Classic Cowl
In the pantheon of classics we think our Classic Cowl is right at home. Like the little black dress and the camel trench coat, cowls have worked their way onto the shortlist of wardrobe staples.

I paired this pattern with another near-newbie, Purl Soho’s wonderfully soft, beautifully plied Worsted Twist. Knit in a never-boring neutral, Wheat Flour, and in a never-boring stitch pattern, Fluffy Brioche, our Classic Cowl is just that. -Laura
Yarn lovers, if you adore the yarn used in this project, you’ll love exploring all of our other yarn collections! Discover over 45 thoughtfully designed yarns in nearly every natural fiber and in every spectacular color you can imagine. Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn store, where every skein is created with care and your creativity in mind!

Designed by Purl Soho designer, Laura Ferguson.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoClassicCowl, and #PurlSohoWorstedTwist. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials

- 4 skeins of Purl Soho’s Worsted Twist, 100% merino. Each skein is 164 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 656 yards required. I used the color Wheat Flour.
- A US 7 (4.5 mm), 40-inch circular knitting needles
- A spare US 7 or smaller, 32- or 40-inch circular knitting needles (optional; for tubular bind off)
- A stitch marker
Shop our wonderful collection of aran + worsted-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
15 stitches = 4 inches in fluffy brioche stitch
20 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
Size
Finished Height: 12 inches
Finished Circumference: 60 inches
Note
Slip all slipped stitches purlwise.
Pattern
Begin
Cast 226 stitches onto the circular needle. I used a Long Tail Tubular Cast On, because it’s nice and stretchy, but a basic Long Tail Cast On would also do! If you use the Long Tail Tubular Cast On, don’t forget to work the two Foundation Rows before joining in the round (they are described both in our tutorial and below).
If You Did a Long Tail Tubular Cast On…
Foundation Row 1: *Knit 1 through the back loop, slip one with yarn in front, repeat from * to end of row.
Foundation Row 2: *Knit 1, slip 1 with yarn in front, repeat from * to end of row.
If you Did a Long Tail Cast on or Similar…
Foundation Row: *K1, p1 through the back loop (tbl), repeat from * to end of row.
Continue in Twisted Rib
Place a marker and join to work in the round, being careful to not twist the stitches.
Round 1: *K1 through the back loop (tbl), p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Round 1 until piece measures 1 inch from cast-on edge.
Continue in Fluffy Brioche Stitch
Round 1: *P1, slip 1 wyif (with yarn in front), yo, repeat from * to end of round. [339 stitches]
Round 2: *K1, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. [226 stitches]
Round 3: *Slip 1 wyif, yo, p1, repeat from * to end of round. [339 stitches]
Round 4: *K2tog, k1, repeat from * to end of round. [226 stitches]
Repeat Rounds 1-4 until piece measures approximately 11 inches from cast-on edge or 1 inches shy of desired finished height, ending with Round 2.
Continue in Twisted Rib
Round 1: *K1tbl, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
IF YOU BEGAN WITH A TUBULAR CAST ON AND WILL DO A TUBULAR BIND OFF…
Repeat Round 1 for 3/4 inches.
IF YOU BEGAN WITH A LONG TAIL CAST ON AND WILL DO A BASIC BIND OFF…
Repeat Round 1 for 1 inch.
Bind Off
If You Did a Long Tail Tubular Cast On…
Bind off with a Long Tail Tubular Bind Off, using the following set-up rounds. NOTE: Round 1 is different here than in the tutorial in order to accomplish a twisted rib Tubular Bind Off)…
Set-Up Round 1: Work the round, knitting the knit stitches tbl and slipping the purled stitches purlwise with the yarn in front.
Set-Up Round 2: Work the round, purling the purl stitches and slipping the knit stitches purlwise with yarn in back.
If you Did a Long Tail Cast on or Similar…
Bind off loosely in pattern.
Finish
Weave in the ends and block as desired.
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!
Beautiful cowl.
