Lovely Ribbed Cowl
I came to the surprising realization last winter that I am someone who prefers a cowl to a scarf. Perhaps it’s because I live in a drafty old house and always want something toasty around my neck, something that stays put, something chic and easy, something that doesn’t find its way into the soup I’m making or the dog food I’m pouring!
So I decided to make a cowl that is as simple to knit as it is to wear. I love the idea of a vertically ribbed cowl that gently hugs your neck like your favorite turtleneck sweater. However, one thing I definitely didn’t want was a whiplash collar, so this cowl is knit in a relaxed gauge that creates soft, billowing ripples. With a very loose bind off, it subtly widens at the bottom for an easy and totally comfy fit. Beginners will love the do-able challenge, and old pros will appreciate the late-night-movie no-brainer!
The simplicity of this pattern serves as a great platform for gorgeous yarn. I spent a lot of time talking through the options with all of our wonderful knitters at Purl Soho. Yarn aficionado, Faye, suggested one of our all time favorites, Blue Sky’s Suri Merino. With its wonderful drape, soft halo and palette of lovely vintage colors, everything about Suri Merino is perfect for this Lovely Ribbed Cowl! Be cozy! -Page
Update: September 2013
Here’s another idea! Try the Lovely Ribbed Cowl in Purl Soho’s very own Worsted Twist, a gorgeous 100% merino wool that knits up with crisp definition and classic simplicity. Plus, it’s incredibly soft and cozy, just what you need in a cold autumn breeze!
Pick up two skeins of Worsted Twist right here, and use the same easy-as-pie pattern as the original Suri Merino version!
Update: February 2018
This Cowl’s newest sibling, our Lovely Ribbed Scarf, is also a 2 x 2 rib, and so, you see, that to us, the simplicity is the beauty. There are no quirks or genius behind these patterns, nor video tutorial for clarifying the instructions. And that ease is why we also chose this pattern to be the first to represent our brand new Good Wool.
Update: March 2018
A Lovely Ribbed Hat to match! Our Hat retains the soul of the ones worn on docks and decks since who-knows-when, but it has certainly dispensed with the itch. Knit up in our incredibly soft Season Alpaca, this simple hat is sumptuous and warm and wonderful on the head!
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, and #PurlSohoLovelyRibbedCowl. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
Suri Merino Version
- 2 skeins of Blue Sky’s Suri Merino, 60% baby suri, and 40% merino. Each skein is 164 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 328 yards required.
This color is Earth. - US 7 (4.5 mm), 20-inch circular needles
- US 8 (5 mm) circular, straight or even double pointed needles (for binding off)
- Stitch marker or scrap yarn
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!
Worsted Twist Version
- 2 skeins of Purl Soho’s Worsted Twist, 100% merino. Each skein is 164 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 328 yards required. We used the color Oyster Gray.
- US 7 (4.5 mm), 20-inch circular needles
- US 8 (5 mm) circular, straight or even double pointed needles (for binding off)
- Stitch marker or scrap yarn
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
8½ stitches = 1 inch in 2 x 2 rib (unstretched)
Size
16 inches high and 18 inches in circumference (unstretched)
Pattern
With the smaller circular needle, cast on 156 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Place a marker and join for working in the round, being careful to not twist the stitches.
Round 1: *K2, p2, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Round 1 until piece measures 16 inches from the cast on edge.
Using the larger needle, bind off loosley in rib pattern. (Using a bigger needle for the bind off causes that edge to flare out slightly, giving your cowl some pretty, subtle shaping. Make sure to wear your cowl with the bind off edge at the bottom and the cast on edge at the top.)
Weave in the ends and you’re done!
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!
Can you please define the weight of the yarn specified? Is it DK weight?
I have size six circular needles already. Can the pattern be adapted for smaller needles?
