked up wrap and then wrapping and turning? Are you repeating Rows 7 and 8 a total of 19 times (i.e. “18 more times”)?
Fill us in on some details and hopefully we can get you on the right path!
Whitney
Hi, this happened to me, too.
I knitted to the stitch marker coming in from the right and still had 2 stitches left on the left side of my stitch marker. I ended up just leaving them because it didn’t seem wonky or lopsided, and I had the right number of stitches in my round. I’m almost done with decreases now and am just thinking I might rip it all out and try again because *i* know I messed something up. Lol! Any ideas? Thanks!
Hi Susan!
I totally understand it when you know something’s not quite right! If you can’t find an obvious spot where the stitches got off, it probably doesn’t matter too much. If you do end up starting over, just be extra sure that the decreases at the beginning and the very first wrap and turn are placed in exactly the right place.
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
dear Molly,
I’ m trying to knit the pattern.. I can’t understand rows 5-6..
row 5: knit 42, wrap and turn, and then p3 wrap and turn, so we have 2 wrapped stitches.. then I have to knit to which of this 2 wrapped stitches? Can you explain with more details?
kindly, Zoe
Hi Zoe,
If you work Rows 5 and 6 you will see that there is only wrapped stitch available to pick up the wrap and knit, and that’s the one from Row 5. The reason the Row 6 wrapped stitch isn’t even an option is because when you start Row 7, Row 6’s wrapped stitch is the first stitch on the right needle (not the left needle!).
Give it a try and let us know if you’re still confused. We’ll be happy to get you on the right path!
Whitney
I love the cowl! Do you have a pattern in crochet? I do not knit.
Hi Gay!
Unfortunately, we don’t have a pattern quite like this unique cowl written for crochet.
We do have some lovely crochet patterns, though! Here are a couple:
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/09/19/whits-knits-crocheted-rib-cowl/
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2012/02/05/whits-knits-two-color-crocheted-cowl/
Thanks for your question!
Thomas
Love this pattern! It turned out beautifully and didn’t take much time. Thanks so much!! I will be making more of these for Christmas gifts:)
Hi!
I’m having a hard time with the short rows. I’ve ripped this out three times already and am hoping I’m doing it right.
When I do my wrap and turn/pick up the stitch, do I knit the stitch separate from the wrapped stitch, then k1 (or p1), or knit both together then k1 (or p1)?
I’m unclear and before I go further thought I should ask – thanks!
Hi Adrien,
First of all, keep in mind that you won’t pick up the stitch until you knit back to it; after turning you’ll just begin knitting or purling back across the row. When you get back to the wrapped stitch, you’ll pick up the wrap and knit it or purl it together with the stitch it is wrapped around. Then you’ll knit the next stitch and wrap the following.
Hope this helps!
Thomas
I’m confused with row 7. Can you tell me how many stitches need to be knitted before reaching the wrapped stitch? And then again with row 8, how many stitches need to be purled before reaching the wrapped stitch? From there I think it will be easy to understand the rest.
Hi Haley!
The first couple of rows can definitely be challenging, but then you’ll sink right into the rhythm! For Row 7, you’ll knit 3 stitches to get back to the wrapped stitch. Then you’ll pick up the wrap and knit it together with the next stitch, and knit 1 more stitch. That means that after wrapping again, you’ll have 5 stitches to purl before picking up again. Each following short row will have 2 extra stitches to knit or purl between the wraps.
Hope this helps! Happy Knitting!
Thomas
Hello there,
I have made this once before and my mom made it at the same time. I am a new knitter (less than 3 months) but it actually came out great. Since I loved it so much I wanted to make it with a better yarn. But I have a question about the repeats on the decrease round. It turns out my mom and I interpreted the directions differently and I want to make sure I do it correctly this time.
You work the decrease round and then it says to knit 3 rounds. Then it says to repeat the decrease round 5 more times. My question is, do the 3 knit rounds also get repeated each time?
The first time I made it I only repeated the decrease round 5 more times but my mom repeated the decrease and the 3 knit rows 5 times. I hope my question makes sense. Love this pattern! Thank you!
Hi Jenny!
You should repeat the decrease round and the 3 rounds following it 5 more times (twenty more rows). The pattern reads to repeat from the * 5 more times, which includes the 3 regular rounds.
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
Hi Purlbee,
I am in love with this pattern. I really really want to make it for my 15 month old daughter. No pulling as someone in the comments pointed out. Would it work if I use 3.5 mm (4) needles with the same number of stitches?? Or 4.5 mm ??
Hi Aisha!
I can’t say for certain which size will give you exactly the right size for your daughter. I would err on the larger size, and only go down a little in gauge. It’s much better if the cowl is a little big on your 15 month old than if it is too small!
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
Hi!
When it says Repeat from * five more times (in reference to the decrease), does this include “Knit 3 rounds” between the decrease rows? Or just the decrease?
Thanks! Cowl is turning out beautifully!
Hi Elli,
The repeat here refers to all 4 rows: the decrease row and the following 3 rows.
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
I’ve made three of the bandana cowls and love them. I’ve noticed that after worn for awhile, the neck starts to loosen up a bit. Is it possible to had change the pattern and begin with a “cuff” so that the cowl hugs your neck ? Is there any other solution?
Hi Maureen!
You could simply continue doing a couple more repeats of the decreases, or you could do a rib stitch at the top if you’d like!
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
I have a problem similar to Susan (11/22/14):
I reached the marker on the short rows 6 stitches sooner on the knit side than I did on the purl side. So, I must have forgotten to knit another after knitting the wrap 6 times. What should I do? I have 81 stitches.
Hi Kay!
On the bright side, you only missed the extra stitch on 3 rows, becasuse with the extra stitch and the wrapped stitch, you move 2 stitches over each row! The other bright side is that the number of stitches doesn’t change throughout the short rows, so you have the right number of stitches. The worst that is going to happen is that the slope of the bottom edge might be just a smidge different, but I think it’ll be hard to find!
I’d personally continue onwards!
Thomas
When I started the short rows I decided not to try to count as the pattern indicates a repeat 18 times. I have repeated well over 18 and am not to the marker yet! How many stitches should I have when I finish the short rows?
Susan
Hi Susan!
The stitch count doesn’t change at all during the short row section. If you have a different number of stitches, something has gone awry. Also, make sure that each row “eats up” 2 more stitches – the one that you knit after picking up the previous wrap, and the next wrapped stitch. In other words, there should be one regular knit stitch column between each column that has a wrapped stitch. If you are doing this correctly, each repeat (two rows) will use an extra 4 stitches out of the round.
Hope this helps!
Thomas
Hello,
I have never taken a knitting class or anything (have just learned from the internet / tutorials and such), am confident in knits / purls / working in the round, but I’m really struggling with these short rows.
Could you clarify in concept how this pattern is supposed to work? I’m assuming that we are starting from the bottom point and working up? That means that the short rows fill in the triangle in front?
I understand the tutorial of short rows, but am having trouble understanding how they fit into this exact pattern, and what it’s supposed to look like while in progress.
Please advise, thank you!
Hi there!
You are correct! The short rows are worked just above the bottom garter stitch edge, and they fill in a triangle just as you mentioned.
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
Hi Thomas, Thanks for your help earlier, I have finished and it worked out exactly right with the number of stitches according to the pattern. Yes!!
Now, to bind off:
I’m reading lots of opinions about binding off- In the pattern Erin said she binds off loosely in purl on a 15. I have never tried the Zimmerman bind off- you have a link to it on your site- it is indicated to be stretchier for a neckline. What do you think??
Also, I don’t have the “Soak” wash. Is there something you recommend that I can get at the store? Or just use water?
Thanks!
Hi Kay!
Either bind-off is a great option! I personally like the ease of doing a regular bind-off, but loosely. In the absence of a “rinse-free” type of wash, you can always block in just water.
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
hi. I am unclear if at the end I am supposed to do the 3 knitted rows 5 times as well as the decreased row? That is what I have been doing but I think it may not be correct?
Hi Carmela!
You are correct! You should be repeating both the decrease round, and the 3 rounds following it.
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
Have got to decrease row but do not know what ssk means, can you help. Love this pattern once I figured it out. Thanks Sue.
Hi Sue-
ssk means slip, slip, knit. We have a video tutorial about it here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/08/13/slip-slip-knit-ssk-2/
Thanks for getting in touch and please let us know if you need any more help.
Best-
Molly
Hi, I got as far as row 6, but on row 7 where it says, “knit to the wrapped stitch” I am not sure how to tell which stitch is the wrapped stitch. It doesn’t look any different than any other stitch. Do I need to place a marker? Which side do I place it on? Thanks!
Hi Sabrina!
A removable marker might help, just be sure to move it aside each time you do a new row. As far as finding the wrapped stitch, there is often a noticeable gap between the stitches on the needle next to the wrapped stitch, and you should also see and extra “purl bump” around the stitch that is wrapped.
Thanks for your question!
Thomas
Hi there,
I just finished making this but the neck turned out too wide. I did mess up a bit on the decreased because I wasn’t sure but I read the comments so next time I’ll know. My question is, what thickness of yarn should I be using? I originally tried with number 5 bulky (which wasn’t that bulky compared to a different brand) and then tried with a number 4. The number 4 turned out better minus the mistakes I did, but I’m not sure if the neck would decrease that much since we are only decrease every 4th row. Another question, if I wanted to use a super bulky yarn how would I adjust the pattern to this, if at all. I read other replies that you can’t adjust the pattern but really I guess I’m trying to figure out how to set up the round with the 3 markers if I were to use less stitches? Are they places at mathematical points, for example 1/3 of the way and then 3/4 of the way.. Does that make sense?
Thanks! Hopefully that’s not confusing!
Danielle
Hi Danielle!
“Number 4” yarn is definitely closer to what is called for, I think. The original yarn called for is an “Aran Weight” which is basically a thick worsted. It’s between a 4 and a 5. As far as adjusting the pattern, I’m not sure I would suggest it. However, the decreases at the top just need to start nearer to the back of the neck (less than 1/4 the way from the beginning of round, and likewise less than 1/4 from the end of round).
Any french translation ?
Hi Castor-
Unfortunately none of us speak French well enough to translate patterns. Sorry we can’t be of more help!
Best-
Molly
Hello!
I am actually clear on the short rows but have a more basic question. In round 2, when you’re doing the decrease, do you slip the 2 stitches past a Purl stitch, as it is a purl round, or pass them over a knit stitch and then continue in purl?
I love this pattern by the way! So cute and a great piece for the winter!
Best,
Alexis
Hi Alexis!
When you are on the purl round, the decrease is still a “knit.” You’ll be purling across, then you’ll bring the yarn to the back, slip the two stitches together (like performing a k2tog but slip instead), and then knit the next stitch. Then you’ll pass the two stitches over the knit stitch, bring the yarn forward, and continue purling.
Hope this clarifies! Thanks for your question!
Thomas
Help! My neck came out very large. I looked at many photos on Ravelry and the Bandana Cowl was more snug around the neck than mine is. I want to make another out of Tosh Vintage with a size 10 needle but don’t want another low neck.
Thanks for any help!
Hi Jarrelle!
The only way that your neck would come out so large is if your gauge is somewhat large. I would suggest experimenting with needle size until you have a smaller gauge; then your Bandana Cowl will fit perfectly!
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
Hi Molly,
I want to make this out of Manos Maxima and have purchased a beautiful colorway of it. Does this cowl take the whole skein or will I have a significant portion left over? If there wld be some left over, do you have any recommended modifications that would use most of the yarn?
Thanks!
I cant wait to start this cowl!
Hi Tiffany!
This pattern does use almost exactly 130 yards. If you like, you are more than welcome to knit a few more rows before beginning the decreases to make a somewhat fuller cowl!
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
Hi…
Quick question, my cowl is “curling” as though the cast-on edge is too tight; I’ve tried casting on very loosely and with a larger needle size (US 11) but it still happens. will this block out or should I try again with an even larger needle size? I’m using a long-tail cast on.
Thanks,
Maggie
Hi Maggie!
Blocking should definitely help with this issue! I can’t say for certain that the curling is caused by your cast on or not – a lot of the cowl is stockinette stitch, which tends to curl on its own anyway.
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
Hello,
Lovely pattern, and I’ve enjoyed learning the new skill of short rows. I’ve come to the end of the short rows, and I found myself with 90 stitches. Not sure how, all the seams look ok to me. The two issues I am having with the count is 1: with an even number of stitches, I have a gap in my first round after finishing the short rows. 2: I’m not sure how to do my set-up round. Any help is appreciated. I’d just really like to avoid tearing back at this point- especially since I can’t see the source of my mistake.
Thanks!
Hello Michelle,
We’re so glad you liked the pattern! Let’s try and get you sorted out. When you refer to a gap, do you have an actual hole in the work somewhere? Is it at the beginning of the cowl or at the end of the short rows at the top? Is this the set up row you’re referring to? “Set-up Round: K18, place marker, k45, place marker, knit to end of round.” Let us know what you are having trouble about that row–its only purpose is to mark where you will be doing your decreases. Feel free to email us at [email protected] if you have any further questions!
Alyson
Well I think I just accidentally figured out a way to make a childrens cowl! When doing the short rows, and picking up the wrapped stitches I was accidentally picking up the wrapped stitch and the stitch that came before it, decreasing without realizing.
I would pick up the wrapped stitch, bringing it over the stitch before it and then knitting them both together.
I was confused when I reached the end of the short rows with only 40 stitches, but I finished the pattern without decreasing at all and using a stretchy bind-off and it fits my 5 year old sister like a dream. Oops?
Hello Fern-
Wow! Great idea to use your smaller cowl for a child! To make an adult size, just knit the stitch before the wrapped stitch like normal and only knit the wrap and the stitch its wrapped around together! Happy knitting!
Alyson
Question: I love this cowl and really want to try it in cashmere (regular wool is really itchy for me) but I’m still really learning to knit. I know all the basics but don’t want to spend a lot of money on yarn for a project that will be over my head. Thought?
Hi Mary Lee-
I would recommend reading through the pattern and clicking through to the short row tutorial as well to make sure you are comfortable with everything. This is not a beginner pattern but if you are determined to knit it it can be done! I would also recommend looking at the comments because many common questions have been answered here!
Thanks for getting in touch and please let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly
Can you help with instruction . . .
Set up round done in all pearl?
Thank you.
Hi Kelly-
I’m not sure I understand your question. For the set up round you simply purl all of the stitches. If this doesn’t answer your question please let me know!
Thanks!
Molly
I’m making this for a man who has a large head and I’m concerned it’ll be too small. Is there an easy way to size this pattern up? Thank you!
Hi Laura-
There is not an easy way to size this up except to knit it with a larger yarn. But be careful, you only will only want the gauge to be a tiny bit larger, otherwise it will end up huge!
Thanks for your question!
Molly
Measurement from top to bottom, counting from the front, point?
Hi Marie-
Yes that’s correct, it is 12-inches counting the point.
Thank you!
Molly
thank you so much for your prompt reply. Just finished the cowl and surprise, surprise it came out to the exact measurements…..still have to practice my wrapped stitch a bit but if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!
Thank you for this lovely pattern.
Hello,
I’ve made this cowl three times now, and I always end up with a little hole at the base of the neck (where the two wrapped stitches met by the stitch marker). No matter how I try to pick up those wraps, I still end up with the little hole, which I end up just plugging up when I weave in. I feel as though I always pick up the first wrap before the stitch marker successfully (the way I did it in the short rows) but since the next wrap after the stitch marker was made on the purl side, I’m unclear as to how to pick it up neatly from the knit side. I tried the “knit through the back loop” solution that was suggested in an earlier comment, but I still have the little hole. In the picture it’s pretty seamless. Help?
Hi Aaron,
Thank you for the comment! This is something that happens with short rowing a piece like this. Since you are short rowing from different directions until two stitches next to each other there will always be a small hole there. We generally just fill it in when weaving in the ends. I recommend the horizontal option for weaving in the ends like we do in our blog tutorial. I find this is the best way to close up that hole for cleanest finished results. If you’d like to reference our tutorial for this technique you can do so here; https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2011/07/14/weaving-in-your-ends/
I hope this helps and feel free to write back if you have anymore questions!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
I fixed this issue by making one stitch from the bottom border, then knitting it together with my next stitch. Worked like a charm!
when S2KPO on the purl row, do you Slip 2 stitches together knitwise, knit 1, pass the 2 slipped stitches over the knit stitch and then continue on with the purl stitch? Is that correct?
Hi Knittermom23,
Thank you for the comment! Yes you still want to do all the S2KPO as knitwise slip stitches, even in the purl row. This will keep all the stitches twisting the same direction.
I hope this clarifies things and feel free to respond if anymore questions should arise!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
I love this pattern and have made it four times! I would like to make this for a man. You touched on this with another poster. Can you give me an example of what larger type of yarn to use and what size needle? Thanks!
Hi Lilo,
Thank you for the comment! You can use our Purl Soho’s Super Soft Merino yarn which knits up nicely on a size US 13 needle. You can browse our color selection here; https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8944-Purl-Soho-Super-Soft-Merino
I hope this helps and feel free to respond if you’d like anymore suggestions or have any questions!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
Hi,
What a wonderful patttern…
Thank you for making this patttern free.
I am thinking about record and send a vídeo wearing the cowl I’ve knitted to youtube. Do I need to add the link to purlbee.com in the description or add a frame in the vídeo?
Hi Alexandre,
Thank you so much for asking! Yes, please do link directly to the pattern in the video’s description on YouTube. We can’t wait to see it!
Whitney
Hi again, Whitney!
Thank you for your answer!
Here is my video:
https://vimeo.com/134653949
Hi, I love this pattern but I am a beginner and I’m lost at row5 when I had to wrap and turn. I was really confused. What does knit 42, wrap and turn mean??
Hi Caryn,
“Wrap and turn” is the language knitting patterns use for what are called “short rows.” To learn all about short rows, including how to wrap and turn, please check out our Short Rows Tutorial: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2008/06/18/short-rows/
Please let us know if you have any questions and good luck!
Whitney
As with Caryn’s previous post I too am having some difficulty at “Row 5”. Question: after I K42, wrap & turn- do I continue knitting back to marker? Or do I K42, wrap & turn then immediately P3 and then wrap& turn again. Checked out tutorial of course but doesn’t seem to answer my question.
Thank you for your help!
Gina Christina
Hello Gina Christina,
The latter of your suggestions is correct. Instead of knitting the entire round, for the short rows you will be only knitting a central portion of the cowl in order to make the front point. You will K42, wrap & turn and then immediately P3 and wrap & turn again. This will essentially push down the work into the point of the bandana. Please don’t hesitate to write if you are still confused! Thanks!
Hello Gina,
Thank you for writing us! You will knit 42 stitches, wrap and turn, purl back three stitches and then wrap and turn again. After you wrap and turn, the knit side should be facing you. You will knit across to the wrap and turn, pick up the wrap and then knit 1 and wrap and turn again. Repeat this process until you wrap and turn at the beginning of round marker. Working wrap and turns creates more fabric in one area than in the other areas of the knit. In this case, it is making the point of the cowl. I hope this is clear! Happy knitting!