This cowl is very pretty and I like the stitch used, as well.
Thanks for sharing it!
Why, oh why, does the Purl Bee almost never offer PDFs for its free patterns?
I always knit from hard copies of patterns so I can annotate them while working. Printing out a blog post page pretty much guarantees a messed up print out that wastes paper and ink.
Hi Purrlie-
We hear you and that’s why we added a new print feature to all of our posts. It prints a version of the pattern without the sidebars and you can even choose to delete pictures or text you don’t need. You can also choose to save it as a PDF that you can work from on your laptop or phone without being connected to the internet and without using any paper or ink.
The button is located on the right of every story, just underneath the date and tags. Just push where it says “print”. Please let me know if you need any help with it. I hope this makes things easier for you!
Best-
Molly
Thanks you so much for this printable feature, I have learned so much from your web site and love the yarns too!
I like to print all the pictures. When I downloaded the PDFs, the first three pages only show a fuzzy, pink flower thing – no other information. Can you check this out?
Hi Sue.
If the images aren’t showing up in the print screen, close out of the print screen, scroll to the bottom of the post so that all the images populate and then click the print button once again. At this point all of the images should be there!
Hope this helps!
Let us know though if it doesn’t!
Thanks.
Laura
Hi Laura I did as recommended but I still get the same fuzzy pink star thing for both print and PDF
Hi JD-
I am so sorry to hear you’re having problems with this! I’m not sure what the fuzzy pink star is? Could you maybe send me a screenshot to [email protected]?
Thanks for getting in touch!
Best-
Molly
Help! Have read the page over and over…not seeing “date,” “tags,” or “print.”
Hi Nancy.
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, after the comment box.
Hope this helps!
Let us know!
Laura
The print button is great, but, when I go to produce a pdf, the pictures sized such that are pushed to separates pages, so I still end up with blanks spaces, thus extra pages to print. Is there a way to adjust this? Thanks so much.
Hi Kristen.
We don’t fully have a solution for this yet. You can eliminate paragraphs or photos that you don’t need though (by hovering over them and selecting them and deleting them in that print function) and that will definitely cut back on the number of pages!
Thanks for writing in.
Hope you enjoy the pattern!
Laura
Kristen,
You can choose which pages to print in your print dialog box. Instead of Print All, choose where it says Pages- then type in which page you want to print. You might have to do it twice to get odd pages printed, like 1-3 and then 5 skipping 4 but putting in 1-3, 5 should work as well.
Hope that helps!
Beautiful cowl and stitch but too advanced still for me.
I’m saving it anyway!
Do you have a hat pattern to match?
Hi Megan-
Unfortunately we don’t. But we do have lots of other great hat patterns that you can see here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/category/knit/projects-knit/accessories-projects-knit/hats-projects-knit/
Thanks!
Molly
Thanks for the free pattern! Is there a typo in the listed gauge? It says “5 stitches for 4 inches” in stockinette; that doesn’t seem right to me!
Ilene!!!
Yes there was a typo!
Thank you so much for writing in to let us know. It is correct now… 20 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette stitch!
Thanks again!
Laura
Why can’t I print only the directions without all the pictures? No matter how hard I try, pictures and materials come thru.. On the Classic Cowl it was two pages that were unnecessary.
Hi Marlon-
Are you using the print feature to the right of the story (beneath the tags)? If you push that it should open up a page where you have the option to remove any photos or text you don’t want.
Please let me know if you have any more questions!
Best-
Molly
Such a lovely looking cowl! I have a couple of questions though, so I know if I can make it based on what I have or if I need to make a run to the store. Can I use size 6 or 8 needles on this instead, assuming I’m using the same yarn? And do you know the estimated yardage of this project? I have three full skeins of one color and part of a skein of a contrast color that I’m thinking of using, but that obviously won’t work if you used every bit of the four skeins. Thanks so much! (Also sorry if I accidentally sent this twice!)
Hi Kay.