Hi Melissa-
Needle size is always a suggestion rather than a firm direction. The important thing with any pattern is that you're getting the same gauge. In this case the gauge is 8.5 stitches per inch in the pattern. If you can get that wil your size 6 needles you're in the clear! Otherwise you can always just cast on more stitches in a simple pattern like this, just make sure you cast on a multiple of 4.
Thanks you for your question!
Molly
hi, i would love to make this for my 4 and 6 year old daughter, any suggestions on how many stitches to cast on to scale it down? thanks, cheryl
Hi Cheryl-
Figure out how large (in inches) you'd like the circumference of the cowl to be. Then multiple that number by 8.5 (the stitches per inch), round to the nearest multiple of 4 and that's how many stitches you will be casting on.
For instance, if you'd like the cowl to be 15-inches around:
15 X 8.5 (stitches per inch)= 127.5 rounded to the nearest multiple of 4= 128 stitches to cast on.
You will also need to make sure that you are using a circular needle small enough to fit your circumference. Circular needles come in lengths as short as 8-inches. You can see our selection here:
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8-Skacel-Addi-Turbo-Circular-Needles
Please let us know if you need any more help and thanks for your question!
Molly
Hi! Fabulous and simple pattern. It looks just right to get back into knitting. But as an English knitter could you give me ideas on how much a USA skein weighs/measures? Much appreciated
Hi Yarnvixen-
This is a DK weight yarn. Thank you so much for your question- sorry it took a couple of days to get back to you!
Molly
Hi Rosie B-
All of the info on this yarn can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/3059-Blue-Sky-Suri-Merino
Thanks so much for writing in and please let us know if you need any more help!
Best-
Molly
Very nice and beginner-friendy pattern 🙂 But here's my problem: I have four skeins of nice yarn (baby alpaca + silk) but it seems to be slightly thinner than in the pattern… 167m per 50g, recommended needle size US 4. Should I change the number of cast-on stitches or needle size? Thanks.
I can't seem seem to find 20 inch circular knitting needles. Do you think 24 inch would be ok to use?
This will be my first attempt using a circular needle. Will a #7 24 inch work for this pattern?
Hello Margaret and Tatyn-
Unfortunately a 24-inch needle will be too long for this project. We are currently sold out of the #7 in the 20-inch length but they should be back in stock soon. Please email customerservice AT purlsoho DOT com if you'd like to be informed when they are back.
Or alternatively, you could use a 16-inch length.
Thank you for your questions!
Molly
I’m using a 24inch needle for this pattern and it’s fine, all the stitches fit, it’s the perfect size!
Great, Remmy! We’re glad that’s working out for you! -Alyson
Hi,
I cannot find the US #7 in the 20 inch length. Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Hi KJ-
You could use a 16-inch #7. Or if you would like to be informed when we get the 20-inch length back please drop us a line at customerservice AT purlsoho DOT com.
Thank you!
Molly
I'd love to make a smaller version of this for my grandchildren as well. So I measured their heads at the largest diameter (20″ each child) and neck diameter (10″ each child), so what should I target for my stitch count? I do understand how to do the calculation, I'm just not sure if I make it to fit the neck and just assume that it will stretch to fit over their heads easily because it's ribbed? Is that a reasonable assumption?
Hi Chris-
It will stretch easily around their heads but I'd aim for a circumference in between the head and neck size- perhaps 14 or 15-inches?
Thank you for your question!
Molly
This is a beautiful cowl. Can you suggest any other yarns that might work besides the suri merino? thank you
Hi Alison-
There are several other options that would work beautifully!
Manos Silk and Wool: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/3625-Manos-Del-Uruguay-Silk-Blend-Semi-Solids
6 Ply Cashmere: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/3744-Jade-Sapphire-Zageo-6-ply-Cashmere
Koigu Kersti: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/870-Koigu-Wool-Designs-Kersti-Merino-Crepe-Solids
Madeline Tosh DK: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8640-Madelinetosh-Tosh-Merino-DK
Please let us know if you have any more questions!