Best,
Adam
I want to make 2 of these for my nephews. They have that awesome western/bandit/outlaw look that little boys love so much. They are skateboarders and I think these will provide them with a cool piece of flair that helps them stand out style-wise and is suitable for their sport. Is there any reason why I couldn’t just decrease the number of cast-on’s to create the same cowl in a smaller size? Of course I would have to calculate the other parts of the pattern, like where to place markers. etc.
i love this cowl, and the helpful links with instructions to the complicated stitches.
I am pretty new to knitting and I have messed up the front triangle a few times. Any chance you could add an intro to practice that central part and short rows – maybe with 19 stitches?
Thanks for sharing this great pattern!
Hello Margo!
We’re so glad you like the pattern! Which part exactly are you having trouble with? The decreases at the start of the pattern? The short rows? Let us know so we can better assist you! Thanks! -Alyson
I’ve made this cowl many times now and love knitting it and giving it as gifts but I’m doing more than rows 7 and 8 18 times is that normal? I seems like I do about 39 or 40 to get to the beginning marker. Thank you for assisting me.
Karen
Hello Karen!
Rows 7 and 8 should be repeated 18 times. That totals out to 36 rows of short rows. Make sure that each time after you pick up and knit the wrapped stitch you knit or purl one stitch deeper into the border and then wrap and turn. That way you’ll be inching along the border and creating the point of the cowl at a gradual pace.
Best of luck and let me know if you have more questions! -Alyson
Do you (decrease row then knit for three rows) 5 more times? Or do you just do 5 more decrease rows?
Hello Marissa!
You’ll need to include the 3 knit rows in each repeat so that the decreasing occurs gradually. Follow your first suggestion!
Best of luck! -Alyson
Hola
Me agrado su labor lo podrán traducir al español.
Gracias
Hola Mary!
Ojala que algun dia podriamos! Gracias por visitar nuestro sitio web.
Ciao! -Alyson
Hi – LOVE the pattern, but I am new to knitting and somehow I keep winding up with DOUBLE the number of short rows! It looks like I am doing the stiitches correctly as it looks nice, but I am beyond frustrated that I cannot figure out what I am doing wrong. Assistance would be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you!
Hello Julie,
This one can be a doozy, especially for your first short row project. When you mean they are coming out double, are you saying that the tip of the bandana is coming out twice as long?
Keep in mind that when it says: “Repeat Rows 7 and 8 eighteen more times” that will yield a total of 36 rows, since you’re repeating a sequence of two rows, eighteen times.
Also as the pattern says, “Don’t worry if you lose count; you’ll know you’re done when you wrap and turn the stitches right next to the marker!”
Let me know if you are still having any issues and we’ll be happy to work them out with you! Thanks for writing in! -Alyson
Hi, thanks for your help and I already successed knitting one. If I would like to cast on 69 sets with bulky yarn,how?
Thanks.
Hello Caryn,
What a fun idea to make one of these quick cowls with chunkier yarn! Since you will be slightly changing the gauge of the pattern, I would recommend you make a sample swatch to see how many stitches per inch you can get with the yarn you want to use. You don’t want the cowl to lose its effect by being too loose around your neck!
If you change the cast on to 69 I would follow the same decreasing section at the start of the cowl which will decrease a total of 8 stitches. Then instead of knitting 42 before you start your short rows, I would knit 35 and then continue the short row instructions. Keep in mind you won’t have the same number of rows repeated throughout this section, but just continue them until you are at the marker.
Hope this helps and let us know if you need anything else! -Alyson
I bought the pattern but it was not finish, my pattern went up to rnd7 but there is more. I had to ask someone with more experience. I think I paid about 6 dollars for the pattern. I was upset.
Hello Rosanne,
This pattern is free and available on our blog at all times. We’re so sorry you weren’t able to access the entire pattern. Have you found the link now? Here’s the full pattern: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2011/10/11/sweet-stitching-with-erin-bandana-cowl/
Best of luck! -Alyson
First of all, thanks for a beautiful pattern, it’s amazing. And for my question, could I do this pattern with the magic loop technique? I’ve never tried it so I’m not sure how it would work on a project like this. Where I live (Mexico) I can’t get a hold of shorter circulars other than 32inch long ones. Thanks again!
Hello Ana!
Of course you can find a way that you can make it work! We’re so glad you like this pattern! Instead of magic loop, I would maybe recommend using two circular needles at once parallel to each other so that you don’t have to strain the knitting, especially during the short row section. Give it a shot and let us know how if goes! Enjoy! -Alyson
Thanks a lot for your help! I’m knitting it with the magic loop technique and that is working just fine, I just have a problem, that it’s probably not that bad, but I’m worried it will make my cowl look weird: I’m almost done with the short rows but when I set my work flat on a table but folded in the midline the tip is extremely curved back! And if I just hold it up in the air the whole front of the cowl is either super concave or convex (depending on whether you look at it from the wrong or the right side) 🙁 I’ve tried changing the yarn and the tension of my stitches and the result it’s practically the same (I’ve started and restarted this pattern like 5 times now) I also cast on my stitches on a slightly bigger needle to try and get a different tension. The first cowl I did I finished but with larger needles and thicker yarn, and got a similar shape without casting on a bigger needle first, but now that I’m using smaller needles and lighter yarn I just can’t get the lovely shape it was intended to have for some reason. I wonder if you know why this might be happening and if you could give any advice based on your experience. Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to all of us knitting enthusiasts, it’s always helpful and very encouraging. Greetings from Mexico!
It’s me again… I figured out what I did wrong, besides noticing that the front of the cowl was longer than it should’ve been, I’ve now read the pattern carefully and noticed I didn’t K1 before w&t the next stitch (such a silly mistake!), so I ended repeating rows 7&8 more than 18 times, I didn’t bother counting all the extra stitches I did but it’s definitely more than 36. I hope no one else has this issue, but if some one does, I felt I had to write about it here. I’ll start over and I’m almost sure I’ll get it right this time. Thank you for a wonderful design!
Hello again!
That would certainly make a difference! I’m so glad you figured out the error! Best of luck! -Alyson
Hello Ana!
Thanks for writing in from Mexico! Some curvature isn’t unexpected at all since you are manipulating the fabric with the short rows. What type of yarn did you use? If you used anything with animal fiber, it should respond well to blocking. Take a look at our tutorial here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2006/11/13/blocking/
It doesn’t seem like you’ve done anything wrong. When I made it my point came out slightly curved too. Blocking and wearing totally helped! I hope this helps you–let us know how it goes! -Alyson
Hi: I love the cowl. I have some Cloud yarn and have knitted the first 5 rows. I am not a beginner having knit hats, socks, vests and sweaters, but I cannot conceptualize how the short rows make the “tube.” Are we knitting up one side of the neck first? Is there a schematic or graph? Feeling stumped and silly.
Hello Wendy!
Thanks for writing in! This cowl definitely has a unique construction! We don’t have a graph developed at the moment, but I’ll do my best to explain it in words. If you have more questions, please never hesitate to write in again!
The cast on edge becomes the foundation for the bottom border of the entire cowl. The decreases bring the stitches in towards the middle to start the tip of the point. The short rows go back and forth in order to push the tip down and continue to establish the body of the cowl. During the short rows, the only fabric created at the back of the neck of the cowl is the border. Once you’re done with the short rows, you’ll start the decreasing and continue working the cowl back in the round.
Thanks for writing in and I hope this helps! -Alyson
I have a question.. when it says repeat row 7 and 8 18 times it doesn’t make sense bc its way more than that to reach the beginning marker bc it says don’t worry about counting bc you will know when your done when you reach the maker.. what I am I missing? thank you!
Hello Sharon!
In order to reach the marker, you should have to do 36 total short rows (comprised of 18 repeats of row 7 and 8). Since the short rows start in the middle of the front of the cowl and each row only incorporates two additional stitches into the short row section, you should need this many rows to reach the stitch marker. Once you begin the short row section it hopefully will be easier to visualize.
Don’t hesitate to write in again if this didn’t quite answer your question! Thanks for writing in! -Alyson
for the s2kpo, for the po’d stitches, do you continue according to the nature of the round. for example: if i slip them over in a knit row do i continue knitting them, and then vice versa if it’s a perl row?
Hello Joy!
I’m slightly confused by your question, but I’m guessing that the confusion lies about where you do the short rows and where you knit in the round. During the section of decreases in the border rows, you will be knitting in the round. As you get to these stitches in a round that doesn’t include decreases, knit or purl them according to the instructions of that row.
I hope this helps! Don’t hesitate to write in again! -Alyson
i’m having some trouble understanding row 7, though the tutorial was helpful, row 7 says ” knit to the wrapped stitch” i think this means to knit the 3 stitches i just purled. the part i don’t understand is then it says, “knit the wrapped stitch making sure to pick up the wrap” is the wrapped stitch this next stitch after the three i just knit, OR is it those two wonky things on the knit piece? it would be so helpful to have a picture right before the first on your “picking up the wrapped stitch” tutorial to see where it’s coming from
Hello Joy!
You’re correct in saying that the first time you repeat Row 7, you will be knitting the 3 stitches you just purled in Row 6. The wrapped stitch will be the next stitch after these 3 stitches. The reason Row 7 is written like that is because you will be repeating it and using it throughout the short row sections, so you will continually have more than 3 stitches in the previously purled section as you go along. Does that make sense?
Picking up the wrapped stitches means that you should knit the yarn that is around the stitch that you wrapped with the actual stitch, so that you don’t make any holes. Review our tutorial here for further guidance, and don’t hesitate to write in again should you have more questions! https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2008/06/18/short-rows/
Best of luck! -Alyson
I’ve just finished making this cowl for my boyfriend. I’d like to block it in the hopes that it’ll slouch a bit more like the photos, however, I’ve never blocked anything before.
I checked out a few things online and get the basic idea but what would be the best way to go about it for this pattern as everything I’ve seen is one flat peace being blocked not a round.
Thanks!!
Hello Cerah!
Yes, blocking round objects can be challenging at times. I would recommend blocking this project flat and slightly stretching it. You can secure the stretched piece with safety pins or straight pins on a towel on your couch with some paper weights (if you don’t have blocking boards!).
Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! Best of luck! -Alyson
Thank you for the beautiful pattern and for answering so many questions. I’m having a problem with the short rows. Where do I actually start working them?
When I finish with row 4 the point of the bandana is on the opposite side of my needles. If I started working row 5 where I am I would do the wrap and turn right at the point of the bandana. From your photos it looks like the wrap and turn happen on the sides and not right at the point.
What am I doing wrong?
Hello Jodi!
No the short rows should be right on top of the point! There are some decreases later that will happen more on the sides. This might be what you’re seeing in the photos. It sounds like you’re right on track! Keep up the good work! -Alyson
I went to the link connected to the Bandana Cowl Pattern for the Wrap and Turn Tutorial, but the link is invalid. Can you fix this so we can enjoy your tutorial? Thank you.
Hello Lisette!
We’re so sorry the link wasn’t working! It should be back up and running now at this location: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2008/06/18/short-rows/
Best of luck and happy knitting! -Alyson
Hello! I’m at row 5 and am a bit stuck. I’ve knitted 42, then I did the wrap and turn. After the wrap and turn, am I supposed to knit all the way back to the stitch marker at the beginning of the cowl and then purl the three stitches and then knit up to the wrapped stitch, or do I purl 3 from that spot and then wrap and turn again, making row 6 only three stitches in total? Thank you!
Hello Hannah!
Great question! The second suggestion you made is correct. You won’t be knitting every stitch of the round until you finish the entire short row section. Please don’t hesitate to write in again if you hit any other snags! Best of luck! -Alyson
I love this cowl and I am planning to knit a couple of them but I have a question for you. Can I use a worsted weight yarn and needles 8-9? Would that affect the size ?
Thanks
Shirley
Hello Shirley!
It will definitely affect the size if you switch up the size of the needles. The pattern calls for a worsted weight yarn, so you should be able to get the gauge (4 stitches per inch) with that weight yarn. Depending on your tension, you may need to use size #9 needle if you’re by chance a loose knitter. Hope this helps and best of luck! -Alyson
Hello! I would like to make this cowl for my husband, but my gauge is off by 1/2 of a stitch! The gauge is supposed to be 1 in = 4 stitches and 6 rows, I am getting 1 in = 4.5 stitches and 6 rows. I think I could cast on 99 stitches instead of 89 stitches to get the right dimensions, but don’t know how to adjust the short rows part. I think it should be straight forward, but just don’t understand short rows well enough to figure it out myself. I tried going up to 10.5 needles but then I got 1 in = 4.25 stitches and 5 rows. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Hello Brittany!
It seems like you are a tight knitter! Don’t worry, I am too! I would recommend you going up further to a size 11 so that you can work on getting the right gauge. You are very close! This is a much easier method than re-writing the pattern and re-calculating all the short rows.
Give the US #11 needles a try and see what happens. Let us know how it goes! -Alyson
Hi,
I’m trying to knit the Bandana Cowl. I have done short rows before but never on a circular needle and never done W&T. I’m at row 5 and knitted the 42 sts. After I complete the wrap and then turn, once turning is that considered to be row 6 where I purl 3 and then wrap and turn? If not, after turning do I purl back to the start of the row stitch marker?
Thanks in advance for any help you can give me…Edgar
Hello Edgar!
The first suggestion you had is correct. The first time you do Row 6, you’ll just be purling 3 stitches and then doing another wrap and turn. By knitting more rows in the front center of the pattern, you are creating fabric that essentially pushes down the work into the point of the bandana. You won’t knit back to the start-of-the-row stitch marker until all the short rows are complete.
I hope this answers your questions and please don’t hesitate to write again if you need any other help! Thanks! -Alyson
Hi! I have never done short rows before, and just have a question! I understand how to do the “wrap and turn” part of it (row 5), but once you turn it do you go straight to purling 3 (row 6), or do you finish row 5 with knitting the rest of the rows?
Does this make sense? Thank you!
Oops, just realized I asked a question somebody else asked. Sorry. Thank you!
I’ve started this pattern four times and each time, when I get to the instructions for rows 5 through 8, I get stuck.
Row 5 instructs you to knit 45 wrap and turn – so a bit more than half the row, then Row 6 says to purl 3 wrap and turn, so at Row 7, knitting to the wrapped stitch should only be three knit stitches, then knitting the wrap. It seems like the short rows are too short, and we repeat these 18 times?!
“Row 7: Knit to the wrapped stitch, knit the wrapped stitch making sure to pick up the wrap, k1, wrap and turn.” So, I follow the instructions, but after the wrapped stitch, I’ve only knit one stitch which doesn’t seem right. Then: “Row 8: Purl to the wrapped stitch, (so that’s one stitch?) purl the wrapped stitch making sure to pick up the wrap, p1, wrap and turn.” — which seems like you’re only making one or two stitches…? I’d really like to make this, but the instructions at these two rows are just baffling me! (And yes, I’ve watched the tutorial for short rows.) I know it must be me, because all the other comments are saying how it comes out so well.
Help.
Hello Betsy!
This is a really tricky method if you’ve never done it before! Short rows are really short at the beginning, but this pattern requires you to integrate another stitch into each row as you go along which makes each row include more stitches than the last.
You’re right! Row 6 is only purling 3 stitches then wrap and turn. Row 7 knits those 3 stitches, picks up the wrap and knits it with the 4th stitch, knits another 5th stitch and then wraps and turns. That means the first time you knit Row 8 you’ll be purling across 5 stitches, picking up the wrap, purling one more, then wrapping and turning. Each row will include a couple more stitches than the row before it.
I hope this helps and please don’t hesitate to write in again! Best of luck! -Alyson
Never mind. I figured it out! (Amazing what a little coffee and clear head will do…)
One quick question though, when you block this, do you shape it as in the picture of the finished cowl, just before the “Similar Posts You Might Enjoy”? Or, would you shape it so that the point is in the middle? Not sure if I would make any difference. Thanks again!
Hi, Betsy!
Great question. I would block it so that the point is in the middle since that is how you’d be wearing it. Additionally, I think you’re right – with this particular garment I don’t think it matters how you block it!
Thanks for writing in and happy knitting!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
I love this but just discovered i have way too many sts on the needles after the wrap and turns. What did i do wrong? I have no clue! I’m at the end and its all wrong! How many sts on the needles after the wrap and turns are finished?
Hello Lauren!
During the wrap and turn section, you shouldn’t be increasing or decreasing the number of stitches at all. While you get up to the wrapped stitches make sure to knit together both the stitch that is wrapped and the yarn that is wrapping around that stitch. Take a look at our tutorial here and please write in again should you run into any more confusion! https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2008/06/18/short-rows/ Thanks! -Alyson
Hmm, i think i wasn’t picking up.the wrapped sts correctly.
Hi, I am now at the “knit three rounds, repeat 5 times” part of the pattern and I’ve noticed that only half of my cowl has the “hole” detailing from the W&T. Did I do something wrong? I did the W&T about 18 times until I got to the stitch marker (halfway around the piece) but then I stopped the W&T and continued knitting like normal. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
Lauren
Hello Lauren,
You shouldn’t have any holes from the W&T’s! Make sure to pick up the wraps along with the knit stitches so that you don’t create an extra stitch. Did you find that you were increasing stitches as you went along? With the short row technique, you shouldn’t be changing the total number of stitches.
That being said, you should be incorporating all of the stitches on your needles into the short row section before you start knitting straight. Please write back if you still have more questions! Best of luck! -Alyson
Hi,
Thank you so much for this beautiful pattern. I’ve never worked in short rows before so excuses for the silly question but, do I get it right that once I wrap and turn in row 5, row 6 starts?
Thank you again and congrats for the wonderful website,
Eva
I´ve just realised that you have answered this question to somebody else so disregard my question. I have a request, though: Could you post a video showing how to do the short rows, including the tricky step of picking up the wraps?
Thank you again,
Eva
Hi, Eva!
Thank you so much for writing in! As you noted, we don’t currently have a short row video, but I will definately put a request in for such a video! You are definately not alone in your desire for a good short row video! Again, thank you for your question! If you have further questions, please let us know!
Best,
Kumeko
Totally did the same thing a lot others have done and I thought I’d just make a comment to get some confirmation .. I knew my knit piece was wrong. I kept reading the pattern and the comments over and over convinced I was doing it right.
When you pick up the wrap and knit (or purl) it, that does NOT count as your K1 after you pick up.. so we should be picking up the wrap, knitting that to the stitch its placed next to, K1 and THEN wrap and turn.. ???
I hope thats correct. Good luck, everyone! I am unraveling and starting over.. 🙁
Hello Megan!
Yes this can be quite a tricky technique! The wrap should be knit together with the stitch that is wrapped around. Then you should be knitting one stitch plain and then creating another wrap and turn. Make sure that you’re not increasing or decreasing the total stitch number throughout this step. Thanks for writing in! -Alyson
Love the concept of this and plan to make it as is. However I have a huge stash of hand dyed sock weight yarn. Could this be converted? Or do you have a similar pattern?
Thanks
Hello, Judy!
