Ombre Cowl
It’s become more than evident to me that I cannot get enough of 1) neutrals and 2) cowls. First came the White Caps Cowl, a play of textures in soft creams; next the Shawl Collar Cowl, like a folded cloud; then the Salt + Pepper Cowl, a blend of crisp heathery fibers; and now, the latest addition to this mini-collection, the Ombre Cowl!
This Ombre Cowl explores the complexity of subtle shifts in shade and texture by combining three yarns of differing weights and fibers. Jade Sapphire’s sumptuous Zageo 6 Ply Cashmere starts the journey and grounds the bottom edge, while Madeline Tosh’s hand dyed Tosh Merino Light dominates the middle section, and floating along the top is Alchemy’s Haiku, a weightless silk and mohair blend.
In a gently rippling slip stitch pattern, these three fibers flow into one another with such harmony and grace that my love of neutrals (and cowls!) may be just beginning!

Make your own exploration into this fascinating world of fiber-play with our Ombre Cowl. Choose from three beautiful colorways: Gray (pictured here), Navy or Natural. -Laura
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Laura Ferguson.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, and #PurlSohoOmbreCowl. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- Yarn A: 1 skein of Jade Sapphire’s Zageo 6 Ply Cashmere, 100% Mongolian Cashmere. Each skein is 150 yards/ 55 grams; approximately 150 yards required. (NOTE: We no longer offer Jade Sapphire’s Zageo 6-Ply Cashmere, but choose from one of our other light worsted/dk weight yarns.)
- Yarn B: 1 skein of Madeline Tosh’s Tosh Merino Light, 100% Superwash Merino Wool; or approximately 420 yards of a fingering weight yarn.
- Yarn C: 1 skein of Alchemy’s Haiku, 60% Kid Mohair, 40% Silk. (Please note, Haiku is no longer available. We recommend using 1 skein of our Tussock or 325 yards of a laceweight mohair yarn!)
- US 8 (5 mm), 16-inch circular needles
- US 6 (4 mm), 16-inch circular needles
- US 4 (3.5 mm), 16-inch circular needles
- GRAY
- 1 skein of Zageo 6 Ply Cashmere in Sterling
- 1 skein of Tosh Merino Light in Silver Fox
- 1 skein of Haiku in Platinum
- NAVY
- 1 skein of Zageo 6 Ply Cashmere in Blue Steel
- 1 skein of Tosh Merino Light in Dr. Zhivago’s Sky
- 1 skein of Haiku in Cornflower Blue
- NATURAL
- 1 skein of Zageo 6 Ply Cashmere in Driftwood
- 1 skein of Tosh Merino Light in Antique Lace
- 1 skein of Haiku in Husk
Gauge
- 6½ stitches = 1 inch in Heel Stitch, using Yarn A on US 8 needles
- 7½ stitches = 1 inch in Heel Stitch, using Yarn B on US 6 needles
- 8½ stitches = 1 inch in Heel Stitch, using Yarn C on US 4 needles
To swatch Heel Stitch…
Cast on 24 stitches (or any even number). We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Row 1: *K1, slip 1 purlwise with yarn in back, repeat from * to end.
Row 2: Purl.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 3 or 4 inches from cast on edge.
Size
Finished circumference at top edge: 17 inches
Finished circumference at bottom edge: 26 inches
Finished height: 16 1/2 inches long
Notes
Slip all slipped stitches purlwise with yarn in back.
For assistance with knitting stripes in the round, please visit our tutorial right here.
All shaping is accomplished with needle size changes. No decreasing in pattern.
Pattern
Begin with Yarn A
With Yarn A and US 8 needles, cast on 150 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Place marker and join for working in the round being careful not to twist the stitches.
Round 1: *P1, k1, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Round 1 until piece measures 2 inches from cast on edge.
Next Round: Knit.
Next Round: *K1, slip 1, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat last two rounds until piece measures 3 inches from cast on edge.
Introduce Yarn B
Round 1: With Yarn B and US 6 needles, knit.
Round 2: With Yarn A and US 8 needles, *k1, slip 1, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until piece measures 6 inches from cast on edge.