-Molly
Hello! I have just discovered this fantastic blog!! There are so many great and inspiring knitting and sewing patterns – I don´t know where to start and stop … I have just finished the cowl and it is so soft and beautiful. I think I will be wearing it every day (and night) throughout the ice cold Norwegian winter. Thank you! Love, Birgitte
I just finished your "Eleventh Hour Scarf", it came out beautiful. I am now ready for this cowl, but don't want more wool around my neck. I just found your alternative..Jade Sapphire Zageo 6-ply cashmere. I love the new gorgeous "Primordial". The pattern calls for 328 yards total, this new color comes in 150 yds. If I get two skeins there is a 28 yd deficit. Do I have to buy a third skein? At $50 per skein that would put it out of reach for me.
Hi Val Hall-
You can probably get by without getting a third skein. You might want to cast on less stitches. Just make sure that you cast on a multiple of 4. It also might not be quite as tall but it will still be totally beautiful!
Thank you!
Molly
I know you mentioned that US #7 16inch can be used in place of US #7 20 inch. My question is can the pattern be adjusted for the use of US # 8 16 inch I would like to adjust to make a bit chunker.
Thanks,
Stephanie
Hi Stephanie-
The needle size is just a suggestion, the important thing is to be getting the correct gauge which is listed under The Pattern heading. If you are getting the correct gauge on a size 7 and move up to a size 8 it will make the fabric more open and airy, not more chunky. If you'd like a more chunky cowl you could use a thicker yarn and the appropriate needles for that yarn and then cast on a different amount of stitches. This pattern will work with any multiple of 4 stitches.
Thank you for your question and please let us know if you need any more help.
Molly
Hello there!
I am quite new to knitting so please do bear with me! 😉
I have 3 balls of Sirdar Click DK:
– (50g, 164yds each)
– 5 1/2 stiches per inch
– recommended needle size 4mm.
Am I right in assuming that this would be a suitable yarn for this project as long as I manage to calculate the stitch gauge? Thanks heaps!
Hello! I am very new to knitting but I would really like to try this pattern. My only problem is I only have 29 in circular needles (and I can't buy new ones in the appropriate length). Is there any way I can modify anything to make these work?
Thank you 🙂
Hi Emma-
I think this will be just a little short to stretch around your needles. You could try making it longer by casting on more stitches. This pattern will work with any multiple of 4.
Thank you for your question!
Molly
What does it mean when it says to bind off in rib pattern?
Hello Arielle,
Great question. The idea is that you maintain the k2, p2 pattern while binding off.
It is very common for people to bind off in knit. But if you bind off in knit on a ribbed fabric, the gauge of your last row will be different than the gauge of your worked piece causing the bind off edge to flare out. What is best to do, when possible, is to bind off in pattern. So here that would mean for this project….
Knit 2, with the tip of your left needle pick up the first stitch and pull it over the second stitch and off the needle binding off a stitch, then *PURL 1, pick up the first stitch on the right needle and pull it over the second stitch and off the needle binding off a stitch, PURL 1, bind one off, KNIT 1, bind one off, KNIT 1, bind one off, then back to PURL 1, bind one off, and on and on until you have bound off all your stitches.
Hope this helps.
Please let us know if you have any other questions.
Laura
Hello again. I am looking into knitting this scarf using Rowan Pure Wool Aran. Will this yarn give a similar drape to the cowl knit with Worsted Twist? I am worried about the difference in the types of wool; I am concerned that the Pure Wool will create a much stiffer or tighter cowl. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Laura-
We don't have any first hand experience with that yarn so we aren't sure how it will feel. The best thing to do would be to knit a swatch in pattern and make sure you like the drape of it before you get started.
Thanks for your question!
Molly
Hi,
What would the length be, in inches, needed for the cast on tail method, for the worsted twist yarn?