Thank you for writing in! I am so glad that you like this pattern, it’s one of our most popular! Unfortunately, we don’t have a similar pattern for a sock weight yarn, but you could try holding two strands of the sock weight yarn together. I would try that and knit a sample swatch to see what gauge that gets you and if needed you could do a bit of adjusting with needle sizes to get the correct gauge. Happy knitting!
Best,
Kumeko
When doing the s2kpo on the purl side, do you move the yarn to the back before doing the s2kpo, or keep in in front, slip the stitches, then move the yarn to back before knitting the one stitch after the s2kpo?
Hi, Kathleen!
Thank you so much for writing in! I am terribly sorry about the delay in response to your comment! For the s2kpo you do move the yarn to the back before you slip the stitches, even on the purl rows. Doing it this way creates the pretty line of decreases at the point. Again, thank you so much for your question! If you have further questions please write back! Happy knitting!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
Ok, I’ve made it through the short rows (yes!) and just past the first decrease round. After that decrease round, the instructions say to “knit 3 round (or for 1/2 inch). Repeat from * five more times.”
Do these two sentences mean that after that first decrease round, I knit three regular rounds with no decreases (forming a 1/2 inch long stockinette stitch), and then after that, I knit a decrease round (per the * instructions) for the next five rounds?
Thanks for your patience and for what’s turning out to be a really fun new project!
I just looked at the photo of the finished cowl and I think I just figured out the answer to my own question. I do the first decrease round, then 3 normal knit rounds, then another decrease round, then 3 more normal knit rounds…and keep doing this (the decrease round followed by the 3 knit rounds counting as one “time”) for a grand total of 6 times before I finish with the alternative purl and knit rows, and then the bind off. Please tell me I’m right! 🙂 Thanks again!!
Ellen,
Hello and thank you for writing in. I am so excited to tell you that you are correct! Thanks again and happy knitting!!
Best,
Kumeko
Hi! I am going to make a bandana cowl for a friend, but the skein I have is only 90 yards. I want to make the garter stitch borders a different colour to make up for the lesser amount of yarn. Would I switch colours when I begin the short rows, until the pattern switches back to the purl/knit rows at the end? Thanks!
Hi Shawna,
Thanks for writing in! I love the idea of a 2 color version and some knitters have made the borders a different color from the body of the cowl. To achieve this, knit in one color until you reach the short row section and then switch to your second color. After completing the short row section and the straight section to lengthen the cowl, you will reach a section where you alternate purl and knit rows. Change back to your original color for these last 6 rows.
Happy knitting!
-Cassy
Hello!
Firstly, thanks for this pattern, I’m so in love with it!!
I’m a little lost after the short rows:
“Next Round: With the knit side facing you, knit to the marker, making sure to pick up the wrapped stitch. Continue with the knit side facing you, working again in the round. Knit 2 rounds, picking up the wrap of the first stitch.”
If I’ve picked up the wrap with the first knitted row, how is there another wrap on the 2 rounds afterwards?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Lauren,
Thanks for writing in and our apologies for the much delayed response. At the end of the row noted above. You will have picked up the wraps on only one side of the cowl. When you knit the next round, you will be picking up and knitting the wraps on the other side of the bandana.
I hope that this clears things up!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
How do you slip two stitched together?
Hi MB,
Thank you for your question. Are you asking how to slip two stitches together knit-wise as in S2KPO? If so, here is a link below:
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2011/10/11/sweet-stitching-with-erin-bandana-cowl/#sthash.TJMi77Vw.dpuf
If this isn’t what you are talking about, please let us know more details about the pattern you are working on.
Good luck!
Adam
I need help with the whole s2kpo thing- is there a tutorial?
Hi MB,
There is now! Please see below link:
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2016/03/14/slip-slip-knit-pass-s2kp/
I hope this helps!
Best,
Adam
I’m making this cowl and am not sure on row 5 (or any of the other rows that are wrap and turn) that after I do wrap and turn, do I purl all the way back or just purl 3 (row 6) and wrap and turn again. Hope you understand this question.
Thanks.
Hi Nancy,
Thanks for asking this question. I’m happy to clarify it for you. On row 5 you will knit 42 stitches, wrap and turn, and then purl three stitches. After purling three stitches, you will then wrap and turn purl-wise and knit until your wrapped stitch. When you get to your wrapped stitch you will then pick up the wrap and knit the wrap and the live stitch together. Below is a tutorial from our website for wrap and turn. Each row you will wrap and turn, k1 and then wrap and turn again, setting you up for the next wrap and turn. These wraps and turns create more fabric in one area and less in the other. Once you learn and master wrap and turn you’ll be hooked to short rows! I hope this explanation clarifies your question!
Short row tutorial.
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2008/06/18/short-rows/
Best,
Adam
Would the German method of wrap and turn affect the length of this cowl and if so how would I change the pattern. I have followed the pattern strictly, used Aran worsted and checked my gauge but after knitting twice , it is about 19″ long from point to finish. Thank you for sharing your comments.
Hi, Sandy!
Thank you for writing in! I don’t believe that the German method of wrap and turn (which is really cool) would affect the length the of the cowl and if it does, I doubt that it would increase the length by 7-inches! If you are certain that you followed the pattern exactly and that your gauge is correct, I am at a loss as to why your cowl is 19″ instead of 12″. Perhaps your tension may have loosened up as you were knitting. Or maybe it stretched after blocking? Did you block it?
I am sorry I couldn’t be of more assistance. Maybe someone in our knitting community will have some insight into this.
Again, thank you for writing in.
Best wishes,
Kumeko
I used the German short-row method as well, and got about halfway up the bandana before I realized my mistake. The German method uses the last stitch to from which to turn and work, if effect doubling the number of short rows. The method used in the pattern adds a stitch, then wrap-turns the stitch after that. Add an extra stitch to compensate, and the work should come out 12″ as expected. Good luck!
Hi,
This is my first time knitting something with short rows and after restarting a few times i finally figured it out. I finished knitting the cowl, but mine ended up being 18″ from top to bottom and 24 inches around the neck. What did i do wrong? I counted and have the right amount of short rows and decreases, so I am stumped.
Hello Lucie,
Thank you for writing us! I’m sure the cowl looks great! Firstly, the gauge depends on the type of yarn you are using and it is always a good idea to do a little gauge swatch before starting. You also might be a loose knitter, and this is OK! Just keep that in mind for future projects.
Best,
Adam
Thank you for your patterns. They are unmatched in their simplicity and excellence. I am a new knitter so I am practicing on cheaper wool before buying your yarn to make them as gifts. Any tips on how to adapt this pattern for a child? Specifically, a toddler who wears 4t and 5t clothes.
Thank you for helping us all be better knitters! Also, thank you for giving us minimalists a place to find beautiful patterns!
Hello Cancion,
Adapting a pattern like this is pretty easy. You will need to do a gauge swatch for the yarn you are using and multiply the stitches per inch. The cast on for this pattern is 20 stitches larger than the cast off and is an odd amount. Just be sure that your cast off is not too few stitches based on your gauge or else you will not be able to get it over the child’s head. I hope this helps you on your journey!
Best,
Adam
Just finished such a quick knit and falls perfect on Thanks for your free pattern
Hi, Sue!
Thank you for writing in! We are delighted that you enjoyed knitting this cowl!
Best,
Kumeko
I’d like to try this pattern using Cascade Yarns Eco Duo — 70% undyed baby alpaca and 30% undyed merino wool. (197 yds, 3/5 oz, 18 stitches = 4 inches, US #8 needle.
This is similar to the recommended Cascade Yarns Eco Cloud. Would I use the pattern needle recommendation US#10, Eco Cloud’s recommendation US#9, or the yarn’s needle recommendation US#8?
Thanks for your help.
Angie
Hi Angie,
Thanks for contacting us! The Bandana Cowl is knit on the looser side, so we used a 10 for maximum softness and drape. I think that you could certainly do this on an 8 or 9. Before you start the decreases at the neck, you should try the cowl on and omit them if you feel it’s necessary.
Best,
Adam
I am new to knitting and I found this super easy, fun, and quick to make. I am in love with my Bandana Cowl! I used LOOPS & THREADS Wool to Wash yarn for this pattern and I love the way it turned out!
Thanks so much for all the amazing patterns can’t wait to make more 🙂
Maddie
Is this cowl being started at the pointy (Bandana tip) end, or the upper neck edge?
Trying to visualize how it’s being created, as I’m a relatively new knitter!
Hi Olivia,
Thanks for the question! This cowl is cast on at the bottom edge and the pointy part is achieved with short rows. This is an advanced beginner cowl because it involves s2kp, knitting in the round, short rows and left and right decreases. If you feel up for it, I’d give it a shot! I’ve made about four of them and I love, love, love the pattern. Best of luck!
-Adam
Feel like I’m late to the bandana cowl party, but I have a beautiful skein of “Marjaana” yarn and would like to use it to for this cowl. Would you still use the 6mm/US10 needles to achieve roughly the same finished size? Apologies for what is probably a stupid question, but until recently I’ve just been a sort of free-form, make-it-up-as-I-go knitter and I’ve only recently started trying to follow patterns.
Hi Kezia,
You can never be late to the bandana cowl party! It’s one of my favorite projects. Marjaana is a worsted weight like the Alpaca Pure, so I think that you’ll be able to get gauge with a US 9 or US 10. I’d do a swatch in the round if you are worried about it. Thanks for writing us and let us know if you have any more questions!
-Adam
Oh…I think I figured it out…the bulky yarn should work just fine with a size 10 needle, or if I want it even “drapier” I could go up to an 11…and I can just add stitches in multiples of 4 according to how many inches I want to add…and the short rows shouldn’t be affected…I’m glad I studied this a little bit more! Please let me know if I’m incorrect with this thinking; thank you!
Hi Kathy,
Glad you figured it out! I think that if you up the needle size in combination with the yarn being larger than the original, you’ll get a size you want. Best of luck!
-Adam
hi, thanks for the lovely pattern, would it be possible to use dk weight for this as I have loads that needs using up? thanks
Hi Angie,
Great question! For this fun cowl we used a bulky weight. Two strands of DK weight held and knit together would roughly equal a bulky weight. I would recommend swatching with two strands of DK on the suggested US 10s and see if you like the fabric. If you like the resulting fabric, go ahead and knit the cowl as written!
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Hello!
Thank you for the nice pattern
Hope that you make in video!
I can’t make the cowl without video, help me please!
Hi there,
Thanks for writing in! Unfortunately we don’t have the resources at the moment to add a video tutorial to the pattern, but there are many tutorial links in the pattern that show you how to do the techniques required. Best of luck!
-Adam
Do you happen to have this pattern in toddler size? I made this for myself and love it, and know my niece would love it as well! I’m still fairly new to this and dont know how to size down patterns.
Hi Monica,
Thanks for writing in and for your kind words! At the moment we only have the pattern written in one size. We will certainly keep you request in mind as we develop future patterns!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
I’ve made it toddler sized by using US #6 (or #7 for my 4 year old) and a worsted weight yarn. It came out a great size following the pattern as written otherwise.
Quisiera saber como hacer la diminución con el punto revés. Se disminuir pero no puedo hacer el punto revés correteado. Por favor si pueden ayudarme con el patrón ya que no entiendo las explicaciones arriba.
Gracias
Hi Isabel,
Thanks for writing in. If Google Translate is correct, I think you are talking about the decreases. If you are having trouble with the decreases, YouTube has many tutorials in Spanish for SSK and K2tog. Let me know!
-Adam
I’ve managed the wrap, I think, but I lost count of rows. If I continue until I reach the marker, I will have worked through the 6 rows at the edge of the bandana. According to your picture, this is not right. Is the total number of wrapped rows 40 since the increase is for 18 rows knit and purl sides in addition to rows 7 & 8. Clearly, this will effect the edge rows. Your bandana cowl looks great and I’m determined to get it right. HELP. Thanks.
Hi Geri,
Thanks for writing in! This pattern is knit in the round, so there are no edges besides the cast on and bind off. When working the short rows in the round you will not reach your beginning of round marker until the very end of your short row repeat. This is because you are wrapping and turning from the center front and introducing more and more stitches as you continue wrapping and turning. Eventually you end up wrapping and turning just before the beginning of round marker on either side. Let me know if I can answer any other questions for you!
Best,
Adam
the Purl yarn I want to use is giving me a gauge of 3 stitches to the inch. has anyone done the calculations to the pattern for this change? I am going to cast on 67 not 89 and then figure it out as I go using the original pattern as template but it would be great if someone has already thought this out!
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for writing in. I have confidence that 67 stitches will get you a good looking bandana cowl at this gauge. Make sure to bind off loosely because at this gauge and cast on you are at about 22″ in circumference without decreasing. You might not even have to decrease for this cast on. This is one of my favorite patterns and I hope you’ll like it too!
-Adam
After doing the short row repeat 18 times, I am nowhere close to my marker? I’ve redone the pattern 3 times, following it exactly and I’m still ~20 more repeats until I’d reach the marker.
Hi Shelby,
Thanks for the question. Make sure you are repeating rows seven AND eight 18 more times. This actually translates into 36 rows total. Also, whether or not you repeat these two rows 18 times or not, you will stop short rowing when you reach the beginning of round marker. Another thing to look at is if you are knitting one stitch after picking up the wrap. If you are wrapping and turning directly after picking up the wrap you might end up with more short rows. It should all work out!
-Adam
Hi Susan,
Thanks for the comment! We don’t currently have a sport weight pattern for this project but since sport weight isn’t so far off from worsted weight, you can easily add about 10-20 more stitches on to the pattern and edit the center front decrease accordingly. If you go for it, let us know how it goes!
-Adam
I just frogged my cowl… I began to see long diagonal stitches when doing the short rows…” on the knit side edge”… I am doing something wrong when picking up the wrap stitch and knitting it?.. Pattern says knit the wrap stitch and then knit one..giving 2 stitches..correct? what could it be?The way I am picking it up?
I bought from Purl Soho ..a long time ago.. Swans Island Indigo bulky yarn… I am using it and now I have blue hands.. I would like to try this again but will i have a blue neck also after wearing it? Appreciate your help..benjia
Hi Benjia,
Thank you for writing in to us! The diagonal stitch could possibly be from how you are picking up the wrapped stitch. Be sure to refer to our short rows tutorial as a reference. As for the Swans Island Indigo bulky yarn, this is quite common with indigo dyed fibers. Unfortunately, like indigo denim, the item will have to be washed (hand washed in this case) a few times before wearing it. Indigo is a tricky dye to get to stick to fiber! Best of luck on the project and please contact us again if you continue to have trouble!
-Adam
I’m thinking of making this with a worsted yak yarn, so a bit thinner than the yarn you used. For this the 89 stitches seems a little small (correct me if I am wrong). What way would be the best to increase it so it is a more realistic size (and do you think 3.75mm needles will be okay or should I go smaller?). Sorry about this, I hope you can help me out with figuring out how to get this pattern to work!
Hi Lucy,
Thanks for writing in! If the yak yarn is truly worsted, then you can use a US 8 needle for this project. If so, I’d stick with the 89 stitch cast on. If you choose to go down to a US 7, I’d cast on four to eight more stitches and adjust your center point decrease accordingly. Best of luck!
-Adam
Hi,
thanks for the advice, I looked up the yarn and it recommended a 3.75-4mm, I think it is closer to sport weight. I started the pattern at 137 stitches and did the first section 2 more times (so it was a little thicker around the edges) so I ended up at 121 stitches. I more or less followed the pattern from there, but did the last section of reducing 6 times rather than 5. It’s pretty comfy and a good fit.
Hi Lucy,
So glad this worked out!
-Adam
Hi Lucy,
I am in a similar situation as you so I intend to use the solution you posted. Do I get it right that you did the first section three times?
Thank you,
Eva
Hi!
I love this cowl. But how would I make it for a toddler (16 months) with 3.5mm needles? Please and thank you. [:
Hi Marissa,
Thanks for the question! It all depends on your gauge in the round with the yarn and needles you choose. I’d multiply your stitches per inch by the toddler’s head circumference and then add an inch more of stitches. This will give you a rough cast on number. For this pattern you’ll want to make sure your cast on is an odd number. From there you’ll follow the pattern, keeping in mind that your initial stitch count for where you S2KP and wrap and turn will be different than ours. Hope this helps!
-Adam
Love this pattern. My cowl’s circumference is as you indicated, but it is 14 inches from top to tip of point, not 12. How can I correct that?
Hi Betsy,
Thanks for writing in! It sounds like you got stitch gauge but not row gauge. Thus the finished project is taller than expected. It is quite common to match a pattern’s required stitch gauge spot-on, but to never get the row gauge quite right, or vice versa. In this case, I would say that your cowl came out fine and you are good to go! If you would like the cowl to be a touch shorter, you can admit 1 of the 3 rows of straight knitting out of each repeat immediately following the decrease round after the short rows. This will decrease the height of the cowl by 6 rows. Depending on your row gauge, this could bring the cowl back down to the height that we achieved.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Thanks so much, Cassy. I’m going to knit another bandana cowl in blue sky techno. It seems a bit more bulky than the Maxima yarn I used for the first cowl. I seem to get a better gauge with a size nine needle than the recommended size ten. Will the nine needle make the cowl less drapery, more stiff? Don’t want that.
Hi Betsy,
Great! Generally, going down a needle size will yield a less drapey fabric but I would knit a gauge swatch. That would give you a much better idea of the quality of the fabric created with any given needles. So long as you are getting gauge, I would go with that needle size!
Best,
Cassy
Hi, I don’t understand the instructions for rows 5 – 8. I think I just ruined the cowl and will need to begin again.
Row 5 – my question is this: when I wrap and turn, is my next step Row 6? Or am I supposed to keep doing something with Row 5?
Row 6 says purl 3, then wrap and turn. Is my next step Row 7?
Row 7 – knit to the wrapped stitch (so three stitches, then knit the wrap?) I then knit one, wrapped and turned.
At Row 8, I dead ended. It said “purl to the wrapped stitch”. The wrapped stitch was on the right needle.
I feel like I’m really missing something with these instructions.
Hi Susan,
Thanks for writing in and I am sorry to hear about your difficulties. After your wrap and turn on row 5, you will now be on the back side of the knitting and proceed with row 6. After your wrap and turn on row 6, you will now be back on the front side of the knitting and proceed with row 7. Row 7 (in this first repeat) will see you knitting the 3 purled stitches, then knitting the wrapped stitch with its wrap, knit the next stitch and then wrap and turn the next stitch. You will then be on row 8, on the back side of the knitting where you will purl across 5 stitches to the wrapped stitch, purl that stitch with it’s wrap, purl 1 and then wrap and turn the next stitch.
I find that our tutorial is very helpful for this pattern as it clarifies the wrap and turn process! It can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2008/06/18/short-rows/
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi,
I made this bandana for myself last year and I love it. Thank you so much for sharing the pattern! Now I want to make one for a friend. The trouble is that the yarn I have is thinner than the one you use in the pattern: The label recommends a 4 mm needle. Could you tell me how to adapt the patter to get the same size with my yarn?
Many thanks!
Eva
Hi Eva,
So glad you love the pattern. I suggest you cast on 99 stitches instead of 89. this should take care of the gauge difference. Make sure you K48 before the S2KP instead of 43. Other than that, everything is the same.