I used just under 3 3/4 skeins of Worsted Twist Heather. I did not use the entire 4th skein. So you may be good on yarn!
As for the needles… I used a US7, but if you’re getting the right gauge on a US8 or US6, then use whichever needle works for you! I recommend making a swatch first and blocking it and then deciding if you need to go with smaller or larger needles. Just remember the needle size will effect the gauge which will in turn effect the finished dimensions of the cowl (and the amount of yarn you’ll need).
Let us know if you have any other questions, Kay!
Thanks for writing in!!
Laura
I have worsted weight yarn 5 skeins of 87 grams per skein. Using 8 needle, will i be able to use the measueements on your pattern. I usually knit on gauge of the pattern. thank you so much. Love this cowl.
Hi Maria.
Do you happen to know how many total yards you have? I used approximately 620 yards.
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
Love this pattern and hope it’s long enough to pull over head 2 times
Hi Lois-
Yes, this is long enough to go around your neck and pull over your head, twice!
Thanks for your question!
Molly
Love this new print feature! Thank you! Loving this cowl, too!
The link you provided for long tail tubular bind off is not working.
Hi Savannagal.
Thanks for writing in. I’m go sorry that link wasn’t working. It should be working now. Thanks again for letting us know!
Laura
This is beautiful! How many stitches would you recommend casting on if I wanted to make this with a bulky weight yarn?
Hi Emily…
Thanks for writing in.
Right now we only have this pattern written in this one gauge, but if I was to modify this, I would make a swatch in the stitch pattern and in your yarn and needles of choice. Then I would block the swatch and measure the gauge. Then I would take the gauge from the swatch and and multiply it by your desired finished circumference.
For example… My gauge here is 15 stitches to 4 inches (or 3.75 stitches to an inch) and a desired finished circumference of a 60 inches… that’s how I got the cast on of 226 stitches.
Oh and be sure to cast on an even number!
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Thanks.
Laura
Is that gauge right – 5 st = 4″ in stockinette?
Hi Janet.
Thanks for writing in.
That gauge certainly was not right, but it is now!!!… 20 stitches to 4 inches (or 5 stitches to 1 inch).
Thanks for taking the time to let us know!
Laura
Thanks for the new print format – worked perfectly!!
Great pattern – can’t wait to knit it!
I am new to doing yarn overs. Can you please explain or better yet make a video showing me how to do the Brioche stitch? This is a stunning cowl!
Hi Kara-
We don’t have a video of Brioche stitch (although it is a great suggestion!) but we do have a yarn over video that you can see here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/11/11/yarn-over-yo/ And we are also happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you for getting in touch!
Molly
just finishing the snowflake scarf with your beautiful soft merino in artemisia green. looking for another EASY project for a BEGINNER – would like to do a cowl – is this easier than the herringbone, or can you recommend an easy cowl? please advise – THANKS!!
Hi Karen.
This cowl is definitely easier than the Big Herringbone Cowl. if you’ve done the snowflake scarf, I do not see this pattern being too difficult for you at all. PLUS… I am here to answer any questions you may have along the way.
I did a tubular cast on and bind off, but you can skip those. A standard cast on and bind off would work fine! Beyond that… you have to knit through the back loop for the twisted rib along the edges. Then the body of the cowl… it involves yarn overs and knitting two together… but I think you can handle all of that.
Here’s a link to our yarn over video tutorial if you’re interested: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/11/11/yarn-over-yo/
Holler if you have any questions… but I say, GO FOR IT!
Thanks for writing in Karen.
Laura
Hi! This cowl is beautiful. Is the gauge in stockinette stitch accurate? Thank you.
Stacy!
You’re a lifesaver. Thanks for writing in and asking about that. It’s 5 stitches = 1 inch or 20 stitches = 4 inches. Thanks for catching that typo. I’ve fixed it now. Thanks you again!!!
Laura
Hi, I love this pattern! If I wanted to make a smaller version so it just slips over your head once, do you think I could use 2 skeins and cast on about half the stitches? Thank you!