Can you tell us a formula for figuring this out in general?
Thanks so much!
Hi Dale-
To be safe, you want to use a tail that is 3X the width of the finished cast on edge. So in this case you'll need a 54-inch tail. There's nothing worse than running out in the middle!
Thanks!
Molly
Can this cowl be knitted flat and then sewn together?
Thanks,
Diane
Hi Diane,
Yes, it could. The pattern would need some modifications…
Cast on 158 stitches.
Row 1: *K2, p2, repeat from * to last two, k2..
Row 2: *P2, k2, repeat from * to last two, p2.
Those extra two stitches will get get eaten up when you use mattress stitch to seam up the side. https://www.purlsoho.com/create/knitting-tutorials-finishing/2013/11/11/mattress-stitch-video.html
Hope this helps.
Laura
Hello,
Would you tell me which cast on method you used? Long tail, as a commenter mentioned? I'm always confused about which method is best as everyone seems to have differing opinions!
Thank you 🙂
Hi there. I purchased the worsted twist for this project but noticed the gauge for that yarn is 4-5 stitches per inch using size 7-8 needles. Does the 2×2 rib produce a smaller gauge? I'm confused!
Thanks,
Anne
Hi Anne-
Yes, the gauge listed in this pattern is in the 2X2 rib pattern. Ribbing creates a denser fabric so you get more stitches per inch. So make sure to do your gauge swatch in pattern!
Thanks for this helpful question!
Molly
You can shorten a circular knitting needle cable by pulling out a loop and giving it a twist. As you work round to the twist you will have to redo it each time. I have not done this myself but watched a German friend doing it.
Hi! I made this in a worsted weight and LOVE it. I’m thinking of making another one in a chunky weight, but need a double check on the number to cast on. Can you help calculate the # to cast on for chunky yarn that has a gauge of 14 stitches for every 4″, knit on size 10 needles? I’m not sure if I have to take the stretching into account when coming up with a number.
Please help! Thanks!
Hi Karen!
I can’t be completely sure without knowing your personal gauge for the 2 X 2 rib, unstretched. I would estimate roughly 120 stitches though.
I hope this helps!
Thomas
I know it’s been a while since this was posted, but I just discovered this page. Can you tell me if two full 100 gram/164 y skeins of the dk weight was used?
I just sat down to start this cowl and I have 2 – 50gram/140y balls of a merino/possum blend. It’s a difference of 48 yards. I guess I will see when I run out of yarn if I need another ball.
Hi Debra!
Merino/Possum sounds lovely! You are right that the amount of yarn you have is cutting it close, but I think you will be okay. This is the kind of pattern where it simply up to you how long you want the cowl to be! If you run out of yarn and you feel as though you would prefer a longer cowl, then get some more. Otherwise, knit until you run out, and the cowl will be beautiful!
Thomas
Hello,
I am almost finished with this beautiful cowl but I’m stuck with the bind off. I know how to bind off in the rib pattern….but it’s the switch to a larger needle that is throwing me off. I can figure this out if it was straight needles but the circular is confusing me as to when to integrate the larger needle for bind off. It seems really awkward to bring in the larger needle with the working yarn on a needle you are forgetting about for a bit. If you were using straight needles then the working yarn would be on the left needle and bringing in a larger right needle feels right. The circular (with working yarn on right needle) feels scary to start binding off. Any suggestions?
Thank you for your time!
Kim
Hi Kim!
No worries! When using a larger needle for the bind-off, it does not matter whether the larger needle is a circular or straight needle. You will only be holding the larger size needle in your right hand for the bind-off and all of the live stitches will be waiting to be bound-off on the smaller needle you used to knit.
Hope this helps! Happy Knitting!
Thomas
Hi there,
Do you have any suggestions on how to block this?
Hi Stefanie!
Depending on the yarn that you have used, I don’t think it will be necessary to “submerge-block” the cowl. It’ll probably do well with just some hand blocking, or with a little spray of water.