-Adam
This is my first attempt at a bandana cowl, and understand the wrap and turn, but in the pattern I knit 42 wrap and turn then p3 and wrap, am I to be knitting to the end, find this piece confusing. Pleas advise, thanks
Hi Gloria,
Thanks for the question. Wrap and turn is a technique used to add more fabric to a certain area of the piece. In this case, it’s center front. After you p3, you’ll wrap and turn and knit 1 stitch past the original wrap. You will not hit the end of round marker until you’ve completed all wrap and turns. Hope this helps!
-Adam
Hi there. First time knitting win short rows and I am lost, even after reading through the comments.
With row 5, after I turn, do I knit to where I started, or do I then purl 3, wrap and turn them knit to that wrapped stitch? I’m lost as to how many stitches to knit or purl after turning on the short rows. It seems like I would be knitting/purling only a couple of stitches at that point before wrapping and turning again.
I think I figured out the short rows! At least, I think my brain did – I haven’t had a chance yet to try it. The short rows start in the V and the wrap and turn are at the edging so it’s not easy to see in the photo. I am giving this a go tonight, cannot wait!
Hi Delanie,
Thanks for writing back! You have got it correct!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Hello!
I’ve made this cowl once or twice now and it’s always beautiful, but I’ve noticed the garter stitch edges keep flipping in toward the knit side, and don’t lie flat. Any suggestions?
Hi Fran,
Thanks for writing in! I suggest wet blocking your piece after you are finished. If you lay the cowl flat to dry, you shouldn’t experience this problem anymore. Best of luck!
-Adam
Hi there! Just made this and it was great fun. An easy way to learn short rows.
Can you suggest how you block it? I’m wondering if I should find something that’s like a wide cylinder to put it around to block.
Hi Vivi!
Thank you for writing in! We have a great tutorial for blocking right here. There’s no need to wrap it around anything for blocking, you can lay it flat.
Best wishes,
Kumeko
Hi!
I have finished the short rows, I think… I’ve gotten to the last stitches next to the markers but now I’m not sure how to work the next rows. I’ve picked up the wrapped stitch next to the marker, and the pattern then reads, “Next Round: With the knit side facing you, knit to the marker, making sure to pick up the wrapped stitch.” I believe I did this next row correctly, but once I come back to the marker to continue knitting in the round, the next stitch is the wrap stitch and I’m not sure how to pick it up being on the knit side.. I’ve tried a couple things and it definitely doesn’t look right, and I’m just not sure how to do it.
I suppose it could be the way the pattern is written and I’m not just understanding it correctly. I’m not even sure that my issue makes sense!! Any guidance would be helpful.
Thanks!
Hi Liz,
For this wrap I suggest you orient your wrap and live stitch on the left-hand needle as such:
From left to right you will have the live stitch followed by the wrap. They are not over lapping and are parallel to each other. Then you will knit both of these together to continue in the round.
Hope this helps!
-Adam
Oh, the short rows. I *think* I just finished short rows, as both wrapped stitches are next to each other and separated by my stitch marker. Yahoo! The pattern then says “with the knit side facing you”, but following the natural progression of my work I’ve landed on purl. Here’s my question: if the last show row was knit and resulted in my wrapped stitch next to the marker (putting both wrapped stitched divided by the marker only), should I land on purling? If so…how to I position my work to land me back on knit side? Eeek!
Hi Ashley,
So glad you’ve got it! You should have purled, wr-t to then land both wraps next to the marker. However, if your last wr-t is on a knit side, you’ll simply skip the wrap and turn, pass the beginning of round marker and pick up your “purl side wrap” on the knit side. From here on out you continue in the round with the knit side facing out. I hope this helps!
-Adam
Would it be okay to use 24″ circulars instead of 16″?
Hi Caryn,
Thanks for writing in! For this pattern I think that a 24″ cable would be too long. The finished circumference of this bandana cowl is 19 inches and you want your cable to be a bit shorter than this to allow the stitches not to be stretched out. A 24 inch cable would stretch the stitches out and make it challenging or impossible to knit in the pattern.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Currently knitting my short rows on this but seem to keep coming back to the front point to wrap my stitch… How does the wrap stitch move around to the marker, which is still at the back of the cowl…? I’m new to short rows so maybe I’m just worrying about nothing…?
Hi Emma,
Thanks for the question. I’m not certain I understand what you mean, but I’ll try to clarify anyway. When you do short rows you knit a certain part of the fabric more to get more fabric in that section. In this case, we are short rowing the middle of the cowl so we can get that elongated bandana look. So, your first wr-t happens a few stitches beyond center and then on the wrong side your second wr-t happens a few stitches beyond the other side of center. Each time you come to a wrap you’ll pick it up as shown in our tutorial and knit one beyond that before wrapping and turning again. This way you progress one stitch each row, getting you closer and closer to the end of round marker. Hope this is clear!
-Adam
I am a new knitter and didn’t realize I’d have to check the size. It turned our beautifully, but too small to fit over my head. 🙁 I would like to try again. Any suggestions if I need a circumference of at least 22 inches? How many to cast on and where would markers go? Any help would be very much appreciated.
Hi Sandy,
Thanks for writing in. It all depends on what size yarn and needle you are knitting with. If you let me know the stitch gauge I can help you out.
All the best,
Adam
Hello,
This is my first time with short rows. I am at row 8 now and it looks like I am doing something wrong because instead of the front growing, just the side is growing. I’ve reread the pattern but I can’t figure out where I’ve gone wrong. I’m wr-ting at the center above the “pointed” part and then again at the back of the neck and this seems wrong. I’m sure this is just a silly mistake, but I am determined to make this pattern. Thoughts? Thanks!
Hi Laura,
Thanks for the question. You should be doing your first wr-t just beyond the center point and purling back to the same stitch on the other side of center. You’ll knit back and forth, picking up the wraps as you go, until you have reached your beginning of round marker. Think of it that you are adding on one more stitch to the left and right of center in order to make it all the way to the center back. I hope this helps!
-Adam
Hi Adam
I am using a #10 U.S. needle, and getting 5 stitches and 6 rows per inch.
Thanks for your anticipated help!
Regards,
Sandy
Any thoughts on my questions? I I am a new knitter and didn’t realize I’d have to check the size. It turned our beautifully, but too small to fit over my head. 🙁 I would like to try again. Any suggestions if I need a circumference of at least 22 inches? How many to cast on and where would markers go? I am using a #10 U.S. needle, and getting 5 stitches and 6 rows per inch. Any help would be very much appreciated.
Thanks,
Sandy
Hello Sandy,
Sorry to hear that the cowl didn’t fit over your head! Five stitches per inch is a bit tight of a gauge, so maybe I’d move up a needle size before changing the pattern. If you want to increase the amount of stitches, you’ll have to change how many you knit up to before the S2KP and how many stitches you knit before your first wrap and turn.
All the best,
Adam
I’ve gotten through the short rows ending with the wrap turns on either side of the marker. However when I started knitting in the round I ended up with a big hole where the marker is. I didn’t drop a stitch and I picked up the stitches like the pattern said. I’m wondering if there should be a hole?
Hi Madison,
Thanks for the question. I’ve seen a hole occur at this point in the pattern before, but not a huge one. If you the hole is big you can do one of two things. One, you can sew up the hole at the end with the cast on tail. And two, you can tighten the tension by pulling up on the yarn for a few stitches when you pass the beginning of round marker. Hope this helps!
-Adam
Love this pattern and can’t wait to finish! I’m in the middle of the short rows section and just want to understand, as that thing about 18 reps of rows 7 and 8 is really throwing me off.
As I understand it, I’m doing one additional stitch after picking up each wrap, meaning the short rows are growing by one stitch (on either the knit side or the purl side) each time. Right? But since there are a total of 40 stitches on each side from the tip to the end-of-round marker, it looks like I’m actually going to be repeating rows 7 and 8 a total of 40 times each to get to the end.
What am I missing? I’ve already done 24 repeats of rows 7 and 8 and am only a little more than halfway to the end-of-round marker! Have I made a mistake somewhere?
Hi Shannon,
Thanks for writing in! I think that I can help. On each short row you are knitting to the wrapped stitch, knitting the wrapped stitch making sure to pick up the wrap, k1, wrap and turn. That is to say that, you are knitting 1 stitch between the precious wrapped stitch and the next stitch that you are wrapping. This accounts for the additional stitches and means that you will only need to repeat rows 7 and 8 18 additional times. Based on your description, it sounds as though the stitch between the wrapped stitches are missing.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Would it be possible to make this in a sport weight yarn? If so, how many skeins would I need, what would the needle size be and would I have to make any adjustments? Thaks!
Hi Blair,
Thanks for writing in. This cowl can be made in any weight but you’ll have to adjust the pattern’s cast on depending on your gauge. How many skeins you will need depends on the yarn you plan on using so I can’t really tell you an accurate number. Best of luck and happy knitting!
-Adam
I’m not sure what happened here, but I got to the end of the short rows and started on the knit row and found the first two stitches looking like slipped stitches and the third being the wrapped stitch. At the end of the short row on the other side it’s made it’s way to the end, so not sure what I did! Help? Any way to correct this without froggin’ it?
Hi Carrie,
Thanks for the question. I’m not sure if I’ve fully understood your question. If you have finished the short row sections you should pick up your wrap at the end of the knit row, slip the marker and then pick the the wrap that was made on the purl side knitwise. If you end up with a hole at center back, you can easily sew this up with your cast on yarn tail at the end. I hope I’ve helped in some way!
Adam
Can this be made with 1 skein of Cashmere Merino Bloom? Also how many yards are in one skein of this yarn? It is beautiful.
Hi Sheri,
Yes, you can use the Cashmere Merino bloom for this cowl, it is a light worsted yarn One skein has 218 yards in it. The pattern uses approximately 100 – 130 yards, so one skein should be fine. I myself just to be safe always get an extra skein, if it is not used there is a 6 month window and you can return the yarn in its original form for store credit.
I hope this helps,
Melissa
hello Purl, Ive prob knit 25 of these in different yarns and size needles. i really adore garter stitch, have you ever considered modifying a new one for this fall? i know you have lots but chunky garter stitch is delicious…how about a big chunky Bandana in Feltro , with a garter stitch instead of stockingette . Could prove a bit challengingwith short rows, and working garter in the round. But oh how cool would that be!
Hi Laura,
Thanks for writing in and for your kind words! I will happily pass on your request to our design team!
Best,
Cassy
Hi! I have made this cowl before and I love it and the pattern! I am wondering if you can give me and idea how I might add this pointed bandana shape to the END of a piece I’m making in the round? It’s a sweater I’m knitting for my dog and since it’s a he I am attempting to stop making it longer on the underside but want to cover his back with this bandana like point. Any help would be great! Thanks!
Hello Katie,
Thank you for your question! This project sounds adorable. Because short rows are essentially creating more fabric within a knitted piece you can simply reveres the number of stitches you are knitting before you wrap and turn so instead starting your wrap and turns in the middle of your piece you would start them on either side. This might take a bit of trial and error but I think it should work. Alternatively you could simply put in decreases on either end until it comes to a point.
I hope this all makes sense! Let me know If I can clarify anything for you.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hello! First I have to say, I love the bandana cowl very much, I have a bit trouble, first in understanding the pattern: Do you wrap every stitch or every second stitch??
Second: the tip of my bandana always bends to top. Where is the mistake??
Thanks a lot.
Best wishes
Cornelia Müller
Hi Cornelia,
For the wrap stitches, you will be wrapping a stitch on every other row, after you go back, you will then pick up the wrap plus the stitch. For the tip of your bandana cowl it should lay flat once it is blocked.
Enjoy,
Melissa
It’s me again. ?
I’ve forgotten to write that I am working a doublestitch instead of a wrapped stitch and I make it every second stitch.
Best wishes
Cornelia
Excuse me, I’ve totally forgotten to look here again. Thank you for your reply. I have the stop edge
put on again, now the collar is good.
Best wishes Cornelia
Hello,
When you are doing the s2kpo during a purl row, do you move the yarn over for the knit stitch before or after you slip stitches?
Hi Paige,
Great question! For the s2kpo you do move the yarn to the back before you slip the stitches, even on the purl rows. Doing it this way creates the pretty line of decreases at the point. Again, thank you so much for your question!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi. I’m very new to knitting and wanted to try this out. For the wrap and turns I decided to replace them with german short rows. My problem is understanding what to do next. Specifically row 5. I knit 43 did the german short row and purled until the stitch marker. Then I moved onto row 6 of instructions, but stopped because only one half of the cowl was increasing. Am I reading the instructions wrong?
Hi Kat,
Thanks for writing in! To be honest, I am not an expert in German short rows. From my understanding, German short rows use additional stitches and were you to use them, you would need to rework stitch counts. Form my understanding, with German short rows, you knit an additional stitch before turning your work. Our patterns are written using traditional short rows, so if you wand to use German short rows, you will need to alter the pattern a bit to accommodate them! I’d suggest checking out some resources on line on how to substitute German short rows for traditional short rows!
Here, you are working back and forth short rows across the front of the cowl to create the pointed section in the middle that you see in the pictures above. That is to say that you are only building fabric on one side.
I hope that this clears things up!
Cassy
Do you have any additional recommendations for yarns for this cowl – I made many in Swann Island bulky- don’t want to spring for cashmere but do you have some additional suggestions since you added these– maybe one of your own new yarns?? Thx
Hi Ann Marie,
Thanks for writing in! For this lovely cowl we also recommend, Manos Maxima (1 skein) and Cascade Eco Cloud (1 skein). If you would like to use a Purl yarn, we love our Alpaca Pure for this cowl. You will need 2 skeins!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi Erin,
Don’t you have the pattern for this great bandana cowl available in German?
Would be fantastic!
Can’t wait to hear from you, Petra
Hi Petra,
Thanks for writing in! At present, our patterns are only available in English. This pattern has been, generously translated into Italian and French by some lovely customers but we do not know of a German translation.
Best,
Cassy
Can you Cast in fewer stitches to decrease the size? 87 or 85? And complete Rounds 1 thru 4 by knitting\purling either 2 or 4 less stitches in those rounds?
Hello Linda,
Thank you for reaching out! I don’t see why not, you will just ned to knit less stitches before your wrap and turn to keep the proportions consistent. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any further questions.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Has anyone made this cowl in fingering weight? Have some gorgeous yarn and want to make the shape of this cowl.
Thanks…
Hello Molly,
Thanks for reaching out! I have not seen this done in such a small gauge, but I imagine you could do a bit of experimenting and it could work! Unfortunately we don’t have the resources to customize patterns at the moment, but the first step in attempting to convert this pattern to a deferent gauge would be to knit up a gauge. Once you know how many stitches per inch you have you can alter the cast on and then there will be a bit of math involved in figuring out your short rows.
I hope this helps and let us know how it goes!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Hello.
So I finished the short rows, picked up the first wrap and knit all the way around. I need to pick up the last wrap … everytime I do I get a gigantic hole in the back. The first time I did this pattern I thought I screwed up so I just fudged it and fixed it…. but I have no idea what I am doing wrong? Any suggestion s?
Hi Ariel,
Thanks for writing in! Generally when a large hole happens when picking up a wrap, it is due to either the wrap being wrapped a bit too tightly or the picking up of the wrap being knit a bit too tightly. In these cases, you can try easing up how tightly you are knitting. Alternately, you can pick up an extra stitch in the hole and immediately decrease it by knitting it together with the stitch next to it (k2tog). This issue happens to a lot of us and I find that if altering my gauge does not work for me that the picking up and decreasing of a stitch is almost invisible!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hello, I am a little confused once I have completed my short rows. I end with a purl row with the final stitch being my wrapped stitch and turn . So I turn my work with the knit side facing. The next step is to knit to the marker? I’m on the right side K and starting at the marker already? If I were to just continue to knit until the end of the row making sure I pick up the wrapped stitch, the next row would normally be a purl row? Can you please help. I would love to finish this.
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for writing in! Once you have completed your short rows, you will be transferring from rows to rounds. You will be going from knitting back and forth to knitting in the round here. That is to say once you have finished the final purl short row, you will knit to the marker picking up the wrapped stitch and then continue with the knit side facing you, working again in the round. Then knitting 2 rounds, picking up the wrap of the first stitch.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
It did indeed, thank you. I was over thinking it. Once you explained it goes back to round knitting it would go back to knit facing you from that point on. Short row knitting goes back so you would need to Purl on the wrong side.
I do have one other clarification I need. On your decrease instructions you have repeat from * but you don’t have the end * so is each decrease followed by 3 rows in between? If so, my cowl is more than 16” from point to top before Purl and bind off.
Hi Lisa,
I am so glad that it helped! On the decrease section where you repeat from the *, you will repeat from the * to the directions that tell you to repeat. That is to say that you will repeat the decrease round and the 3 rounds after. If your cowl is more than 16″, it may be that your row gauge is a bit different from ours but not to worry! If it is a bit longer, it will still look lovely!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi!
I’ve worked short rows in some of your other patterns but this is very confusing to me. Are rows 7 and 8 petty mich working one stitch at a time? Could you give a better description of how to work these rows? I have also watched your short row tutorial.
Hi Libby,
Thanks for writing in! I will do my best to help! We do have a great short row tutorial that can be very helpful! It can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/short-rows/
For rows 7 and 8, you will be working more than one stitch at a time. For the first time you work row 7, you will be knitting 3 stitches and the next stitch will be the wrapped stitch. You will knit this stitch making sure to pick up the wrap together with its wrapped stitch, knitting 1 more stitch and the wrapping and turning. For the first time you work row 8, you will be purling to the wrapped stitch (5 stitches). You will then purl the wrapped stitch together with it’s wrap, purling 1 more stitch and then wrapping and turning. Each time you repeat these 2 rows, you will be knitting or purling more stitches as the short rows elongate.
I think that the tutorial illustrates this in a very helpful way!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi,
This is beautiful and I am trying to make it. I am using bulky yarn gauge 2-3 stitches/inch so am casting on 67 stitches. Does that sound ok? Also, my piece doesn’t look like the photo. I cast on my stitches, then did one round of purls, then started the knit, S2KPO, knit rounds. It does not look like the picture because of the first round of purl stitches. Please advise.
Thanks!
Hi Evan,
Thanks for writing in! Knitting this lovely cowl with a different number of stitches will require you to do a bit of reworking of the pattern to make the pattern and the short rows work correctly. The bottom will not look like ours until you have knit the first 5 rounds (the set-up round and rounds 1-4). The garter stitch will only really show up after these stitches are worked. Additionally, on round 1 you will want to knit to 1 stitch before the middle stitch and then work the S2KPO over the middle 3 stitches. Subsequent rows will also need to altered to accommodate the reduced stitch number.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Do you have a modified pattern for a toddler?
Hi Libby,
Thanks for writing in! At present, we only have the size listed here available! We will certainly keep your request in mind for the future!