Continue in only Yarn B
Round 1: With Yarn B and US 6 needles, knit.
Round 2: With Yarn B and US 6 needles, *k1, slip 1, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until piece measures 10½ inches from cast on edge.
Introduce Yarn C
Round 1: With Yarn C and US 4 needles, knit.
Round 2: With Yarn B and US 6 needles, *k1, slip 1, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until piece measures 13½ inches from cast on edge.
Continue in only Yarn C
Round 1: With Yarn C and US 4 needles, knit.
Round 2: With Yarn C and US 4 needles, *k1, slip 1, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until piece measures 16½ inches from cast on edge.
Finish
Bind off loosely using US 6 needles, or if you tend to bind off tightly, use the US 8.
Weave in the ends and gently block your cowl.
Hi! Love this cowl, and wondering if you have suggestions for yarn subs for “California weight” yarn. If I still lived on the East Coast I’d be already knitting that cashmere, but it is just way too warm here in the winter for that. Any ideas for a lighter weight ombre?
Thanks,
Cammie
Hi Cammie.
Thanks for writing in.
You could substitute that cashmere for any Light Worsted/Dk weight yarn. Here’s a link to our entire collection of this weight: https://www.purlsoho.com/yarn.html?yarn_stitches_per_inch_filter=970 I would maybe take a look at our Flax Down or the Kersti. They’re both lovely and neither should be as warm as the cashmere!
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Laura
Hello– I am thinking that this would be a wonderful cowl for a male friend that rides his motorcycle pretty much year round and lives in a fairly warm, humid climate that does tend to get a bit cooler off and on during the winter months. I have 2 questions… First of all can you suggest any soft, lighter weight yarns that would not get TOO warm? And second, his favorite colors are shades of purple; his leathers are light tan in color. Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated… thank you so much!
Hello Diedre!
The weights of the yarns in this pattern already are fairly lightweight–I think they would be ideal for the use you’re describing! Try these yarns for your friend’s lovely cowl: Habu Fine Merino in Purple, Purl Soho’s Line Weight Fig Gray, and Jade Sapphire’s 6 ply cashmere in Pewter. Best of luck on the cowl! Thanks for writing in! -Alyson
Hi! Love your nice Ombre cowl. Is it possible to use two needles in this pattern? I just don’t know how to knit it when my yarn is ‘on the other side’ of my work when I start knitting with yarn B. I read one of the comments that says to purl instead of knit on Round 2, but how do I handle my 2 yarns? Could you please help me out?
Monique
Hi Monique.
Thanks for writing in.
In terms of working this stitch flat….
Luckily we have this stitch pattern written for working flat rather than in the round. You can find it in section titled GAUGE. I will post it below as well.
Row 1: *K1, slip 1 purlwise with yarn in back, repeat from * to end.
Row 2: Purl.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2.
In terms of the yarns…
You can follow the same basic instructions as for the cowl. First you’ll work in Yarn A, then you’ll introduce Yarn B, then you’ll continue in just Yarn B, then you’ll introduce Yarn C, then you’ll continue in just Yarn C.
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Enjoy your new scarf!
Laura
Hi Laura , thank you for answering, I’ll try to make my knitting look as beautiful as your cowl does. And thank you so much for your lovely patterns and ideas, they are always an inspiration!
Monique
Thank you!
Laura
Very interesting. Hope that I can try to make this in the near future, and looking forward to it. Unique.
Thank you. God Bless you and yours.
just joined tried to download the pattern for the cowl necklace to see if I would like to knit it and it did not download I have an older computer that is very slow when I tried again same pattern it gave me an oops message and did not let me to go any further
Hello, Viviane!
Thank you for writing in! I am so sorry that you are having trouble downloading the pattern. I’ll email the pattern to you. Thanks again!
Best,
Kumeko
Help! my fingers are itchin’ to get going!
I have an older (cantankerous) computer and cannot get the Ombre cowl pattern to download without all the extra wording overlaying the left 1/3 of the paperwork obscuring the entire pattern. So sad.
I just received the gorgeous kit…..PLEASE PLEASE email me the pattern.
Thanks in advance, Michelle
Hello, Michelle!