Check out our post on blocking here!
Thanks for your question!
Thomas
I love this cowl, your hints and the pattern–thank you! This will be my first time using circular needles and I still can’t quite figure out why I need a marker (all my research seems to indicate it’s helpful if you are doing a pattern where you need to know where you are starting–so I’ll use one, but don’t know why). Of all the patterns I showed a friend of mine to make him one, this was his favorite! And, since it’ happens to be the most simple of them all, I am thrilled as well. This will really show off nice yarn. Yea! I’ll be making many more for the men in my life for next Christmas I can tell already. Thanks, again!
Hi Marilee!
This is one of the patterns in the world where you could probably get away without having a beginning of round marker! If this is your first time using a circular needle, though, I would probably still put one on if only to get into the practice of using one. A vast majority of round knitting patterns are made much easier if you keep track of the beginning of round.
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
I love your ribbed cowl. I would like to knit it for myself! What size of needle? is that size of needle from USA? I am from Finland and I need to measure out size of needle in Europe.
Hi Katja-
Our needle sizes are all listed as US sizes. This pattern uses a US 7 and 8, which is equivalent to a 4.5mm and 5mm in European sizes.
Thanks for your question!
Molly
Thank you very much! Today I am going to buy black or dark grey yarns for that. I am so excited! 🙂
I just wanted to say how wonderful it is that you take the time to explain everything so thoroughly and answer questions so completely. Thank you for being so giving of your time and expertise.
I just want to reiterate what the above commenter has said: The Purl Bee/Purl Soho very nicely answers knitters’ questions in a timely fashion. You are to be commended. Many designers who have their individual sites often do not respond to knitters’ questions. I will not name names, but it is frustrating.
Hello! I just bought your Super Soft Merino Yarn (love love love it!) & want to use it to make this cowl. Would this yarn work? If so, what size needle should I use?
Hi Belle-
The Super Soft Merino is much thicker than the yarn used here, but you could make a similar cowl by using a size 13 or 15 needle and casting on fewer stitches. To determine your cast on number do a gauge swatch in pattern. Measure how many stitches you are getting per inch from this swatch and then multiply that number by 16 to get your cast on number. (Make sure to cast on a multiple of 4 stitches.)
If this is too complicated you might want to check out our gallery of Super Soft Merino projects! https://www.purlsoho.com/create/category/knit/projects-knit/purl-soho-yarn-projects-knit/super-soft-merino-projects-knit/
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
You are great! Patterns, pretties and patience…that should be your motto. I may have to find this elsewhere, but do you measure each stitch in rib for the gauge? I’m finding trouble with gauge – ok on stockinette but 1/2 that on rib??
Hi Vicky,
Thank you for the kind words! When finding gauge for ribbed knit structures I like to measure how many knit stitches are in an inche making sure that the knitting is relaxed (not stretched) and laying flat. I count how many stitches are facing me in one inch and double that number to accommodate the ones that are on the back side. It is a lot easier to count the stitches face (the side with the V’s) and then double it rather than trying to count the purl bumps.
I hope this helps and feel free to write us back if you have anymore questions!
Good Luck!
Jake
Hi there,
I have two skeins of Merino Script and was wondering if you’d recommend adapting this pattern for this yarn or if the drape and look would be all wrong. Any thoughts? If you think it would be all right, any recommendations for number of stitches to cast on and needle size?
THANK YOU!!
Hello Sarah!
The gauge of the Merino Script isn’t much different from the Worsted Twist, but since it has a slubby texture the cowl won’t turn out as uniform or exactly the same size. I would create a small swatch in 2×2 rib and then see what the gauge comes out to be and see if you like the way the yarn interacts with the pattern. That calculation would determine the cast on number and you’ll be able to decide if you like the density of the fabric and therefore whether or not you want to change the needle size. I would start the gauge swatch out on a #7 or #8.