Best,
Cassy
II’m so looking forward to knitting this bandana for a friend, and myself. Have watched the tutorial on short rows/wrap and turn. But don’t understand, after doing rows 7 and 8 once I won’t have a wrap and turn to pick up. Hope you can help me please, Carol
Hi Carol,
Thanks for writing in and for your kind words! You will notice that at the end of each row 7 and 8, you complete a wrap and turn. So each time you end a row, there will be a new wrap and turn to work in the next row! You work the wrap and turn from row 6 on row 7 and then end row 7 with a wrap and turn. You work the wrap and turn from row 7 on row 8 and then end the row with a wrap and turn that you will work in the next repeat of row 7. You will continue on in this fashion until you complete all of the repeats of rows 7 and 8.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi Cassy and Adam! You have such a lovely way of writing back to knitters. I hope you can help me…
I’m terrible when it comes to knitting in the round. I decided to embark on the project on regular needles. My problem now is- when do i stop the short rows? I have lost count and have no marker.
Many thanks in advance for your advice!
Hi Lisette,
Thank you so much for your very kind words! If you have converted the pattern to work flat, the end of the row will suffice as the marker! That is to say that you will work the short row section until you wrap and turn the stitches right next to the end of the row!
I so hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi. I am not sure I am doing one of the steps correctly on rows 7 and 8. After the knit 1, it says wrap and turn. Do I wrap and turn the knit 1 stitch or the next stitch on the left needle? Thanks for clarifying.
Hi Ruth,
Thanks for writing in! I am happy to clarify! You will wrap the stitch after the knit 1 and then turn your work!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Oh my gosh, the size of the swatch for the gauge is so….reasonably small?! What an unexpected treat to only spend a minute on a swatch instead of the usual half hour or so, and to be able to get started on this pattern sooner! Yay! lol
Thanks! 🙂
Thanks for sharing the pattern….I could not get the pattern to print without all the pictures 🙁
Hi Kate,
Thanks for reaching out! We do have a handy print function that can cut down the amount of pages dramatically!
If you’re on a desktop version of the site, you will find a “print” icon in the right column just below the date and tags. If you’re on a mobile version of the site, you will find a “print” icon below the pattern and above the comments.
Follow the easy on-screen instructions to delete whichever parts of the pattern you don’t want to print or save. For example, you may decide to shorten the pattern by omitting certain images or the list of materials. To remove images, click the drop down next to the image icon and change from 100% to 0%.
Best,
Cassy
Hello!
First I must say that I am very impressed with your responses to questions! It’s refreshing to see that you really do read and reply to your customers ☺
Being fairly new to knitting, I feel the Bandana Claim is a good “next step” project for me. I have a question the wrap and turn that I can’t seem to find answers to online.
Row 5: K42, wrap and turn – after the wrap and turn am I knitting back to my stitch marker? Because then on Row 6 I’m only purling 3 then doing another wrap and turn without picking up stitches. S
Sorry, I’m confused…. It seems so simple but feels like I’m just not doing something right.
Thank you!
Hi Lisa,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I think that I can help! Once you complete your wrap and turn on row 5, the wrong side of the work facing you. You will then work row 6, ending with a wrap and turn so that the right side is now facing you! For this whole section, you will be working small rows (short rows) across the front of the bandana, working further across the piece each time!
I hope that this clears things up!
Cassy
I don’t understand. Row 6 is just a few purls, how do you get to the stitch marker, and where do you place them??
Hello Josephine,
Thank you for reaching out! Row 6 is where you will begin using short rows, This means you will be knitting back and forth, rather than in the round for this portion of the pattern. For a more detailed explanation of short check out our Tutorial.
I hope this clears things up and let us know if you have any further questions!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Ready to make this with Mulberry Merino. Is there no adjustment for thinner yarn? Still stay with the same number of stitches?
Thanks
Hi Donna,
Thanks for writing in! At present, this pattern is only available in the gauge that it was originally written in! If you are up for a bit of a challenge, you can certainly give re-gauging it a go! You would certainly need to cast on more stitches for the pattern to work at a smaller gauge. Re-working it based on your smaller gauge will take a bit of trial and error but could result in a lovely finished piece!
Best,
Cassy
I cannot get your short row tutorial.
Hello Sue,
Thank you for reaching out! Is there a particular part of the tutorial that is confusing? Let me know if I can help you trouble shoot.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hello!
I made this a month back, and while I was in love with the concept and felt it was an achievable difficulty level, I was not able to keep the stitches at the V of the banana straight. Mind curved to the side. I believe this just indicates I had a moving center stitch I was decreasing on… Any guidance here?
Thank you!
Hello Sylvia,
Thank you for reaching out! Just to clarify, which part of bandana is curved? Is it the garter stitch edge or the stockinette inside the garter stitch edge? Is it the decreases in the beginning or is it after you have started your short row?
If it is the first decreases, it is likely that the stitches got off. You will always want to start your S2KPO one stitch before the one below. I hope I can give you a bit more clarity!
Warmly,
Marilla
Hi Purl Soho, thank you so much for this beautiful pattern!
This is my first time ever working a short row pattern and I actually think I have a fundamental misunderstanding/question: On rows 7 and 8, when you say “knit/purl to the wrapped stitch”, is this when I work my way back half way to the front to or back? Or am I working one spot continually?
Hello Julia,
Thank you for reaching out! In the section you are working back and fourth, as in you are not working in the round. This means you will be turning your work every row. The stitches that you have wrapped and turned on the previous rows will guide you as you go.
I hope this makes sense and please let us know if you have any further questions!
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hello, in the pattern, it states that in order to do the short rows to repeat rows 7 and 8 eighteen times but don’t worry about losing count because the last one would be right next to the stitch marker. However, I am working on the pattern right now and in order for me to finish the short rows at the end of the round it has taken much more than 18 repeats. I’m a little confused and wondering if I’m doing something wrong?
Hello Alison,
Thank you for reaching out! Make sure you are repeating rows seven AND eight 18 more times. This actually translates into 36 rows total. Also, whether or not you repeat these two rows 18 times or not, you will stop short rowing when you reach the beginning of round marker. Another thing to look at is if you are knitting one stitch after picking up the wrap. If you are wrapping and turning directly after picking up the wrap you might end up with more short rows. It should all work out!
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Thank you for responding Marilla!
You were exactly right, I was forgetting to knit the one stitch before wrapping and turning. It’s all making so much more sense now.
Thanks again!
Alison
Hi! Thanks for sharing the model – it is really beautiful. I have a quick question. In case I want to knit this scarf in 23 inches in circumference, how do I increase the number of stitches and position S2KPO so that it’s right in the middle? On which point do I start the short rows?
I’m having really hard times calculating it 🙁 Please help!
L.
Hi Luna,
Thanks for writing in! The easiest way to make this cowl larger is to add a multiple of 4 stitches to the cast on, and then on Round 1, knit to one stitch before the center stitch of the cowl before working the SK2PO. On each of the next three rounds knit or purl one less stitch than the row previously before working the decrease.
To begin the short rows, on row 5, knit to one stitch past your center stitch, which should now be easy to see due to the column of decreases, work your wrap and turn, and then follow the rest of the short row instructions without changes. You will still have to decide on placement for the markers for the second set of decreases but once the short rows are complete you should be able to decide where to place the markers without too much trouble.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Hi Julianna,
To add to this question, how would I make it longer? I understand the adding multiples of 4 to increase the circumference, but I would like to make this like a big chunky scarf for our cold Canadian winters! What would you suggest? Should I just do a row or two of regular knitting between each decrease?
Sarah
Hi Sarah,
Great question! If you are referring to the decreases worked at the beginning of the pattern, although the tip of the point is shaped with a few decreases, the rest of the bandana is created with short rows, so you won’t be able to add extra length that way, and that would only elongate the triangular portion. I would probably add more length after completing the short rows, either before beginning the neck decreases, or by adding extra rows in between the neck decreases, to make the part of the cowl that goes around your neck as cozy as possible!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Hello!
The ssk, is it slip purl wise or knitwise? They both produce different looks surely so I don’t want to do the wrong thing.
Thank you!
Hi Vanessa,
Thanks for your question! We actually have a great video tutorial on performing the Slip Slip Knit decrease! Although it is also a valid variation to slip both stitches knitwise, you should never slip both stitches purlwise, as the decrease will then point the wrong direction and be indistinguishable from a regular K2TOG.
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
I made this cowl several years ago using a bulky weight linen yarn. It’s great for warmer weather, but has been discontinued. My friends in Florida would love one, but not with any wool or warm fibers. Do you have any suggestions for a cotton, silk or maybe bamboo bulky weight yarn?
Love the pattern. It was a challenge at first, but the second time around it worked.
Thanks
Hi Janet,
Thanks for writing in and for the kind words! Our Cotton Pure held double would be a lovely choice for a warmer weather cowl!
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
Greetings,
I just finished knitting up the Bandana Cowl and it is significantly larger than it is supposed to be. I believe I went wrong repeating rows 7 and 8. Of course I lost count of the number of rows I had done, but didn’t worry because the instructions say I’d be done when I have to wrap the stitch next to the marker. The only marker I placed, was the one to indicate the end/beginning of the round. Did I miss something in the instructions and didn’t place a marker I was supposed to? Or am I really supposed to repeat rows 7 and 8 until I reach the market that indicates the beginning of the round? Please help as I really like this cowl and would like to do it right. Thank you in advance for your assistance. Oh, and I simply love, love, LOVE this site!
Hello Sikoka,
Thank you for writing and for your kind words! There are a couple of things that could be happening here. The first thought I have is- when you pick up the wrap are you knitting the wrap with the wrapped stitch or are you knitting each separately? They should be knit together, so if you are knitting them separately that could be the cause of the largeness. The second thought I have is if you are remembering to do a knit or purl after knitting your wrapped stitch with its wrap every time, this could also add unnecessary rows making the cowl larger.
The final thought I have is if you are getting 4 stitches and 6 rows per inch in stockinette stitch. If you are a very loose knitter this would effect the size of the cowl.
I hope all of this makes sense and let me know if you have any other questions or If I can clarify anything for you.
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Just finished the cowl and I’m so happy I can do Short Rows now! The attached link in the article was incredibly helpful. I wonder why knitters get overwhelmed by them. I thought they were great fun and fairly quick to get through. I love learning a new knitting skill. It opens you up to so many more patterns in the future.
The US15 bind off tip is something I’d never heard of before and something I’ll definitely apply to other patterns. However, doing the fat needle bind off immediately made the top of the piece super floppy. It instantly rolled over outward. I’m hoping some blocking will help a bit. Luckily, the cowl overall is a snug fit (I went with US9 needles) so the floppy top almost looks intentional. Great pattern. Will definitely make this again – only next time I might do US13 bind off instead.
I am making this out of a different yarn, a milk cotton.
Where do you start on this Cowl? I want to make sure I cast on enough stitches.
If it is the bottom, what is the length?
Hi Gale,
Thanks for writing in! The cast on for this cowl is the bottom edge, and the circumference at that edge measures about 22 to 23 inches.
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi Cassie – I would like to knit this lovely cowl using German short rows instead of wrap-and-turn. Can you tell me how I would adjust the pattern stitch count, specifically in rows 7 and 8? Thank you, Helen
Hello Helen,
Thank you for your interest in our pattern! To be honest, I am not an expert in German short rows. From my understanding, German short rows use additional stitches and were you to use them, you would need to rework stitch counts to knit an additional stitch before turning your work. Our patterns are written using traditional short rows, so if you wand to use German short rows, you will need to alter the pattern a bit to accommodate them. I’d suggest checking out some resources on line on how to substitute German short rows for traditional short rows.
I hope this helps and let us know how it goes!
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi Helen – Did you figure this out? I realize your comment was from a couple of months ago, but I figured out how to do this with German short rows, and will paste it here in case anyone else is looking for it.
An extra stitch is needed on the short rows than is called for in the pattern before turning the work, because that extra stitch is the one that is wrapped. (German short rows are wrapped/worked after the turn – “Turn and Work”.).
For example, the set-up rows where the series of short rows begins would read like this:
Row 5: K43, turn and work.
Row 6: K4, turn and work.
And the remaining short rows would read like this:
Row 7: Knit to wrapped stitch, knit the wrapped stitch, K2, turn and work.
Row 8: Purl to wrapped stitch, purl wrapped stitch, P2, turn and work
Hope this helps!
Thank you so much Maria. I also want to do German Short Rows. I did figure it out but you confirmed. Also, your Row 6 should read Purl 4 turn and wrap.
Hi! Currently working on this pattern. It was fun to learn the short rows and picking up wraps. I have a question though. When repeating the decrease rounds, do I knit 3 rounds after each one 5 times?
Hello Claire,
Thank you for reaching out- I’m happy to hear you are enjoying this project! Yes, those three knit rows are included in the decrease repeat. I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Oh no, I misread that part of the pattern! It was unclear how much was in the decrease 5x repeat. There was no asterisks encasing the decrease directions.
This wrap and turn makes no since to me. I think the directions are not clear. I understand the wrap and turn, the tutorial was very good but the whole short row is totally unclear.
Hello Tracey,
Thank you for reaching out! Is there a particular part that is tripping you up? are rows 5 and 6 ok, or are those the problem rows? I hope I can help!
-Warmly,
Marilla
Hi, I am wondering if the pattern is for bulky weight yarn or worsted. Some of the suggested yarns are bulky and some are worsted. I want to do Christmas gifts in bulky merino. This pattern is lovely and very nice and simple looking. Thanks.
Heidi
Hello Heidi,
Thank you for reaching out! All the yarns we recommend fall into the Worsted/Aran weight category. Anything that can be knit comfortably on a US10 needle that gets you close to 4 stitches per 1 inch in stockinette stitch.
I hope this helps ad let us know if you have any further questions!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Hi, love the pattern! My question is this, when finishing up the short rows, and you Knit to the marker (picking up the wrapped turn) then continue in Knit on the right sight and pick up the second wrap you are doing it from the wrong side….how does this work?
Hi Kristi,
Thanks for reaching out! After completing the short rows and working the round that reads, “Next Round: With the knit side facing you, knit to the marker, making sure to pick up the wrapped stitch,” you will then stop working back and forth but rather continue knitting past the marker with the right side facing you and will work the rest of the cowl in the round.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
Hi Julianna,
When you knit the second row after the short rows are finished (“Continue with the knit side facing you, working again in the round. Knit 2 rounds, picking up the wrap of the first stitch”), it seems like you run back across a wrap that you did from the purl side, so the turn is facing the wrong way (and can’t be picked up in the manner described in the video). I’m not sure if this is what Kristi is describing, but I had the same issue and would appreciate knowing how to pick up a wrap from the wrong side as you knit in the round (or alternatively, what is supposed to be done with the last wrap).
Thanks,
Lauren
Hi Lauren,
Thanks for reaching out! You are correct that knitting over this second wrap does feel a bit different, but you will still be knitting the wrap together with the stitch just as we do in the tutorial. I just did a quick experiment and tried both inserting the right hand needle into the front of the wrap from top to bottom and then knitting it together with the stitch, and also tried lifting the wrap onto the left hand needle before knitting together with the stitch, and both produced nearly identical results. It looks slightly different from the rest of the wraps, but since it is just one stitch at the back of the neck, it isn’t a very noticeable difference.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Hi there
I absolutely LOVE this pattern and printed the pattern a while ago, however having started it several times in the round, I have had to admit defeat and I wondered if you could let me know how I convert the pattern to knitting it on straight needles instead?
Thanks
Andrea 🙂
Hi Andrea,
Thanks for reaching out! This pattern should work fairly well knitted flat! Before beginning the short rows, you will need to substitute every purl row with a knit row, and instead of the SK2PO, work a purlwise double decrease as follows: slip 2 stitches as if to P2tog through the back loop. Purl 1 and then pass the 2 slipped stitches together over the purl stitch. You can then work the short rows without any modification, and once they are completed, work the rest of the neck in flat stockinette stitch and garter stitch at the end.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
If knit to gauge and as instructed, will this fit a man?
Hi Michelle,
Great question! I found the Bandana Cowl I made to be quite generously sized and do think it would fit most men! If you would like to make it a smidge larger, the easiest way is to add a multiple of 4 stitches to the cast on, and then on Round 1, knit to one stitch before the center stitch of the cowl before working the SK2PO. On each of the next three rounds knit or purl one less stitch than the row previously before working the decrease.
To begin the short rows, on row 5, knit to one stitch past your center stitch, which should now be easy to see due to the column of decreases, work your wrap and turn, and then follow the rest of the short row instructions without changes. You will still have to decide on placement for the markers for the second set of decreases but once the short rows are complete you should be able to decide where to place the markers without too much trouble.
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
Hello, didn’t exactly see you address this in previous comments. If row 6 is only 3 purls, and I go back and forth, doing both rows 18 times, I don’t get anywhere near the marker! Is row 6 supposed to be 43? I have tried this twice now following your directions and it needs way more than 18 times. Plz clarify?! Thx in advance.
Hello Anne,
Thank you for reaching out! The reason row 6 is “P3, wrap and turn.” Is because it is starting from the Bandana point and expanding out. However, you do not repeat row 6 18 times! You repeat rows 7 and 8 times and this is how you move closer and closer to your marker with each wrap and turn.
I hope this clears things up and happy knitting!
-Marilla
I just finished the crowl. Really proud, this is my first followed pattern. But it is too small ?. I will give it to my baby but do I have to use a thicker yarn?
Thanks a lot
Hello Marie,
Thank you for reaching out and congratulations on creating a beautiful cowl! Yes, a simple way to make a bigger cowl would be to just use a thicker yarn and go up in needle size.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hello,
I hope I can explain this correctly. When I am working the short rows I end up with a wrap and turn on each side of the stitch marker but when this happens I end up on the purl side to work and not on the knot side. Am I only supposed to have a wrap and turn on one side of the stitch marker?? I don’t know if this makes sense. I am highly confused by this part of the pattern.
Hi Megan,
It’s hard to tell what might have gone wrong, but your final short row should be a repeat of Row 8, which is a purl row, so after working the wrap and turn you will be on the knit side of the fabric and will continue knitting in the round with the knit side facing you for the rest of the cowl. It is possible that, if your very first short row establishing the point of the cowl was off by one stitch, you would then end up having to end with a knit row in order to end with a wrap and turn immediately on either side of the stitch marker. If you think that might be the case, I would just omit that final knit row so you end with a purl side wrap and turn row, even if that means one stitch next to the marker doesn’t get the wrap and turn treatment – one missing wrap and turn won’t affect the shape of the cowl!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Row 5, I understand. Row 6 P3 (only3? and turn) Not clear at all.
Hi Renee,
Thanks for reaching out! Although it does seem odd, you will indeed only be knitting three stitches in this row before working your wrap and turn – it’s quite a short row! In this section of the cowl your rows do start out rather short, but each subsequent row will be two stitches longer than the previous one, so they will get to be more of a normal length quickly.
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
Hello,
I was at my LYS and they had your cowl knitted as a sample. I tried it on a nd it fit me perfectly but I would like to make it for my husband. Is it possible to make the cowl a little large for him?
Thank you
Hi Khris,
Thanks for writing in! The easiest way to make this cowl larger is to add a multiple of 4 stitches to the cast on, and then on Round 1, knit to one stitch before the center stitch of the cowl before working the SK2PO. On each of the next three rounds knit or purl one less stitch than the row previously before working the decrease.