Hi Karen.
For a 1-loop cowl, 2 skeins should be perfect!
Depending on how much you want the cowl to drape around your neck, I may just cast on enough stitches to get it over your head. Like around 20-inches worth… approximately 74 or 75 stitches. But I like my tube-like cowls pretty snug around my neck. It just depends on what you’re looking to make! Let me know if you have any questions though!!
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
I love this! I am getting yarn for this on the weekend.
Love this pattern! I am also excited about the new print feature. Thanks!
What is the stitch repeat. I like this cowl but would like to make it more like 45″ rather than 60″. Thank you
Hi Pat.
It’s a 2-stitch repeat. So just be sure to cast on an even number. It’s a very easy pattern to modify. If you’re working at the same gauge… maybe 168 stitches.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Laura
Hi, I have a stash of Anzula ‘For Better or Worsted’ from Purl Soho, would that work as a yarn for this project? The cowl pattern is beautiful, thank you so much for sharing it!
Hi Mary.
I love Anzula’s For Better or Worsted. That yarn is a teeny bit thinner than the yarn I used here. It also blooms a bit less. You may want to make a swatch before you cast on for the project. If you find you’re getting closer to 4 stitches to the inch with the For Better of Worsted (rather than 3 3/4 stitches to the inch) in stitch pattern… then maybe cast on 240 rather than 226.
Thanks for writing in!
Laura
Love it! Just beautiful!
People should’nt complain about the PDF. I think you are a generous website that has beautiful patterns. I love your site! Thank you
If I wanted to make the cowl just a bit longer would I be okay to cast on a larger number of stitches, as long as it ends up being an even number?
Thanks!
Tracy
Hey Tracy.
Yes. Absolutely. Just keep the cast on number even and you can easily modify this pattern to be longer (or shorter).
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
Hi Laura,
Please would you clarify The first round of Brioche stitch “P1, slip 1 wyif (with yarn in front), yo, repeat” – my yarn starts in the front for the purl, stays in the front for the slipped. The following yarn over takes the yarn to the back. Is this correct given that the next stitch is a purl? Do I just bring the yarn to the front to purl the stitch?
Many thanks,
Fiona
Hi Fiona!
That is correct, you’ve got it. Just bring that yarn to the front the purl the following stitch!
Again, it sounds like you’ve got it, but if you’re interested, here is a link to our yarn over video tutorial:
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/11/11/yarn-over-yo/
Thanks for writing in.
Hope you enjoy the cowl!
Laura
Thank you for always providing knitting inspiration. This is beautiful will cast on later today.
Thank you so much for the pattern and the great print feature, I have not run across that one yet, with the ability to eliminate and to print without pictures, I love it.
Only problem is that I crochet, can’t and don’t want to learn knitting at this time of my life (pushing 80).
Hi Fran.
Have you seen our gallery of crochet projects. Here’s a link: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/category/crochet/projects-crochet/
Thanks for writing in! We’ll try to get some more crochet projects up on the site soon!
Best,
Laura
Beautiful! I like the yarn color. I will add this to my knitting list. Thank you for the free pattern.
How can I have the pattern without all the comments?
If there were page numbers, a “printable” pattern +photo version, or some concise format attainable with my iPad I would love it. It is a lovely pattern, created with care.
Hi Evelyn.
Thanks for the kind words about the pattern. I’m thrilled to hear the positive review!
As for printing… 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, after the comment box.
If the images aren’t showing up in the print screen, close out of the print screen, scroll to the bottom of the post so that all the images populate and then click the print button once again. At this point all of the images should be there!
Follow the easy on-screen instructions for customizing what parts of the pattern you want to delete for printing (for example, certain images or the list of materials).
Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions.
Laura
Thank you so much for always providing such beautiful inspiration and tutorials. You’ve allowed me to stretch my skills with amazing results. The ability to now print / download a PDF is much appreciated. Can’t wait until my next trip to the “Big City” to visit the store.