I am so sorry that you’re having trouble downloading this pattern! It is such a beautiful cowl and I want you to be able to get started ASAP so I’ve emailed the pattern to you. Thank you so much for writing in!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
The link in the pattern notes for knitting stripes in the round is broken.
Hi Lynn.
Thank you so much for writing in! I fixed the link and here is is for quick reference as well: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2008/03/09/stripes-in-the-round/
Thank you again!
Laura
Hi,
this looks beautiful and I’m eager to get started! I tried to view the stripes in the round tutorial but the link is dead. I did a search and all it came up with was patterns! Could you help clarify the steps where you introduce the different yarn? As I interpret the pattern, you are not only alternating working yarns but also alternating needle sizes as well. Is this correct?
Hi Anna.
The link should be working now! Here it is just in case though: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2008/03/09/stripes-in-the-round/ I’m so sorry about that. Thanks for letting us know.
Regarding your question about introducing the different yarns… Yes, you are correct you’ll use three different size needles for this project. You start with the largest needle and just Yarn A, then you continue with the middle size needle and introduce Yarn B, then you continue with just Yarn B. After that you change to the smallest needle and introduce Yarn C, then you continue with just Yarn C.
I do hope this helps! Please do not hesitate to write use back with any questions.
Laura
Ok, am I missing something? You have to change needles after introducing yarn B? Do I just knit onto the other size without literally taking all the stitches off each time?
That must be it, right?
Thank you, Kris
Hi Kris,
Thanks for writing in! You are correct! When changing needles on this project, you will knit from the old needle onto the new needle.
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Could you help me with an ombre in a pink hue? I really love the neon peach in the MT, but if it is a softer pink this would work too. Hoping to make it for my daughter for Christmas! Thank you.
Hi, Karen!
Thank you for writing in! I adore the idea of a pink color way for this cowl! I’ve got two options, the first is a bit subdued and closer to a traditional ombre:
Haiku in Teardrop
Tosh Merino Light in Calligraphy
Zageo 6-ply Cashmere in Peach Honey
The second option has a bit more pop, but is less ombre in effect:
Haiku in Teardrop
Tosh Merino Light in Holi Festival
Zageo 6-ply cashmere in Pink Panther
Let us know what you think!
Best,
Kumeko
Can you suggest yarns to make this in a pink hue? I really love the neon peach in toss …. but a softer hue could work too. Thanks for your help!
Hi, Karen!
Thank you so much for writing in! I just responded to your earlier comment, sorry for the delay! Trying to incorporate a “true” ombre around Tosh Merino Light in Neon Peach is a bit tricky, but I did come up with a color way that has a bit of pop:
Haiku in Teardrop
Tosh Merino Light in Holi Festival
Zageo 6-ply cashmere in Pink Panther
The second color way is more subdued:
Haiku in Teardrop
Tosh Merino Light in Calligraphy
Zageo 6-ply Cashmere in Peach Honey
Again, let us know what you think!
Best,
Kumeko
Will 1 skein of each yarn make only 1 cowl, or could you possibly get 2 cowls out of the bundle?
Hi Marci,
Thanks for writing us! The cashmere is the only part that concerns me regarding your question. I think that if you split the cashmere ball in half you can just use up one half for one cowl and the other half for the other. The other yarns in this pattern will last you a long time, as they have a great amount of yardage. Thanks!
-Adam
Hi there!!
So –
If I wanted to make this slightly larger/wider, would I just increase to an even number of stitches?
Like let’s say, 160 stitches or 170 stitches and continue to work the written pattern?
I have a few skeins that are similar in weight but I’m not too fussed about the gauge – I can always do a gauge swatch.
I prefer a denser knit – hence making it larger just in case I go down a needle size or 2?
Thanks!!
Teagan
Hi Teagan,
That is absolutely correct. You can cast on any multiple of two for this pattern.
All the best,
Adam
Thanks Adam!
I will be starting this guy shortly – just getting the yarn caked by my trusty hands and back of a chair : D
Is it possible to know what colors to order for the beige version that is the foto above? Thank you
Gillian
Hi Gillian,
Thanks for writing in! The sample pictures here is in the gray colorway. All of the colors for the 3 different colorways can be found in the materials section above!