To begin the short rows, on row 5, knit to one stitch past your center stitch, which should now be easy to see due to the column of decreases, work your wrap and turn, and then follow the rest of the short row instructions without changes. You will still have to decide on placement for the markers for the second set of decreases but once the short rows are complete you should be able to decide where to place the markers without too much trouble.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Hi there! I’ve made this pattern a couple times for women and LOVE it. I’d like to try making it for a man. Have you by any chance fielded this request before and worked out a slightly larger version? Otherwise will attempt the math myself 😉
Hello Anna,
Thanks for writing in! The easiest way to make this cowl larger is to add a multiple of 4 stitches to the cast on, and then on Round 1, knit to one stitch before the center stitch of the cowl before working the SK2PO. On each of the next three rounds knit or purl one less stitch than the row previously before working the decrease.
To begin the short rows, on row 5, knit to one stitch past your center stitch, which should now be easy to see due to the column of decreases, work your wrap and turn, and then follow the rest of the short row instructions without changes. You will still have to decide on placement for the markers for the second set of decreases but once the short rows are complete you should be able to decide where to place the markers without too much trouble.
I hope this helps and let us know if you have any further questions!
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Thank you so much, getting started tonight 🙂
Hello – I have loved this pattern and have 1 skein of Madelinetosh Home yarn – do you think I can knit this cowl with just 1 skein?
The pattern says bulky yarn so I am thinking this would work – what would you suggest for ways to make sure I don’t run out – is there a way to make it “shorter” somewhere?
thank you!
Sheri
Hi Sheri,
Great question! This cowl takes 100-130 yards, and it looks like your yarn has 110 yards, so you will be cutting it close but it’s possible! I would definitely recommend knitting a gauge swatch since if your gauge is off by a bit that could use more yardage. Once you have completed all the short rows, there are several inches of knitting with decreases to shape the top of the cowl, so you could definitely leave out a few rows in this section if you need to.
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
Ive tried this twice now and had to give up.. I s there a youtube tutorial of the pattern specifically the short rows? Ive watched the ones above but I need to see this pattern knitted!
Hi Sophie,
Thanks for writing in. Unfortunately we don’t have the resources at the moment to do a video tutorial of this entire pattern. We will keep your request in mind though for the future!
Best,
Julianna
I am getting close to done and I am loving this cowl, but my cast on edge seems a bit tight. Will blocking help to get a better drape and point to the “bandana” end of the cowl? Thank you so much!
Hi Kelly,
Thanks for reaching out! Although blocking will help, if your cast on is very tight it probably won’t loosen up much unfortunately. There isn’t really a way to fix a tight cast on after the fact, but if you find this happens frequently, you could try always casting on new projects using a needle one size larger than your main needle to loosen things up a bit.
Best of luck, and I hope that helps!
Julianna
Hi Sabrina,
What an amazing idea! You could certainly make a smaller Bandana Cowl. The easiest way to make this cowl smaller is to remove a multiple of 4 stitches from the cast on, and then on Round 1, knit to one stitch before the center stitch of the cowl before working the SK2PO. On each of the next three rounds knit or purl one less stitch than the row previously before working the decrease.
To begin the short rows, on row 5, knit to one stitch past your center stitch, which should now be easy to see due to the column of decreases, work your wrap and turn, and then follow the rest of the short row instructions without changes. You will still have to decide on placement for the markers for the second set of decreases but once the short rows are complete you should be able to decide where to place the markers without too much trouble.
I hope this helps and please do let us know how your pup likes his or her cowl – we would love to see it!
Julianna
Hello!
I’ve tried to create this pattern multiple times, but I keep running into the same issue; when doing the short rows, I seem to be going on forever instead of just doing 38 total short rows as the pattern suggests. I find myself having to do more rows in order to arrive at the stitch marker and then once I finish, the cowl is much longer and in a much stranger shape than in the picture. Is there a step I’m missing, or a mistake I’m not picking up? Thank you!
Hi Elayna,
Thanks for writing in! It’s hard to say what exactly is going wrong without seeing your work, but is it possible that you are forgetting to knit one more stitch after resolving the previous wrap and turn and before working the next wrap and turn? This step moves each short row out by two stitches more than the previous one, and if you are missing knitting this stitch, you will end up knitting twice as many short rows and the point of the cowl would be quite elongated. If that doesn’t seem to be the problem, please send us a picture of your work at [email protected] so we can try to troubleshoot this for you!
Best,
Julianna
Greetings!
I have hedgehog fiber DK yarn and would love to use this pattern! I also want to make it for a teenager. Can you recommend a needle size and a good stitch amount to cast on?
Ps: I’m also working on the tussock project and boy! That yarn is so thin!!
Hi Kat,
Thanks for reaching out! This pattern can be a bit tricky to adjust for drastic gauge changes, but two strands of DK weight yarn is equivalent to bulky weight so I would recommend knitting the pattern as written using your yarn held double. It should be quite a welcome change of pace after using Tussock for so long!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
This pattern is a dream to knit! Its so easy!! I am going to make 100 of them! Thank you!! I made mine in Wonderland Yarns duo that has a sparkly mohair!
Hello Cassy,
I would like to use a Swan’s Island Worsted weight yarn that I have to make the Bandana Cowl. Will 250 yards be enough?
Claudette
Hi Claudette,
Thanks for reaching out! This cowl takes 100-130 yards, so you should have more than enough yarn!
Best,
Julianna
Greetings!
This is a sweet, satisfying knit! Building the cowl using short rows is so clever. I’m on my last decrease row and am ready to do another one. Thanks for sharing such a slick pattern.
Claudette
I just finished the short rows and am confused about the next steps : “You’ve finished the short rows! | Next Round: With the knit side facing you, knit to the marker, making sure to pick up the wrapped stitch. | Continue with the knit side facing you, working again in the round. Knit 2 rounds, picking up the wrap of the first stitch. | Set-up Round: K18, place marker, k45, place marker, knit to end of round.”
Question: how many live stitches should be on the needles and am I adding a stitch by picking up the wrapped stitch? Then w other 2 knit rds, picking up 2 more stitches?
The setup round # of stitches would be 81 but if you pick up add’l wrapped stitches then it’s more.
Need tech editor/guidance please. thanks.
Hi Rachel,
Thanks for reaching out! In these rows, you should be knitting the wrap along with its stitch, as you did before in the short row section, so they will not add anything to the stitch count. You should have 81 stitches on the needle for the set-up round.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
I have extra” understory” that I would like to use for this cowl…what size needles do you recommend? Thank you
Hello Marti,
Thank you for reaching out! Yes- Understory would be lovely for this pattern. You can knit up this pattern as is!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
If I use the jade sapphire to knit the cowl, do I use two strands knit together? I think it would be stunning in the cashmere. I’m unclear what modifications are needed to use this yarn.
Hello Phylis,
Thank you for reaching out. You can use 8 ply Cashmere without any alterations to the pattern!
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I finished the short rows, but now I only have 50 stitches on the needles. It seems like the short row portion decreased the amount of stitches. Not sure what I did wrong.
Hi Camille,
I am sorry to hear that you are having difficulties! It seems as though you may have been decreasing when working the short rows. My guess is that when you were working the wrapped stitch with its wrap, you may have been knitting the wrapped stitch together with the next stitch. Rather you will want to pick the wrap up and place it next to the stitch that is wrapped and knit or purl those two stitches together, thereby not decreasing any stitches.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
For the instructions below, on the “Knit 3 rounds”, do I follow the decrease instructions for those 3 rounds?
Thanks!
*Decrease Round: Knit to two stitches before the first marker, k2tog, slip marker, knit to the next marker, slip marker, ssk, knit to end of round. (2 stitches decreased)
Knit 3 rounds (or for 1/2 inch).
Repeat from * five more times. (69 stitches)
Hi Mary,
Great question! You will just knit, without decreasing, for those three rounds. When working the repeat, you will work the decrease round once, and then work three rounds plain.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful pattern. I’m really enjoying making it. This is my second attempt and the same thing is happening – on the last knit row of the short rows I finish one stitch short of the marker but on the last purl row of the short rows I finish right next to the marker. Should this happen? I’ve checked and I haven’t missed any stitches -there’s an uneven number of stitches in total so I decided that the ‘extra’ stitch near the marker is because of this. Thank you so much.
Hi Rebecca,
Thanks for writing in! There is an odd number of stitches, but the odd stitch is actually the center stitch of the cowl, so the short rows should end right next to the end of round marker. It could be that you have missed a short row somewhere, since they can be hard to spot after the fact, but I’m sure one missed short row won’t be at all noticeable in the finished item! I would just go ahead and knit to the end of the round, picking up the last wrapped stitch when you come to it, and then continue on with the rest of the cowl.
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
Hello,
The pattern suggests using a bulky weight knit with 6mm needles and then suggested another yarn using a worsted weight. I have a 6ply yarn I’d like to use. Double the yarn ?
Barbara
Hello Barbara,
Thank you for reaching out! This should work beautifully, but I would recommend knitting a little gauge swatch before jumping in to avoid any surprises along the way.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I’m a beginner – could you please publish instructions for knitting this flat? I understand there would be seaming at the end. Pretty please???? And thank you so much!!!
Hi Sandy,
Thanks for writing in! We don’t currently have plans to offer a version of this cowl knit flat, but I will certainly pass your request along to the design team!
Best,
Julianna
Are there any conversions for different weight wool? I just purchased a lovely skein at my local wool shop that I’d like to use, but it’s a lighter weight. Thanks.
Hi Corinne,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately we do not have instructions for converting this cowl to a lighter weight yarn; however, a sport or DK weight yarn held double should be equivalent to the worsted/Aran weight yarn we used. If your yarn falls in this range, I would suggest knitting a gauge swatch with it held double to see if you can match our gauge and you can then knit the cowl without any modifications!
Best,
Julianna
Terrible instructions on the wrap and turn. Got totally lost on row 7 and so frustrated that I quit.
Hello Martina,
Thank you for reaching out- I’m sorry to hear that you had this experience! Was there something specific that we could help you with regarding the short rows? I would also recommend checking out out short- row tutorial which i always find very helpful.
I hope we can help!
Best,
Marilla
Could I knit 2 strands of DK weight instead of the yarn this pattern calls for? Thank you
Sorry I just got my answer from a previous comment. I believe my answer is yes!
Hi Melisa,
Thanks for writing in! Yes, that is correct! Let us know if you have any other questions!
Best,
Julianna
I would love to make this in Jade Sapphire 8-ply cashmere. Does the pattern remain exactly the same, needle size and all, or will I have to rework the pattern?
Hi Margaret,
Thanks for reaching out! Jade Sapphire 8-Ply Cashmere is the same weight as the original yarn, so you can knit the pattern as written! Another great option would be our Cashmere Tend, which is also 100% cashmere and knits up to the same gauge.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Please please do a video for German short rows specific to this pattern. It has to be easier than I think it is.
Hi Ande,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately, we don’t have the resources at the moment to do a video tutorial for this cowl, but our German Short Rows tutorial does include instructions for converting a wrap and turn to pattern to German Short Rows. Essentially, when working this pattern, whenever you get to a wrap and turn, you will either knit or purl one more stitch, then turn and work a double stitch.
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
Thank you for this pattern. I am new to short rows. Starting on Row 5, after that wrap, where do you purl back to (to start a new row?)
Or as soon as you wrap, you are considered to be on Row 6?
Thanks again!
Hi Kate,
Thanks for reaching out! As soon as you work the wrap and turn, that is the end of the row, and you will move on to the next row -in this case, Row 6 will be your purl row.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
I love Purlsoho patterns, but this one has given me some trouble. According to the instructions, I should keep doing short rows until I reach either side of the marker. That gives me over 60 rows instead of the 18 repeats of rows 7 and 8 in the pattern. And I still haven’t reached the marker! Did I miss something?
Hello Joyce,
Thanks for reaching out! There are two things that could be happening here. First off, you could be forgetting to knit or purl a stitch between your previous wrap and your new wrap. The second thing that could be happening is that you are increasing at your wrap and turn, instead of knit your wrap with your stitch.
If it doesn’t seem to be either of these things let us know and we can continue to trouble shoot this issue!
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Marilla, you need not respond–I figured it out. With German short rows, I need to knit not one but two stitches after the wrapped stitch. The first one becomes the spacer stitch between wrapped stitches, and the second one becomes the next wrapped stitch. I was doing one, per the instructions. Whew! This was driving me crazy!
Joyce
Hi Joyce,
I’m glad you were able to figure it out! Yes, when you are substituting German Short Rows in a pattern written for wrap and turns, you do have to knit or purl one extra stitch before turning. You may find the additional information in our German Short Row tutorial helpful!
Best,
Julianna
Hello, please help does not rain pretty even doing many times. The yarn on the back side loosens from the row 7 row and knits. It cannot be knitted neatly like the second picture.
The yarn has become fluffy and felt as it is re-knitted over and over again.
No matter how many times we knit it, the back thread becomes stretched and cannot be knitted neatly.
“ Row 7: Knit to the wrapped stitch, knit the wrapped stitch making sure to pick up the wrap, k1, wrap and turn.
Row 8: Purl to the wrapped stitch, purl the wrapped stitch making sure to pick up the wrap, p1, wrap and turn ”
Do you have a video or knitting drawing of Bandana Cowl?
Please. I have been working hard since last year, but I can’t. I want to braid Can you tell me because I really want to knit this wonderful knit?
Hi Ryoko,
I’m sorry to hear that you’re having trouble with this cowl! We don’t have a video that is specific to the Bandana Cowl, but you may find out Wrap and Turn Tutorial helpful for this step!
Best,
Julianna
My seven year old daughter would like one of these (she LOVES mine.) Can you suggest a way to make a smaller version? Is there a magic ratio for converting adult sizes to children’s sizes?
Hi Felicity,
Great question! Although there is a good trick for downsizing scarves for kids (just knit them as long as the child is tall!), there isn’t a reliable method for cowls. Since you have already made one for yourself, I would suggest trying it on her and pinching the back of the cowl to make it the right size. You can then count how many stitches you need to remove from the cast on, make sure you are still casting on an odd number, and then on Round 1, knit to one stitch before the center stitch of the cowl before working the SK2PO. On each of the next three rounds knit or purl one less stitch than the row previously before working the decrease.
To begin the short rows, on row 5, knit to one stitch past your center stitch, which should now be easy to see due to the column of decreases, work your wrap and turn, and then follow the rest of the short row instructions without changes. You will still have to decide on placement for the markers for the second set of decreases but once the short rows are complete you should be able to decide where to place the markers without too much trouble.
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
I’ve stated making this cowl and the picture seems to be a much closer knit than mine. I’m using bulky yarn on #10 needle. This isn’t suppose to be double yarn by chance is it?
Thanks for your response.
Hi Hilda,
Thanks for reaching out! Our cowl is knit with a single strand of aran weight yarn on a US 10, but the yarn we used is quite lofty so it fills in the gaps quite well. I would suggest measuring your gauge and comparing it to our gauge of 4 stitches and 6 rows = 1 inch in stockinette stitch and adjusting your needle size if necessary!
Best,
Julianna
Hi there! I’ve made this once for myself, and am getting ready to make another smaller one for my toddler. Would it be okay to decrease to CO 69 stitches and then just subtract 10 from each side in the directions (in other words, keep the center stitch in the same place, but with 20 fewer stitches overall)? Or would that throw off the directions in some way?
Hello Shannon,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes, this will work beautifully. If you are getting 4 stitches per inch for you gauge, This will cut you circumference by 5″.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
I completed this and I love this pattern. It was so much fun! Thank you 🙂
I am losing my mind with this pattern; big hole after first sl 2pass sl st over.
Also, finally think I understand that you don’t purl all the way back after first wrap and turn but then do first purl w and t,
Right?
I realize 11,000 others have made this but I am completely baffled but not willing to give up!
Please shed some more light on how to count the wrap and turn rows
Thanks
Hi Marley,
Thanks for writing in! After the first wrap and turn, you will only purl 3 stitches, and then wrap and turn again. On each row after that, you will knit or purl to the previous wrapped stitch, knit or purl the wrapped stitch together with its wrap, and then wrap and turn the next stitch, so you are always working one more stitch than on the previous row. You may find our Short Rows: Wrap + Turn tutorial helpful!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
I am having the same issue. Being new to wrap and turn, “knit to wrapped stitch” doesn’t help me. I wish there was a specific number to these Instructions. If they change with each row, that would be easy to indicate, such as “knit 8 the first row, and add one stitch for each row after that”. I have scrapped this project three times because I keep messing up this section.
Hi Serene,
Thanks for reaching out! I am so sorry to hear that you are having issues with this pattern. I would suggest checking out our wonderful Short Rows: Wrap + Turn tutorial, it will show you exactly what the wrapped stitch looks like so that you can identify it going forward.
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
I have made two of these but I do not think I’m doing the last set of short rows correctly. If do as the directions state – wrap and turn till I wrap and turn on both sides of the marker – this means I have created, but not joined a round, which leaves a hole in the work. How do you correct this?
Hi RJ,
Thanks for reaching out! Since the first section of the cowl is knit in the round to create a border, your stitches should already be in the round. It may seem like there is a hole at first, but after you work the final wrap and turn and knit all the way around, picking up the final wrap on the last stitch of the round, and begin the next round, the gap should close up nicely on subsequent rows.
I hope that clears things up, and happy knitting!
Julianna
I think the issue may arise when converting the pattern to German short rows. The turned stitches abut each other in the final two rounds of short rows, and if those end stitches are worked (as in German short rows) rather than slipped (as in wrap and turn), there will be a two-row gap where the rows are not worked across to connect each other.
I solved this problem by changing the final short row, which is a purl row. Instead of working to the marker and turning, I worked across the marker, picked up a purl stitch in the one-row gap that had formed in the previous final knitted short row, knit two more stitches (so I resolved the next turned stitch then rather than at the end of the following row), and turned. Then I did an SSK to decrease the extra stitch I had picked up to close the gap, so that it was hidden behind the original end of round stitch. Then I was ready to continue knitting my three rows before the decrease rounds, with only one turned stitch to resolve rather than two as the pattern is written.
I did it this way because I didn’t notice the problem until after I had worked both of the last two short rows, and I only wanted to unpick one row 🙂 But it would probably be more even to start this process with the next-to-last short row, knitting one extra stitch before turning (crossing BOR), then purling back to BOR (crossing BOR and then purling back to it) and purling one extra stitch before the final turn (so crossing BOR twice in this row) – no need to pick up and then decrease a stitch.
Really enjoying this pattern though – it’s a quick, satisfying knit, and a great way to crank out a pile of nice Christmas presents that I know will be loved and appreciated. Thank you!
I just realized that by knitting across BOR, both of my alterations defeat the purpose of the short rows. For the one I’m currently working on, I just worked one stitch less in both of the final two short rows: Resolve the turned stitch, knit one and turn that one (rather than knitting two and turning the second), leaving the final stitch unworked, and continuing in the pattern as written. This worked great.