Best of luck! -Alyson
I am a beginner so your wisdom and patience is appreciated 🙂 I’ve just knit the first round after casting on and because I cast on the 156 stitches the pattern calls for it means that when I K2 P2 the way around the circle at the end I am k2 for the last two stitches, making the first two stitches of the next round P2 but it’s on top of two knot stitches. I thought you had to stack knit or purl stitches on top of each other to make the rib column. I’ve recounted many times and am driving myself crazy. Any help is appreciated.
Hello, Sarah!
Thank you for writing in! This pattern is worked in multiples of 4, so with the cast of 156 your round should end with the p2. Each row should begin with K2 and end with P2. I know you’ve counted your stitches many times, but I recommend counting them again, I think you may be sort a stitch or two. I find it helpful to hang a removable stitch marker after every 25 stitches when I am counting stitches. This way you only have to count to 25, hang a stitch marker, count to 25, hang a stitch maker, etc. until you get to the end. Does that make sense? Please let us know!
Best,
Kumeko
I’m thinking about knitting this or the mistake rib cowl in manos de uruguay and am wondering if the drape will be right. I love all your suggestions, in particular the 6 ply cashmere, but I always hesitate substituting yarns as the results can be so different. Should I really just aim for the same gauge. I notice the manos is a lighter weight–will that be okay?
Hi Roberta,
Thanks for writing in! This cowl would be lovely in the Manos Maxima, which knits at a similar gauge to the Worsted Twist. Maxima is a perennial favorite at the shop and would have a lovely drape here. If you were to knit the mistake rib cowl using Maxima, you would have to size up your needle a bit to a US 7 or 8 as it is a bit heavier than the Mulberry Merino. Either way, I think you are in for a lovely project!
Best,
Cassy
Would you use the same size needles and the same number of stitches using malabrigo super wash merino wool., also malabrigo silky merino, 51% silk 49% merino wool.
Hi Linda,
Thanks for writing in! We used a worsted weight yarn for this lovely cowl! If you are using Malabrigo Rios, this is a worsted and your needles and cast on should be the same! Malabrigo Silky Merino appears to be a DK and as such you may need to go down a needle size or two and add additional stitches. This pattern will work over any multiple of 4 stitches so you will want to knit a gauge swatch in rib and measure how many stitches you are getting per inch and multiply that by the 18 inch circumference. You will then want to cast on the nearest multiple of 4 stitches!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I have some lovely Anzula for Better or Worsted – could I do this pattern in that?
Hi Gayle,
Yes Anzula would be lovely for this.
Enjoy,
Melissa
Hello! Lovely beginner project. Could I use 16 inch circular needles for this or would it be a tight fit? Thanks!
Hello Shauna,
Thank you for reaching out and for your kind words! I think that 16″ might be a bit to small. I would go up to 20″s for this project.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
What is the best way to join the two skeins?
Hi Tara,
Great question! To add a new ball of yarn, you can simply start knitting with the new ball, as we show in our Adding a Ball of Yarn tutorial.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
What kind (s) of cast on do you recommend for this project?
Hi Nicole,
Great question! We use a Long Tail Cast On for most of our projects – it is a great multi-purpose cast on that works well for almost any knitted item. You could substitute a Long Tail Tubular Cast On if you are up for a challenge!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Are you currently selling Blue Sky’s Suri Merino?
Hello Judy,
Thank you for reaching out! We no longer carry this yarn, but it is not discontinued so you will still be able to find it somewhere if need be.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Although I could find your Worsted Twist through your Search box, the links on this page’s pattern wouldn’t work.
Hello Judy,
Thanks for letting us know!
Best,
Marilla
Hello! Thank you for sharing this beautiful project. I see it calls for 20-inch circular needles (which I would need to buy), but could I possibly use 24-inch (which I already have)? Many thanks!