Best,
Cassy
Ok, yes I found the list but I can’t find any of them to buy. Can you suggest anything with those colors?
Hi Gillian,
Thanks for writing back! While we do not carry all of these colors at present, we do have a few bundles available that can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/ombre-cowl-bundle.html
If you would like to knit the grey colorway in similar colors. You could use Zageo 6 Ply Cashmere in Sterling, Line Weight in Dove Gray and Haiku in Platinum or Manos Fino in Ivory Letter Opener. The Manos Fino is quite different than the Haiku but if you are unable to wait until we get it back in, the Fino could work well!
Best,
Cassy
If I wanted to do it all in one color, how much yard would I need?
thanks
Hi Mary,
It really depends on what yarn you would like to use, did you want to make the cowl in Cashmere or in the wool? If you wanted to do it all in Cashmere you would need about 6 or 7 skeins. For the Madeline Tosh about 3, and for it all in Haiku about 3.
I hope this helps,
Melissa
thanks so much.
Hi,
Can I knit this with single point needles?
Please let me know. I knit with a needle under my arm and I cannot knit on the round, sadly.
Thank you
Laura
Hi Laura,
Thanks for writing in! Unfortunately this particular pattern will only work with circular needles as it is only written to be knit in the round. You can certainly take a stab at it! The main things to take into account are that you will need to add selvedge stitches on each side so that the cowl can be sewn together and you will need to work out how to knit the pattern flat. This make take some trial and error but you can start by knitting a swatch, reversing every other row (if it says to purl, you will knit) until you have the pattern looking correctly. This all may be a bit of work but you can certainly give it a go!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
How many total yards of yarn does it take to make One cowl.
thank you
Hi Carol,
Thanks for writing in! For this lovely cowl, we used approximately 150 yards of Yarn A, approximately 250 yards of Yarn B and approximately 160 yards of Yarn C.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
what do you think about the following option;
haiku-alma
tosh merino light – Cosmic Wonderdust
Zageo – sea glass
love your patterns
thank you
tamar
Hello Tamar,
Thank you for reaching out! This combination sounds exquisite- let us know how it turns out.
Happy knitting,
Marilla
ok
so i am trying this pattern and i guess that i just don’t really understand how to slipstitch purlwise. i don’t get the 3 d look to the cowl
i am left handed , maybe this is the problem.
the first question is, do we want the slipstitch to twist or not?
do we want the knitted stitch to twist ?
could it work with slipstitch and instead of k to p?
i hope my questions make sence
thank you again for the wonderful patterns
Hi Tamar,
Thanks for writing back! The real beauty of knitting is that left handed or right handed, we can all knit similarly and get the same effect! I am right handed but knit Continental (wrapping the yarn using my left hand) while many folks I know knit English (wrapping the yarn using their right hand). Both work and both can create the same results!
When we say to slip purlwise with the yarn in the back, what you will do is holding the yarn to the back of the work, you will insert your needle into the stitch as if you were going to purl it and then slip if from the left needle to the right needle. This will not twist the stitch but set it up so that it is oriented correctly when you come back around. For this pattern, none of the stitches will be twisted. The 3d look that you refer to on the bottom of the cowl is far more a function of the rounded nature of the cashmere yarn than anything else!
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Help! I’m knitting the Ombré Cow and I’m at the point where I introduced yarn B and the smaller needles.
Was I supposed to cut yarn A?
The instructions read to K 1 round w b yarn #6 needles then next round w A yarn and #8 needles K1, Slip 1 to end.
Then repeat the 2 rounds till piece measures 6” from cast on.
I’m doing this switching back and forth w yarn A # 8 needles and yarn b w size #6 needles and the piece is forming a seam.
What am I doing wrong?
THANKS!
Harriett
Hi Harriet,
Thanks for writing in! I hope that I can help! For this lovely cowl, you will work first with yarn A and then altering between yarn A and yarn B. Once you arrive at the “Continue in only Yarn B” section you can cut yarn A as you will not be using it anymore. This will be the same when you begin using yarn C. Once you arrive at the “Continue in only Yarn C”, you can cut yarn B and proceed with just yarn C.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I’m wondering if there’s a mistake on the directions for the Obre Cowl. In the directions it says “To Swatch Heel Stitch and lists Row 1 and Row 2, Row 2 specifies PURL.