Hi
I am in the UK, we don’t have skeins, we have balls of yarn. Would you know what our UK equivalent would be so we can have a go too please?
Thanks Sue xx
Hi Sue,
Thanks for reaching out! As long as your yarn is the right weight and you check the label to make sure you have enough yardage, it doesn’t matter whether it comes in skeins or balls! For our cowl, we used 130 yards, or 120 meters, of aran weight yarn, which is the same in both the US and UK.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
I am have trouble with repeating row7and 8. The first time I tried repeating to my center marker. ( that’s the only marker I see in pattern) it is way more then 18 rows. So 2nd time I just market to 18 stitches before I started row 7. I am now at the the edge of the first 6 rows knitted but have like 6 more stitches until I get to the point I marked. Why should I stop??
Hi Lori,
Thanks for reaching out! When repeating Rows 7 and 8, you should not be taking the center marker into account at all – in fact, you can remove it at this point, leaving just the beginning of round marker. Instead, you should be knitting or purling to the stitch that you wrapped on the previous row, knitting or purling that stitch together with its wrap, knitting or purling one more stitch, and then working a wrap and turn. If you have trouble seeing the wrapped stitch, you can hook a removable marker into the wrapped stitch immediately after working each wrap and turn, and then remove and replace it on the following row. Each short row should move two stitches further out than the previous one, so you eventually reach the beginning of round marker. You may find our Short Rows: Wrap + Turn tutorial helpful!
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
Have you this pattern in danish version, if is do you know were?
I really hope there is because it hard for me to understand your pattern and I really love your pattern. I hope you can help me far away from Greenland. I really want to try this in moskux wool. Sincerelly Lone M.
Hi Lone,
Thanks for writing in! At present, our patterns are only available in English. We certainly appreciate the request!
Best,
Julianna
Just found this:
https://strikkeglad.dk/24409/bandana-halsvarmer/
I love this cowl! I plan on making a few more but had a question about the decrease. One side doesn’t look as good as the other and it kinda looks obvious. The side that’s ssk. Is there a way to make it blend more like the k2tog side?
Hi Tessa,
Thanks for reaching out! To some degree, it is unavoidable that a SSK and K2Tog will look a little different, but after blocking, they should match much better! You might want to try the SSK variation we show in our tutorial. We find that it matches a K2Tog a bit better!
Best,
Julianna
Hello,
I am resubmitting this question as it may not have been sent it to you (maybe I didn’t hit the submit button!) On Rounds 2 & 4 “purl rows”, the yarn is in the front as for purling. Does it go to the back for the knit stitch in S2KPO before or after the S2 (slipping the 2 stitches together knitwise. ).
Thank you for this interesting and very well done website with lovely yarns and patterns.
Jean
Hi Jean,
Great question! For the s2kpo you do move the yarn to the back before you slip the stitches, even on the purl rows. Doing it this way creates the pretty line of decreases at the point. Again, thank you so much for your question!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Thank you!
I just made two of these for my grandson and son-in-law and we all love them. My other son-in-law is 6’3″ and would like it to be a little bigger in the circumference. If I add 4 more stitches do I add two to the center and one to each side for the decreases or what do you think?
Hi Nancy,
Thanks for reaching out! I’m happy to hear that your cowls have been so well received! Yes, you can add any multiple of four stitches to the cast on to make this cowl bigger, and then on Round 1, knit to one stitch before the center stitch of the cowl before working the SK2PO. On each of the next three rounds knit or purl one less stitch than the row previously before working the decrease.
To begin the short rows, on row 5, knit to one stitch past your center stitch, which should now be easy to see due to the column of decreases, work your wrap and turn, and then follow the rest of the short row instructions without changes. You will still have to decide on placement for the markers for the second set of decreases but once the short rows are complete you should be able to decide where to place the markers without too much trouble.
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
I’ve read the other comments and tried the solutions. I’m doing everything right with the wrap and turns and knitting/purling them and then a stitch. But I’m a lot more than 18 rows away from the marker. About half way. I’m am moving up just not fast enough.
Hi Lanita,
Thanks for reaching out! You will actually be working 18 repeats of rows 7 and 8, or 36 rows total. As long as you are working the short rows correctly, you can just continue until you wrap the stitches on either side of the marker!
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
Is it possible to knit this cowl with straight needles? If so, would you give me some pointers? Writing from Argentina…
Hi Veronica,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately we do not have instructions for knitting this cowl in the round, but it shouldn’t be too hard to knit flat! After working the first 4 rows in garter stitch by knitting every row, you can work the short rows as written. It should be fairly straightforward from there to work the rest of the cowl flat in stockinette stitch by alternating knit and purl rows!
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
Thank you! I’ll give it a try!!
Hi! Hope you all are staying healthy, safe and creatively satisfied!! I have a question about the length of the back section. So I notice that there is more length on your cowl pictures than what I am seeing with mine. When I am done with the short rows, the next couple steps after say to knit two rounds. Can I knit more to get the length? Mine is not as long as yours in the pic at this point? Any help would be greatly appreciated?
Hi Carrie,
Thanks for reaching out! You can definitely add a few rows after the short row section – that’s what I did with my own Bandana Cowl. It’s a very forgiving pattern with lots of room for adaption and adding personal touches!
Happy Knitting!
Cassandra
IT IS a very very accomodating and forgiving pattern. My first test pattern, among a few mistakes, came out good and I had to add 10 more short rows to get up to the marker and finish the short rows… so I was happy. And next time, I’ll use the good wool not the test yarn. Great help here. More than I’ve EVER gotten at a LYS!
Hi Patricia,
Thanks for writing in! I am so glad to hear that you got this pattern worked out! We are always happy to assist as best we can so please feel free to reach out at any point with any questions or comments you may have!
Happy knitting!
Gianna
Such a fun, quick project! I’m working on my third one and each time I’ve wondered if I’m getting the pattern right at the end. For the decreases before during the final knit/purl section, the pattern says to decrease before the markers, then knit three rounds, and “Repeat from * five more times. (69 stitches).” I interpret this to mean that between each round of decreases, I should knit three regular rounds. The reason I’m not sure this is correct is because the final measurements provided are 12 inches long, but my projects end up being much longer despite having the correct gauge (or gauges that are actually small than those provided in the pattern). The question is: do I knit three regular rounds between each decrease round during the 5 rounds of decreases at the end of the project? Thanks for your help!
Hi Myra,
Thank you for writing in! It sounds like you’re doing everything right, although I’m not totally sure why your projects are coming out so much longer! According to the pattern you should be working 24 total rows in this section, 6 of which are decrease rows, adding up to a total of 4″ of knitting. If you’re finding that you’re getting more than ½” per 3 rows of knitting, or you’d just like to make a shorter cowl, feel free to knit 1 or 2 rows in between decreases instead. I hope that helps!
Happy knitting!
Gaby
I’m interested in this pattern, but 19″ circumference might be a tad tighter than I’d be comfortable wearing. If I cast on more stitches (four, say for another inch), will that work? Or do I need to adhere to a certain multiple to maintain pattern?
I was intimidated until I watched your tutorial and saw all the questions and answers. This is my first time visiting your site and I love the support I see here.
Hi Susan,
Thanks for writing in! Yes, you can certainly increase the size of this cowl! The easiest way to do so is to add a multiple of 4 stitches to the cast on, and then on Round 1, knit to one stitch before the center stitch of the cowl before working the SK2PO. On each of the next three rounds knit or purl one less stitch than the row previously before working the decrease.
To begin the short rows, on row 5, knit to one stitch past your center stitch, which should now be easy to see due to the column of decreases, work your wrap and turn, and then follow the rest of the short row instructions without changes. You will still have to decide on placement for the markers for the second set of decreases but once the short rows are complete you should be able to decide where to place the markers without too much trouble.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Hi there,
I’m new to knitting and would like to try this cowl as a first project. Does anyone know if there’s a video tutorial available for walking a beginner through this pattern? Thank you!
Bridget
Hi Bridget,
Thanks so much for writing in! We don’t currently have a video for this project, but we do have a lot of really helpful tutorials on our tutorials page, for many different techniques: . In particular, you’ll want to check out the one on short rows here: Short Rows: Wrap + Turn
I think this would be a great project for an adventurous beginner! You’ll learn a lot of different techniques, and it’s a great and really wearable accessory! Please feel free to reach out if you have any other questions, we’re happy to answer them!
Best,
Cassandra
I agree that a video to this specific project would be very helpful for beginning knitters, the short row tutorial could be better.
Hi Lindsay,
Thank you for your comment! We appreciate your feedback and we’re sorry the Short Row Tutorial isn’t helping you with your Bandana Cowl. I know the short rows can get tricky! We are always happy to provide 1-on-1 Project Help over Zoom, so feel free to reach out and schedule a free Zoom meeting with us, if you are interested, to go over short rows or anything else that you may want another set of eyes on!
All the best,
Margaret
Hi there,
I finished the short rows and am now transitioning to knitting in the round. I’m following directions to pick up the wrapped stitch but even still I am seeing a big gap / hole when I begin knitting in the round. Am I doing something wrong?
Hi Rebecca
Thanks for writing in! It sounds like you are doing everything correct! It may seem like there is a hole at first, but after you pick up the final wrap on the last stitch of the round, and begin the next round, the gap should close up nicely on the following rows. Your tail from casting on is also a few rows down from this point if you feel like it needs any adjustments after you finish and weave it in. I hope this helps!
Happy Knitting
Jessica
Re: Bandana Cowl
While reading through others’ projects notes for this pattern, there were a couple references of there being a worsted version of this Bandana Cowl. In English. Is this available?
Thanks
Hi Elanie
Thanks for reaching out! This pattern has been worked up in worsted/aran weights also. You may need to drop your needle size to an 8 or a 9 but as long as you can get 4st= 1″ you can follow the pattern as written. I hope this helps, and happy knitting!
Best
Jessica
Can this be changed into a crochet pattern some how?
Hi Kim,
Thanks for writing in! We don’t have crochet instructions for this cowl, unfortunately, but I will be sure to pass your request along to the design team!
Best,
Julianna
I love the Bandana Cowl but would like to make it in Mulberry Merino.
If I double the yarn and use 2 strands of Mulberry Merino would that work?
What size needle would I use?
Thank you!
Hi Lisa,
I think the Bandana Cowl would work out nicely with the Mulberry Merino! Holding two strands together would give you a yarn weight similar to the Jade Saphire 8-ply and we recomend a needle size US 8 or 9. These are approximations so we defintely recommend doing a gauge swatch and adjusting your needle size to obtain the proper gauge.
I hope this helps!
Oscar
Hi, I would like to try this pattern. I have a bulky yarn with 108 yds. Do you think this yardage will suffice? If not, where is the appropriate place to shorten the pattern?
Thanks very much, Susan
Hi Susan,
Thanks for writing in! We used 130 yards for our cowl, so you are just a little short. However, you may be able to omit or reduce the rounds between the decreases in the body of the cowl after completing the bandana point! We knit three rounds between each decrease row, so I would try knitting just one round in between. The neck of the cowl will be a little shorter, but it should still be quite cozy!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
I am going to be knitting this in a DK instead of bulky weight and am trying to figure out if it’s knit from the bottom up, or from the top down for size/gauge. Is the 89 stitch cast-on what will end up being the upper circumference, or the base?
Hi Reed,
Thanks for reaching out! The cowl is knit from the bottom up, so the 89 stitch cast on will end up being the base. Please let us know how this pattern turns out in a DK weight yarn!
Good luck and happy knitting!
Gianna
I’d like to make the bandana cowl for a small child. I’m not experienced enough to understand how many to cast on. Can anyone help me with this pattern. Thank you
Hi Bonnie,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately this pattern is only available in an adult size currently. Thank you for expressing your interest in making this in a child size, I will be sure to pass this along!
Best,
Gianna
Hi,
I found your pattern on Pinterest a few days ago and I just love it! I admit I haven’t read all the comments since they start in 2011 (I think), so you might have answered this question, but what is your policy regarding selling items knit from your pattern?
I also wanted to add that I knit with a light worsted and adjusted your pattern, so if anyone wants to give it a go:
US 6/4mm circular needle
Cast on 99 stitches
Round 1: K49
Start of short rows, Round 5: K48
Set up round: K20, pm, K51pm, knit to end of round
Knit 4 rounds = 1/2″
I hope this helps! Thanks for such a lovely pattern!
Hi Michelle,
Thank you for reaching out! I am so glad to hear you love the pattern! While we’re happy you like our Bandana Cowl, our patterns and designs are copyrighted and are for home use only. This means that you can’t use our patterns to make things for sale. We hope you understand!
Thank you for getting in touch and for sharing your adjustments to the pattern!
Gianna
I thought the cast on had to be multiples of 4’s which 99 stitches isn’t.
I’m hoping someone can tell me how many stitches to cast on with my DK yarn.
Hi Robin,
Thanks for reaching out! This pattern doesn’t have a specific multiple to cast on, any odd number will work. 4 is the gauge for the pattern, you should have 4 stitches per inch if you are working with the yarns we recommend on a US 10 needle! A DK weight should knit up similar to a light worsted so I recommend following Michelle’s modifications and casting on 99 stitches on a US 6 needle!
All the best,
Gianna
Hi! I love this pattern and want to use the beautiful Maxima yarn. Will I use the same size (10) needle?
Hi Caroline,
Thanks for reaching out! I think that should work great! I do recommend working a gauge swatch before beginning to insure that your gauge is consistent with the pattern!
Happy knitting!
Gianna
I bought the Understory yarn because the pattern notes recommend it as a substitution and it came in the color I was looking for. It is a DK weight while the pattern is written for bulky yarn. You suggest I use the same #10 needles. I started knitting on the 10s but it’s extremely loose. Should I be holding Understory double?
Hi Gayle,
Thanks for reaching out! After further review it looks like the Understory suggestion was added in by mistake since obviously it is not in line with the gauge of the pattern… I apologize for the confusion and any inconvenience this has caused! I would recommend trying Understory doubled and see how that compares to the written gauge!
Sorry again for this mistake and thank you for understanding.
All the best,
Gianna
Hello! I love the look of this pattern and can’t wait to try it – would I be able to use the Worsted Twist for this? If not, could you recommend another yarn that’s a little less pricey than the 8-ply cashmere? Thanks so much!
Hi Kylie,
Thanks for writing in! I think Worsted Twist would be a great option for this cowl! You may have to slightly adjust the gauge, so I do recommend working a gauge swatch before you begin but it should be fairly easy!
All the best,
Gianna
I have to say this pattern is pretty straightforward and easy to follow. I have also tried this pattern with multiple different thicknesses of yarn and all turn out super comfy and very stylish! Thank you so much for this awesome pattern!
Hi Blake,
Thanks for reaching out and for your kind words! I am so happy to hear that you have enjoyed this pattern so much!
All the best,
Gianna
I’m so determined to get this, that I am doing a test one out of crummy craft store yarn. The whole mechanics of doing this is easy, but what’s hard is remembering each short row wrap and HOW to do it. I have to use your short row tutorial for every row.
Usually, I like to just knit without constantly looking at instructions, but each row wrap– whether it’s on the knit side or purl side has different techniques.. But, I plod on…pandemic making me feel unfulfilled every time I fail, so I am gonna rejuvenate some brain cells and keep on trying. I would love to do it in cashmere.. but, my short rows look all holey and weird.
thanks for all your kind, attentive help here… Is your store in the city open yet? When all is safe, I will come and sit myself down with your help.
Sincerely, Pat 🙂
Hi Pat,
Thanks for reaching out! I hope you get the hang of the short rows! Our NYC store is not open yet, but when it is safe we can not wait to get our doors open again! In the meantime, you can schedule a zoom call with on of our team members if you need assistance! Email our team at [email protected] if you are interested!
Happy knitting!
Gianna
Ah, thanks Gianna! That’s real nice. I am plowing away. Although I’ve been knitting over 50 years, this short row thing is very new to me. As is this pattern.
Can’t wait to visit you guys in the city. You all seem very helpful and nice… a great difference from the Yarn shops of old where I’d walk in and get unfriendly looks. I’m happy to know you are all welcoming..
Pat, in NJ
Hi there, I just love this pattern however I’m getting lost on the rows 7 & 8. Just to understand the 18 short rows are knit in the centre of the work? I don’t continue the round. after the 36 rows then you work the rounds? The confusion is that you talk about a knowing that you’re done your 36 rows when you end up at the marker, but the only marker that is mentioned to put in is for the rounds, so there is only one marker and I don’t think that’s where I’m supposed work to, as that’s the back of the neck. So to clarify the wrap rows are just worked back and forth and not not continuing the whole round? I’m not familiar with working short rounds therefore I’m a bit confused there.
Thank you,
Cyannae
Hi Cyanne,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes that is correct, you don’t work the full round during the short rows you are only working over a portion of the row, building from the point of the bandana to the back of the neck. You’ll be turning the work between each row instead of continuing around the needle! And yes that is also correct, the only stitch maker will be the one from where you joined the work in the round and once you get there and you wrap and turn the stitches right next to the marker, that is when you will be finished. Our Short Rows: Wrap + Turn tutorial is an excellent resource to use!
I hope this clarifies things, happy knitting!
Gianna
Hi! I’ve made this bandana is Maxima and it’s lovely. I’m trying to make one in black for a holiday present, but both Maxima and Jade Sapphire are out of stock in those colors. Is there another yarn I could easily substitute? Thanks for your help!
Hi Caroline,
Thanks for reaching out! I would recommend our Worsted Twist or HARRISVILLE DESIGNS Highland! They both should knit up to about the same gauge as Maxima but I do recommend working a gauge swatch prior to starting to insure it is consistent!
All the best,
Gianna
Hi, I am finally getting the hang of this pattern, but I made a mistake and am seeking suggestions on how to move forward. I am almost through the short rows section, and realized I started purling where I was supposed to be knitting and vice versa so now my bandana triangle section has the bottom in stockinette and then it shifts straight into the back of stockinette for the next few inches. So sad. I don’t want to rip it out. Any suggestions?
Hi Evan,
Thanks for reaching out! I am sorry to hear about that! You could drop down and fix each individual stitch but that is a bit tricky and time consuming. Unfortunately the easiest option would be to rip it out and go back a re-work that section with the correct stitch pattern!
I hope this helps!
All the best,
Gianna
Hi –
I would like to make the Bandana Cowl in Worsted Twist. I only see the gauge and instructions for Swiss Island Bulky and Jade Sapphire 8 ply Cashmere.
Are the instructions and gauge for Worsted Twist the same as for the other 2 yarns?
Thanks so much!
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for reaching out! Worsted twist will be the most comparable to Jade Sapphire 8 ply, so I would recommend following that set of instructions! I also recommend of course working a gauge swatch before you begin to insure that you are consistent with the pattern or need to make any adjustments!
Happy knitting!
Gianna
When you get done with the 18 repeats of rows 7 and 8, how many stitches do you have in the center section and on each side?
Thanks!
Hi Elisabeth,
Thanks for reaching out! After finishing row 7 and 8 18 times you should have 81 stitches total, you will then continue working till you get to the Set-Up Round where you will K18, place marker, k45, place marker, knit to end of round (18 stitches.) So after the Set-Up Round you should have 45 stitches in the center and 18 stitches on wither side!