I was unable to copy this pattern also. I used about 10 pieces of papers and only printed comments. I too would like a PDF file with your patterns.
Thanks
Marie
Hi Marie.
You can make a PDF by clicking the “print”!
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, after the comment box.
If the images aren’t showing up in the print screen, close out of the print screen, scroll to the bottom of the post so that all the images populate and then click the print button once again. At this point all of the images should be there!
Follow the easy on-screen instructions for customizing what parts of the pattern you want to delete for printing (for example, certain images or the list of materials).
Hope this helps!
Thanks for writing in and for your interest in the pattern.
Laura
Thank you very much for the print feature! It’s so easy, and I love it!
This is my next project. Having a hard time choosing yarn color. They’re all beautiful. But can’t wait to start on this gorgeous cowl.
Any plans to add this to Ravelry?
Hi Anna!
I will add it right now!!
Laura
when i k-looked at the yardage of 1 skein it was 164 yds, so I can’t believe that the cowl uses 4 skiens, Is this right? thanks looking forward to trying it. JH
Hi Jean.
Thanks for writing in.
I used just under 3 3/4 skeins of the Worsted Twist Heather.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Laura
thank you so much for the print feature! if there would ever be a way to add a feature where you could reduce the size of the images, that would be really great. this particular PDF turns out to have the header & intro on it with the remaining ¾ of the page blank, then the 2nd page has the 1st image & the Worsted Twist Heather lines. i don’t mean to be picky – what you provide is generous & helpful. just a thought for the future, if image sizing would ever be possible. thank you so much!
Hey Heather.
Thanks for letting us know about the images.
We’ll keep this in mind and see if we can come up with a solution in the future.
Thanks again for writing in.
Laura
What edge stitch do you use?
Hi Marilyn.
Are you referring to the ribbing along the edges of the cowl? It is a knit one, purl one rib, but the knit stitches are worked by knitting into the back loop.
Thanks for writing in.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Laura
Thanks for sharing your beautiful creations and generously providing the patterns. (Why people are complaining that you don’t offer PDFs beats me!)
This is a gorgeous cowl, made even more beautiful by the way it is “folded.”. Do you have any hints of the best way to do this? I have no problem knitting cowls but haven’t discovered how to best display them for style and warmth when wearing them.
Hi Bev-
This is just wrapped twice around the mannequins neck, no special folding required!
Thanks for getting in touch and please let us know if you need any more help!
Molly
Is this yarn soft? I usually can only wear cashmeres as some yarns are scratchy to me – but I love the look of the texture of this yarn – how soft is it ? (ps I have also successfully used the purl soho line weight – to give you an idea of what I can wear) –
I am in the process of learning to knit after teaching myself to crochet last year. This pattern is gorgeous! What would be the level of learning for this pattern, please?
Hi LeeAnne.
Thanks for writing in and with such kind words about the pattern. I’m glad you like it!
First off bravo for teaching yourself to crochet! That’s fantastic. I think you’ll pick up knitting quite quickly. I don’t think this pattern is too advanced for you. Have you done any yarn overs or any decreases yet? Below I’ve listed a few potentially new phrases or terms with little descriptions\. The pattern is not that difficult at all! I encourage you to try it. Plus I am always here to help with any questions you may come across.
Write to us any time!
Thanks.
Laura
– k1tbl (k1 through the back loop): which means to knit one stitch by putting your right needle through the back “leg” of the stitch rather than the front “leg”. I say leg because if you picture the yarn as a person straddling the needle, there is one part of the stitch (or one “leg”) on each side of the needle.
– k2tog (knit 2 together): here’s a link to a video tutorial… https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/08/13/knit-two-together-k2tog/
– wyif (with yarn in front) or wyib (with yarn in back): this literally means to make sure when doing the instructed step that your yarn is as directed, either in front (near you, on the near side) or in back (on the far side, away from you)
– yo (yarn over): here’s a link to a video tutorial… https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/11/11/yarn-over-yo/
Hello! I’d love to make this for my 14 yrs daughter. I’m having trouble knitting 2tog. The tension is really tight but even when I try to loosen the tension it doesn’t seem to help. It seems to be an issue with the positioning of the wool. I have been playing around with the swatch and the only thing that seems to help is when I knit 2 tog from the back?! Any idea what I’m doing wrong? Thank you. I love your site.