Hi Michele,
Thanks for reaching out! The 24″ may be a little long and be a bit tight when working in the round, it could be doable but I would be a little hesitant for over-stretching the stitches. I think I would stick to a 20″ if possible!
Warmly,
Gianna
Thanks for the reply and the advice, Gianna! I thought that would be the case, but felt it was worth asking just in case. Happy Holidays! Michele
Hello, do 20” circular needles exist? I have the Chiagoo interchangeable and there is no 20” cable?
Hi Lee,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes 20″ circular needles do exist! They are sometimes not included in interchangeable sets since it is a less common length, but many companies often sell that size cable separately! We love SKACEL Addi Turbo Circular Needles and you can fin the 20″ option there!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi,
Would your good wool brand work for your lovely ribbed cowl?
Thank you!
Hi Cindy,
Thanks for reaching out! You could certainly use Good Wool For this cowl! However, Good Wool is a bit fine compared to the Suri Merino we used originally so I recommend working a gauge swatch first with a more appropriate needle size and you can adjust the cast on amount from there!
Warmly,
Gianna
I am confused as to which yarn to use for the cowl. Seems like you no longer carry the Worsted Twist. What is your recommendation? Please and thank you!
Hi Renee,
Thanks for writing in! This pattern is actually very easy to adapt for nearly any yarn. If you’re looking for a yarn that’s similar to Worsted Twist, then I’d recommend Simply Yak, Plenty, or Knitting Yarn.
You may need to adjust the number of stitches you cast on though, if your gauge is different from the gauge of the pattern. 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 width that you would like and cast on the nearest multiple of 4 stitches. Then you can follow the pattern as written!
All the best,
Lili
Thank you! If I go with Plenty, how many skeins will I need? Thanks
Hi Renee,
You’ll probably need 3 skeins of Plenty to make a cowl of the same dimensions as our original!
All the best,
Lili
Thanks again. Will be ordering the Plenty. If I only use 2 skeins, can I return the third if unopened. You have been a big help.
Renee
Yes, you can absolutely return any skeins in their original condition! Here’s a link to our return policy for more details.
All the best,
Lili
I bought the Plenty to make this cowl. And I will knit a gauge first. But do you also recommend a different size needle? I know that will also depend on my gauge, but wondering if I should start with a different size based on what you know about the different yarns.
Thank you!
Hi Renee,
We recommend using size US 8, 9, or 10 with Plenty! I’d suggest trying one of those first and seeing how you like the texture of the knit fabric. Then, once you’ve decided on needles, and if the gauge is different, you will need to adjust the stitch count so that the cowl comes to the correct size.
To figure out your cast-on number, you can multiply the number of stitches per inch by the circumference of the cowl and cast on the nearest multiple of 4. Then you can follow the pattern as written!
All the best,
Lili
I knitted this cowl several years ago. I am certain that the pattern called for Jade Sapphire Mongolian yarn, either 4 or 6 ply. I specifically purchased Jade Sapphire yarn for it. Has the pattern changed? I was looking for the cowl knitted with Jade Sapphire. Where can I find that?
Hi Joanna,
Thanks for writing in! We’ve redesigned this cowl a few times, but never for Jade Sapphire yarn. It’s a super easy pattern to adjust for any weight yarn though! All you need to do is change the cast-on number so that the cowl comes to the correct size.
To figure out your new 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 circumference of the cowl and cast on the nearest multiple of 4 stitches. Then you can follow the pattern as written!
All the best,
Lili
Thank you, Lili! Have a holly, jolly Christmas @🎄🎁❄️☃️
Hi. I love this cowl, but I knit with a round loom. What is the circumference of the adult cowl? I would like to adapt if for at the loom. I could adapt and knit a flat panel if needed. I have looms for both worsted weight yarn as well as bulky yarn.
Hi Beth!
Our finish sample measures 16 inches high and 18 inches in circumference (unstretched)!
All the best,
Gavriella