I hope this helps!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi, Gianna!
Thanks for the reply! Now that I am actually on the last of the short rows, looks like my question above lacked clarity.
I do have 81 total stitches.
I have purled 79 stitches and purled the wrapped stitch w/ its wrap. And this is where the marker is. Is this correct?
I still have to purl 1 and do a W&T (on the other side of the marker), correct?
I will then proceed with knitting in the round …..
Thanks in advance for your help!
Hi Elisabeth,
Thanks for reaching out! That is correct, once you work the last W+T then you will begin working in the round with the knit side facing you, knit to the marker, making sure to pick up the wrapped stitch!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Thanks, Gianna!
I have made 2 of these so far and love the pattern! I was wondering if there was a similar pattern available for lighter weight yarns – worsted in particular. Or is there a way to adjust this pattern?
Hi Jackie,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately, we don’t have a written version of this pattern for a light weight yarn, but we did have a customer make a few adjustments for a light worsted/dk weight.
here are the adjustments Michelle made to the pattern:
US 6/4mm circular needle
Cast on 99 stitches
Round 1: K49
Start of short rows, Round 5: K48
Set up round: K20, pm, K51pm, knit to end of round
Knit 4 rounds = 1/2″
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi!
This is pretty much exactly the look I want for a mini skirt…is it easy enough to multiply to make it bigger? Or does anyone know where I could mind a similar pattern for a skirt?
Hi Ania,
Thanks for reaching out! At this time we don’t have instructions for enlarging this pattern so it may take a bit of trial and error to make it work, but I think its definitely possible!
If you do end up making a skirt from this please let us know how it turns out!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hello! I am working this cowl in Jade Saphire and struggling with my first row 8 and trying to identify my wrap stitch on the purl side. I have watched the video multiple times and just can’t seem to figure it out. I am on Row 8, first time. I don’t know how many stitches I should purl (c/b 2,3,4, or 5) as I cannot clearly figure out where the wrap stitch is! Any thoughts on how to do this?
Hi Amy,
Thanks for reaching out! The wrapped stitch should actually be pretty evident since the wrap will be around the circumference of the stitch! I would suggest checking out our Short Rows: Wrap + Turn tutorial, it will show you exactly how to identify and work the wrapped stitch!
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hello! I have made 7 of these scarfs over the past month. I love making them so much! And great to give out as gifts. However, I am still not understanding how to pick up the first wrapped stitch for the 3 rows after short rows. To my understanding, If I am only working on the knit side, I won’t be able to pick up the wrapped stitch. There should be 2 wrapped stitches right next to each other after the short rows, one on the knit side and one on the purl side. Should I ignore the purl side wrapped stitch and only pick up the knit side wrapped stitch? And how do I pick up a wrapped stitch for subsequent rows if I am no longer wrap and turning? Thank you!
Hi Blu,
We’d be happy to help clear this section up for you so you’ll be more comfortable making any future cowls! There’s a different technique you use when you need to pick up wraps on either the knit or purl side. If you check out our Wrap + Turn Tutorial, you’ll find instructions for how to pick up wraps on the knit side around the 2:34 marker and specifically on the purl side around the 3:30 marker.
Please let us know if you’re still having any trouble!
All the best,
Zha Zha
Hello! I’ve been asked by some friends to make this for their Christmas gifts! I’m not that experienced with short rows, but I wanted to try and add their initials somewhere on the cowl. Is there an area that would work for this? Somewhere not affected by the weirdness that short rows can cause in patterns. I was thinking on the back of the neck, but I’d like input from someone who has knit this.
Thanks on advance!!!
Hi SK,
Thanks for writing in. You can definitely add the initials in any space of uninterrupted stockinette stitch! Basically, anywhere that isn’t close to the border of the cowl, since that’s where the ends of the short rows are. Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Hi!! Has this been made in crochet yet??
Hi Andrea,
Thanks for reaching out! We don’t offer a crochet version of this pattern, but thank you for expressing your interest! I will be sure to pass this along to the rest of the team!
Warmly,
Gianna
Thanks for a great pattern, I enjoyed knitting it. I’d like to make another one but add a point at the back of it – to keep the back of my neck/shoulders warm – a smaller shallower point than formed on the front of the cowl. Can you suggest how I do the short rows at the back of the neck? How many stitches should I use? Would I knit the short row section for the back neck first and then knit around to work on the front short rows? Thanks for your help.
Hi Donna,
Thanks for writing in! I am so glad to hear that you have enjoyed this pattern! That is a great question, since we don’t have written instructions for this type of alteration it may take a bit of trial and error to get the right look. I would suggest working short rows on the back of the neck till you get the shape you are looking for, and then working on the front short rows as written and see if that helps you achieve the look you are going for!
I hope this helps and please let us know how this turns out!
Gianna
I have a question on Round 2: P42, S2KP, purl to end of round.
Is the S2KP in round two the same as in round one?
I guess my specific question is in round 2, do I
A. slip 2 knitwise, knit one, and then pass 2 slipped stitches over the knit
or do I
B. A. slip 2 purlwise, purl one, and then pass 2 slipped stitches over the purled stitch
Thanks for your help!
Kathryn
Hi Kathryn,
Thanks for reaching out. The s2kp is worked the same way in both of these rounds, regardless of whether the rest of the stitches are knit or purled! You will need to work it as written in the Special Instructions, so: Slip 2 stitches together knitwise with yarn in back, knit 1, pass the 2 slipped stitches over the knit stitch. This way, you end up with a nice little “seam” of knit stitches going up the front point of the cowl! I hope this helps clarify things.
All the best,
Lili
Hi, I am confused about where to start row 5 relative to the point of the bandana. I am using magic loop method and my point is kind of off center on one side of my loop. Before I start row 5 do I need to slide all the stitches onto the cable and find a new starting point for the round? Or, where is the starting point of my first row 5 stitch? Thank you!
Hi Florinda,
Thanks for writing in with your question! I can see how using the magic loop method can be a little bit tricky while doing short row shaping, but you should be able to work these upcoming short rows just fine, especially if you center the point of the bandana on one side of your needles before beginning row 5.
Starting at row 5 you will be working in short rows and not knitting back to your beginning of round marker like in the previous rounds. The point of your bandana should be 40 stitches away from the beginning of round marker, which Row 5 will help establish. After knitting 42 stitches for Row 5, your wrp-t stitch should be just slightly past the point of your bandana (2 stitches past the tip), then you will wrap and turn your work so the wrong side is facing you.
Continuing to Row 6, you will purl 3 stitches before wrapping and turning again. This will bring you back to the other side of your point, which will be perfectly centered between your wrapped stitches.
I hope this helps!
All the best,
Carly
Thank you so much for the reply. I will give this a try. It sounds, though, like magic loop was not the preferred method for this project. What should I have done instead?
Hi Florinda,
Because the circumference of the finished neck opening of this cowl measures 17.25 inches, we recommend using 16-inch circular needles for the project!
All the best,
Lili
Hola no me centra desde la. Vuelta 5. Tejí 42 puntos y gire tejiedo de revez regresé al. Marcador de inicio. Y Tejí 3 puntos y volví a girar. No regresé por el otro lado sino al. Mismo lado donde inicié la prinera fila corta. Ayuda
Hello!
Thank you so much for your question. On Row 5, you will knit 42 stitches to position the beginning of your short rows. Then, you will wrap and turn the 43rd stitch, and begin purling on the wrong side of the work for Row 6. You will turn your work after each row for this short row section! Short rows are only worked across some of the stitches in your row, not all of them, so you are on the right track! If you would like more information about how to work Short Rows, you can check out our tutorial here!
I hope this helps!
All the best,
Margaret
Hi. I am knitting the bandana cowl in beautiful Plenty for the girls in the family. On #2 now. The youngest two would like smaller sized ones. How can I adapt the pattern nicely. Smaller circumference and shorter. They are 11 and 9 years of age. Thanks so much. I am about to order more wool.
Gloria Sternthal
Hi Gloria,
Thank you so much for reaching out, and what a lovely family gift idea! We unfortunately don’t have the resources to rewrite this pattern in different sizes, but if you want to calculate the amount of stitches you will need to cast on for a different size, you will multiply 4 x the desired circumference in inches = amount of cast on stitches.
You will also want to know the halfway point from the begining of round, so that you can have a centered point, and when you begin shortrow shaping, you will want to knit just 1 stitch past that middle stitch before doing your wrap and turn.
I hope this helps!
All the best,
Carly
Hola estoy confundida y no entiendo cuantas vueltas cortas debo hacer… si pierdo la cuenta a qué marcador se supone que debo llegar? Hice vueltas cortas hasta llegar al marcador de inicio y me quedó muy largo.
Hi Jimena,
Thanks for reaching out. It sounds like you’ve done the correct number of short rows! You will work a total of 40 short rows, and you’ll know when you’re done when the wrapped stitches are right next to the stitch marker at the end of the round. Hope this helps clarify things!
All the best,
Lili
I have made 2 Bandana cowl’s and would like to sell them at the Fabric Guild I belong to. Where we dye fibers, spin and weave. also knit and have a sale in November open to the public. Would this be possible ?
Hi Val,
Thank you for your interest in our patterns! While we’re happy you like our Bandana Cowl, our patterns and designs are copyrighted and are for home use only. This means that you can’t use our patterns to make things for sale. We hope you understand!
Thank you for getting in touch!
All the best,
Margaret
Ok so when you get to row 9 it says:
Repeat rows 7&8 eighteen more times. Don’t worry if you lose count, you’ll know you’re done when you wrap and turn the stitches right next to the marker!
What marker? Certainly not the marker from the beginning when it was joined in the round! I can not see where we were instructed to place other markers!
Help!
Hi Claudette,
Thank you for asking! The stitch marker that is indicated in our pattern at this point is indeed the beginning of round marker. Working the short rows in the repeats of rows 7 and 8 will gradually add stitches for progressively longer short rows, meaning that by the time you’ve worked 18 repeats, you will have added all of the stitches on your needles to your “short” rows!
I hope this helps clarify things, and please don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any other questions!
All the best,
Margaret
Hello!
I am new to short rows and I have a question about row 7. Approximately how many knit stitches should I do before coming to the wrapped stitch? I completed rows 5 and 6 and now I am stuck on 7.
Question #2 – On the video it shows picking up the wrapped stitch – at which row does this happen?
Please help! I really like this pattern, but I’ve never done short rows!! Thanks!
Hi Kiana,
That’s a great question! The number of stitches you will knit (or purl) before coming to a wrapped stitch will differ on every row (which is why we don’t specify it in the pattern). Each short row gets progressively longer, so you will need to knit (or purl) 2 more stitches on every repeat. On Row 7, you will knit 3 stitches (since that’s when you reach the wrapped stitch from a previous short row), knit that stitch with its wrap, knit 1 more stitch, and then work the wrap + turn.
In answer to your second question, you will be knitting (or purling) one wrapped stitch on every single short row! This is because each short row is getting longer, so you need to go slightly past the extent of the previous one before wrapping the new wrapped stitch. This is indicated in the pattern by the phrases “knit the wrapped stitch making sure to pick up the wrap” or “purl the wrapped stitch making sure to pick up the wrap.”
I hope this helps clarify things!
All the best,
Lili
I also was confused at row 7 and I’m afraid the response has made me even more confused. Row six says to purl 3, then wrap, then turn. So wouldn’t the very first stitch you work after turning be the wrapped stitch (the last one from row 6)? But the response here makes it sound like the three purl stitches get worked first before coming to the wrapped stitch. I can’t *wrap* my head around this.
Never mind, I reread the wrap and turn instructions, slept on it, and it’s all clear to me now.
Hi Clara,
That’s great news! I’m glad to hear that the short rows are making more sense now.
But in case anyone else has the same question, I’ll write out the answer here: When you turn your work after wrapping the stitch, the wrapped stitch will be on your right needle. Therefore, you will not work it until you come all the way back from the other direction on the next short row!
All the best,
Lili
New knitter here so I apologize for the basic question but how would you suggest adjusting this pattern so that it would fit a teen? Thank you in advance for the asssistance.
Hello,
Thanks for writing in! You can definitely make this pattern a bit smaller to fit a teen. To figure out your cast-on number, you can multiply the number of stitches per inch (4) by the circumference that you would like and cast on the nearest 4 + 1. Then you can follow the pattern as written! You may also want to reduce the height of the cowl, so to do that, just knit fewer rounds in the DECREASE TO TOP section. Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
How many stitches should there be after all of the short rows are finished?
Thank you!
Hi Christine,
Thanks for reaching out. After you complete the short rows, there should still be 81 stitches on your needles! The short rows ultimately do not decrease any stitches, so this is the same number you should have right before beginning the short rows (but after the s2kp decreases). Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Oh dear….somehow I have 87…would it be ok to k2tog six times on my next row to get back to 81?
Thanks!
Oh no! I think that decreasing 6 times on one row might cause the fabric to pucker a bit, so I wouldn’t recommend that. Instead, I’d recommend proceeding to the decrease section, but working the Decrease Round after every 2 rounds instead of after every 3 rounds (and also working more repeats of the Decrease Round in total). That way, you can decrease down to the correct stitch count in a smoother manner.
All the best,
Lili
Hi – I’ve been looking closely at the point shaping in your photos. Some have used the S2KP method. But others have a neat vertical column of about 4 knit stitches instead. Not sure how this was done. Why is that method not included in the pattern? I much prefer it as it looks very neat.
Hi Colleen,
Thanks for reaching out. The s2kp method will create a column of 4 knit stitches at the point of the cowl! I do see what you mean that one of our photos doesn’t show this column, and that’s likely because there was an error in the process of knitting it up. We’re so sorry for the confusion! If you take a look at our most recent samples, they should all have the correct s2kp shaping! (Unless they’re photographed from the wrong side, in which case the correct shaping is there, just not visible!)
All the best,
Lili
Eek I have 85 stitches for some reason at the end of my short rows…and not sure how to proceed. I am reaching the marker at the end of a purl short rows, and the be stitch before the marker is the one I picked up the wrap. Help!
Hi Joanne,
Thanks for reaching out, although I’m sorry to hear that you have a few extra stitches on your needles! This is actually pretty easy to fix in this pattern. What you can do is continue following the pattern as written, but add a 2 more Decrease Rounds to reduce the stitch count by 4. You can also space these Decrease Rounds closer together, so that the cowl comes to the same height as intended!
All the best,
Lili
I was given 2 skeins of the Jade Sapphire 6 ply…gorgeous! I’ve done this cowl a couple of times. How would you modify it for the 6 ply v the 8 you reference above? Could I possibly get by with just one skein? Or is there another cowl pattern that would be a better fit?
Hi Rosemary,
Thanks for reaching out. To modify this pattern for a lighter weight yarn, you will need to change the stitch count so that it comes to the correct dimensions with the different gauge!
To figure out your cast-on number, you will want to first knit a gauge swatch in pattern (if this is daunting, we have a wonderful tutorial called All About Gauge). Once you know how many stitches you are getting per inch, you can multiply that number by the lower circumference of the cowl (22.25 inches) and cast on the nearest multiple of 4 + 1. Then you can essentially follow the pattern as written!
The only other things you’ll want to keep in mind are A) the column of s2kp decreases (and the beginning of the short rows) should be centered in the middle front of the cowl, B) you’ll end up repeating Short Rows 3 and 4 more than 18 more times, so that they extend until the end-of-round marker, and C) you may want to place the decreases in the DECREASE TO TOP section in slightly different places so that they’re proportional to the cast-on number.
Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Hi Lili,
Can you please tell me how to adjust the bandana cowl pattern for your Cashmere Merino Bloom.
If I cast on 100 stitches, instead of 89, how would I follow the pattern?
Many thanks,
Dale
Hi Dale,
Thanks for writing in! To alter this pattern for a different cast-on number, you’ll need to first make sure that that number is a multiple of 4 + 1. So you’ll need to begin with 101 stitches instead! Once you cast on 101, stitches, here’s how to follow the subsequent decrease rounds:
Set-up Round: Purl all stitches.
Round 1: K49, S2KP (see Notes, above), knit to end of round. (99 stitches)
Round 2: P48, S2KP, purl to end of round. (97 stitches)
Round 3: K47, S2KP, knit to end of round. (95 stitches)
Round 4: P46, S2KP, purl to end of round. (93 stitches)
Then, you’ll move onto the short row section, beginning with this:
Row 5: K48, wrap and turn.
From here on out, you can essentially follow the pattern as written, keeping in mind two small things! 1) You’ll need to repeat Rows 7 and 8 more than eighteen more times, since you have more stitches. Just keep repeating these rows until you’ve wrapped both of the stitches directly adjacent to the end-of-round marker! 2) Once you reach the decrease rounds, you may want to space the columns of decreases differently to accommodate the different stitch count. But this is optional and won’t really affect the finished cowl!
All the best,
Lili
Thanks so much Lili! Your help has been amazing. I finally did learn the short row technique and made several bandana cowls for Christmas! Couldn’t have done it without you!
I did make one with Cashmere Merino Bloom, using the regular pattern, but it’s a bit tight, so your instructions will be great! I love the Cashmere Merino.
Thank you again for your patience!
Dale
You’re very welcome, Dale!
All the best,
Lili
I am a continental knitter, and I have knit about a dozen cowls with your pattern or a variation of it, based on the yarn I am using. I love this pattern so much! One issue I have not been able to resolve is that my short row section looks a little choppy. I believe my tension is different between my knit rows and my purl rows. Have you experienced this, and do you know how to address it? I do not know if my knits are looser than my purls, or if my purl rows are looser than my knits. What is typical? Once I finish the short rows and begin working in the round, the fabric is lovely and smooth.
Hi Melissa,
Thanks for writing in! Uneven tension when knitting flat is a very, very common thing that many knitters experience. The culprit is typically that the purl rows (the wrong side short rows, in this case) are looser than the knit rows. We’ve found that blocking your cowl after finishing it can minimize the tension differences, so I’d recommend trying that if you haven’t already!
Alternatively, if you’re up for it, you could go down a needle size for just the purled short rows. That should bring the two tensions closer together!
You may also want to look into some other styles of purling, such as Norwegian purling, or even doing English style knitting for just the purled rows. Some of my coworkers have explored these alternate purling methods, and they highly recommend giving them a try! I’d just suggest trying these out on a separate swatch first before you use them in a project.
I hope this helps, and please let me know if you have any other questions!
All the best,
Lili
Do you have any tips for keeping the bind off loose and stretchy? I notice that my bind offs are pretty tight and have little to no stretch in them. The cowl really needs to have that stretch. I just started, and short rows are new for me. But I’m really looking forward to this project. Thanks!
Hi Shirley,
Thank you for writing in! I’m sorry to say we don’t have a stretchy bind off tutorial but you could definitely find one on youtube. I can also share the one that I like to use by writing it below.
Step 1. Knit the first stitch
Step 2. YO backwards
Step 3. Knit the second stitch
Step 4. Pull the 1st stitch AND the YO over the last knitted stitch.
Continue to end.
I hope this helps but please let me know if you have any questions!
All the best,
Gavriella