Hi Christine.
What direction are you wrapping the yarn when you do your yarn over? Are you taking the yarn over the needle to the back and then between the needles to the front to purl? Or are you taking the yarn between the needles to the back and then over the needle to the front? If you’re doing the second way… you may be doing a reverse yo and that might be what’s causing the tension to be so tight and the k2tog to be so difficult. Other than that though, I’m not sure what the issue may be. Have you tried going up a needle size? Would love to help you figure this out!!
Write us back any time.
Laura
Thank you! You figured it out I was doing a reverse yo! Many thanks for taking the time to help. I ordered the yarn yesterday from your site as I knew you’d come through with a solution!
How might this work-and look-in a chunky yarn. I currently have some malabrigo chunky in my stash that I would like to use up.
Hi Amy.
This would be lovely in a chunky weight yarn! I say go for it. Of course I always recommend making a swatch. If you prefer to make a flat swatch (even though you’ll be working in the round for the cowl) here’s a link to a baby blanket that uses the same Fluffy Brioche stitch that I used here, but it’s written for working the stitch flat rather than in the round: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/03/21/fluffy-brioche-baby-blanket/
Let me know if you have any questions.
Laura
the cowl is beautiful! can you suggest another, less costly, yarn for this project?
Hi Mary Louise-
Certainly! Here are two budget friendly options!
4 skeins of our Worsted Twist in Snowy White (a special one-time-only discounted color) https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/9623-Purl-Soho-Worsted-Twist-One-Time-Colors
3 Skeins of Cascade 220: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/649-Cascade-Yarns-Cascade-220
I hope one of these works for you! Please let me know if you have any more questions!
Best-
Molly
This is a beautiful scarf. Do you have the fluffy brioche pattern in a regular scarf (not cowl)? It might be easy to decipher from your instructions above but I’m a newbie so need your help.
Thanks so much…
Hi Nadi.
Thanks for writing in!
A reader named Mary had the same question. I responded to her here in the comments section with tip and tricks for modifying this to work as a scarf rather than a cowl! Let me know if you have any questions about my comments to her.
Thanks.
Laura
Thank you very much, beautiful pattern and beautiful yarn. I want to cast on right away. My question is whether it’d be possible to knit this as a scarf instead of a cowl. Any advice?
Hi Mary.
Thank you for your interest in the pattern. This specific cowl pattern is currently only written for working in the round and we do not have the pattern for working it flat. We do have a blanket pattern that uses the same Fluffy Brioche stitch as I used for the body of this cowl though. (https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/03/21/fluffy-brioche-baby-blanket/)
Below are some tips for modifying the pattern to work it flat, as a scarf…
CAST ON
Cast on an even number
RIB
Right Side: *K1tbl, p1, repeat from * to end of row.
Wrong Side: *K1, p1tbl, repeat from * to end of row.
Work those two rows for desired height, ending with a right side row.
FLUFFY BRIOCHE
Row 1 (wrong side): Slip 1 knitwise with yarn in back (slip 1 wyib), *yo, slip 1 wyib, k1* repeat from * to last stitch, p1.
Row 2 (right side): Slip 1 wyib, *k1, k2tog* repeat from * to last stitch, p1.
Row 3: Slip 1 wyib, k1, *yo, slip 1 wyib, k1* repeat from * until last two stitches, k1, p1.
Row 4: Slip 1 wyib, k2, *k2tog, k1* repeat from * until last stitch, p1.
Repeat Rows 1-4 until desired height, ending with Row 2.
RIB AGAIN
starting with a wrong side row… work in a twisted rib one again for desired length.