Yet in the directions for the cowl Row 2 specifies KNIT. Can you please tell me which we are meant to do? Knit or Purl?
Thanks, hopefully you can answer very soon, as I’m knitting away here in Connecticut! Linda B
Hi Linda,
Thanks for writing in! The swatch is written out differently than the cowl because the swatch instructions are given for knitting the stitch flat, or back and forth in rows, but the actual cowl is knit in the round. If you are knitting a gauge swatch, you will follow the swatching instructions and purl row 2, but for the actual cowl, you will work in the round and knit row 2.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
Hi, I’m wandering if the Haiku yarn will be available once again. I forgot to put it in my basket on my last order.
Thanks, Louise
Hi Louise,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately we no longer carry Haiku; however, our Tussock is a perfect match and would be a great substitute for this pattern!
Best,
Julianna
I would love to make this in blue tones or blue to white
Can you recommend colors that would look great together and an alternate to Haiku since it’s not available. Thanks
Hi Lee,
Thanks for writing in! Our Tussock yarn is an excellent alternative to Haiku! For an all blue colorway, I would suggest Jade Sapphire Zageo 6-Ply in Blue Steel, Tosh Merino Light in Well Water, and Tussock in Cloud Blue; or, for a blue to white fade, Jade Sapphire Zageo 6-Ply in Slate Blue, Tosh Merino Light in Silver Fox, and Tussock in Silver Needle.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi ! I am trying to do the Ombré cowl But is very hard for me to not bend the first round of stitches When knitting in the round. My question is can I start it in two needles like the first 3-4 four rounds and then transfer to the round needles ? Thanks so much !!
Hello Maria Joy,
Thank you for reaching out! You can do this if you wish, you will just have to do a little seam for the rows that you knit flat. You will also need to remember to keep in pattern when turning your work.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi there,
first of all: thank you for sharing all your beautiful projects with us! I am currently working on this beautiful cowl but can’t get my head around the yarn changes. Introducing yarn b means to knit the first round with needle size 6 then change to 8 in round 2. While continueing do I change the needles in every round or do I keep knitting with Needle size 8 until it measures 6 inch from the bottom? Your response is highly appreciated! Thank you very much!
Hi Oya,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes, you will be switching needles every round during the Introduce Yarn B section, and again in the Introduce Yarn C section.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
After ending with #8 needle and using only #6 working the k1sl1 my work is rolling to the outside and not staying flat. It’s like the slip stitch is stretching and the knit stitch is too small. What am I doing wrong.
Hi Donna
Thanks for reaching out! From what you describe it sounds like you are about to introduce Yarn C, assuming you are getting the correct gauge, it doesn’t sound like you are doing anything incorrectly. The combination of the length of the cowl, and changing the needle sizes should help to minimize the rolling issue when you are done. There may be a tiny roll at the very top, and this should minimize even more with a good blocking. I hope this helps!
Happy knitting
Jessica
are the kits still available for the ombre cowl?
Hi Catherine!
Thanks for reaching out! We don’t have kits available for this pattern but all you need is 1 skein of Jade Sapphire Zageo 6-Ply, 1 skein of Medelinetosh Tosh Merino Lite and 1 Skein of our Tussock yarn!
Happy knitting!
Gianna
After passing my first year of knitting making things for other people, thought I might make this cowl for myself. You appear to be out of the Tosh Merino Light. Can you recommend a substitute? And what do you suggest as a non-cashmere substitute for the Zageo?
Hi Guy,
Thanks for writing in! We’re so excited to hear that you’re interested in making the Ombre Cowl and can definitely help with any questions.
Any fingering weight yarn would work great in place of Tosh Merino Light! I’d suggest our Line Weight, a wonderful and super soft 100% merino wool. If you’re interested in seeing other fingering weight yarns, you can find all the ones we offer at this page! For a good alternative to the Zageo 6-Ply, I’d suggest Worsted Twist, which is also 100% merino wool.
I hope this helps! Have a great day!
All the best,
Cat