BIND OFF
Bind off in pattern
Hope these tips helps. Let us know if you have any questions.
Laura
Beautiful simple pattern. I’m inspired. Thank you for reminding me again and again that it isn’t complexity but simplicity that the eye finds beautiful.
Hi! What a beautiful pattern!! Is there any way I can create this pattern without being in the round?
Hi Ashley.
Thanks for writing in.
I just wrote back to a reader named Mary, here in the comments section, regarding turning the project from a cowl to a scarf. Please let me know if you can’t find my response or if you have any questions about it!
Thanks.
Laura
This pattern is beautiful. I was planning on making the Fluted Cowl, another lovely piece, but now I’m undecided! I love this stitch pattern, it’s reminiscent of the seed stitch which I gravitate towards. You guys are great and you’ve always been very good in answering all my questions. I’ve learned so much about knitting through you guys and your site! 🙂
Love this pattern! I’m going to start it soon. My question is that a Long Tail tubular cast on usually contains 2 foundation rows (R1-knit into back loop, slip purl wise. R2-knit1, slip1 purl wise) do I still need to do those rows or do the rows contained in the pattern that you need to do for 1 inch count for the foundation rows?
Hope this question makes sense….
Thank you,
Carrie
Hi Carrie.
Yes! You do! I did those same two foundation rows before connecting to work in the round. These two rows are mentioned in the Long Tail Cast On Tutorial (which I linked to in the pattern), but perhaps I should mention it here in the pattern as well. I appreciate you asking this question!
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
The pattern is great, but I was confused about the last pictures where it showed two sets of circular needles. Is this a requirement? From reading the pattern, I don’t see how two circular needles is needed, besides casting on then changing for the pattern.
Hi Simi.
Thanks for writing in.
The second needle is not a requirement. It is noted as optional in the materials list and is only relevant if you’re doing a Long Tail Tubular Bind Off (that’s what those last photos are of).
I do hope this clears things up.
Please let us know if you have any questions!
Laura
Love this pattern! I’m having some trouble with the fluffy brioche stitch, though, and was wondering if someone could help me out with the first round. Purling 1 leaves the yarn in front, slipping 1 wyif still keeps the yarn in front, but when i try to yarn over, the yarn in front crosses over the stitch i slipped and sort of makes an “x” with the slipped stich, so I don’t know which stich is in front of the other. Am I knitting this round correctly?
Hi Ali.
It sounds like you’re doing everything perfectly! Those stitches (the yarn over plus the slipped stitch) that make an X, you’ll knit those two together in the following round. I do think in time, you’ll be able to recognize which is the yo and which is the slipped stitch, but for all intents and purposes, it does not really matter for this stitch pattern, because that X will be worked together!
Let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
Intensive purposes-lol
Love this!
I am working up my swatch to check my gauge. My yarn overs are creating an small hole on the row, when I do the even number(knit) row. Is that correct? It doesn’t look like there are any gaps or holes in the photos of the finished project..
Thanks
Hi Fran.
Thanks for writing in.
If you’re getting small holes, you may want to go down a needle size. The construction of this stitch does leave a little gaps of sorts, but they get overlapped as you build up the fabric. This is what create the “fluffy” part of the Fluffy Brioche stitch. These gaps shouldn’t be noticeable. They should just be adding depth really. Let me know if I’m being unclear or if you have any other questions! Maybe just try a smaller needle! Or maybe try blocking your swatch, the yarn may just need to relax a bit.
Laura
Thanks! I talk about Purl Soho so much, my son got me a gift card from the store.
I really love this cowl, but right now I have an abundance of chunky yarn. I was wondering what size needle I should use. I have a size 17 pair, but I was thinking that might be too big.
Thanks for the help and the wonderful patterns 🙂
Hi Christianne-
I’m not sure what the right size needle would be for your yarn without some more information. Usually yarn labels list some suggested needle sizes, it might be good to try knitting a swatch with the needles the label suggests.
With that said this pattern will not come out the same way using larger needles and yarn so we recommend using a yarn in a similar worsted weight for this particular project. We do have lots of other great scarf and cowl projects that use chunkier yarn. You can see all of our scarves and cowls here:
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/category/knit/projects-knit/accessories-projects-knit/cowls-scarves-shawls-wraps-projects-knit/
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
Hi Christianne,
I’m just adding to what Molly wrote (which is all perfectly accurate). I just wanted to say that a US17 is going to be more suitable for a truly Bulky Weight yarn, for your Chunky Weight stash, you’ll probably want to go down a few sizes.
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
I am having an issue, my brioche section is not looking right and I’m wondering if I am knitting the YO’s incorrectly. Would I be able to send you some pictures to see where I am going wrong?
Hi Christy.
You can send a photo to purlbee [at] purlsho [dot] com.
Maybe I can help you over the comments section here though…
After you purl, the yarn is already in front so then you slip the next stitch purlwise, then to yarn over you take the yarn over the top of the needle to the back of the fabric, at this point you start over from the * at the beginning and you purl 1, to do that you bring the yarn between the needles to the front and then purl and then you slip one and then yo and on and on and on… Does that help? Also, we have a yo video that may help: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/11/11/yarn-over-yo/
Feel free to email us, or write me back here! Would love to help get you on track with this project!
Laura
I’ve started the cowl, but the brioche section appears to have a good side and a bad side. I’ve been slipping the stitches on the purl rows knitwise, is this incorrect? It doesn’t look bad per se, it just doesn’t look right.
Hi Mimi.
I’m glad you wrote in.
Yes, the Fluffy Brioche Stitch does have a “right” side (front) and “wrong” side (back). But the more you work the stitch the lovelier the wrong side looks too. It has a nice subtle texture to it.
As for slipping stitches, you’re correct… slipping the stitches knitwise isn’t wrong, it’s just different than what I did. I slipped the stitches purlwise. Slipping them purlwise should help the fabric be a bit more fluffy or lofty.
Let us know if you have any questions!
Laura
Hi! I love this cowl but it is beyond my skill level. I would love to somehow combine your seed stitch wrap with this cowl. Would it be possible to cast on the same amount of stitches as you did here and work in the round in seed stitch with your worsted twist yarn? Or would I need to make other alterations? Thank you so much for any advice you can give! I’m happy to have found this site!
Hi Molly.
What a great idea!
You can definitely work Seed Stitch in the round. It would make a spectacular cowl. The gauge is going to be quite different though, so….
I would make a swatch and find out how many stitch to the inch you are getting. I would then take that number and multiply it by the circumference you’d like (this cowl is approximately 60 inches in circumference). Then take that number or the closest even number and cast it onto circular needles, place a marker and join for working in the round. Then work the following pattern…
Round 1: (K1, p1) to the end.
Round 2: (P1, k1) to the end.
Hope this helps.
Let me know if you have any questions!
Laura
Sooo…silly question. I’m knitting through the back of the loop in the rib section (And how cool is that!? What a great, unexpected, elegant effect!). Should the knit stitches in the fluffy brioche section also be knit through the back of the loop?
Disclaimer: I had to start over after one time through the four rows of brioche because something didn’t look right, and I’m trying to pay reeeeally close attention this time — I was wondering if part of my problem was that I had not continued to knit through the back of the stitch. Thanks for any insight you can share!
Hi Helene.
That’s not a silly question at all!
Once you’ve moved on from the rib and are working on the Fluffy Brioche portion of that pattern, you will be knitting the knit stitches normally, not through the back loop, but through the front loop. Knitting through the back loop here would probably take some of the fluff out of the Fluffy Brioche Stitch. This may be what was making your fabric look different than mine.
Let me know if you have any questions!!
Laura
I absolutely love this pattern. I have been working the slipped stitches knitwise. I have never knit Brioche and went to you tube for instructions on slipping stitches. Most indicated slipping knitwise. Then i took the time to read these comments and realized i should have been doing them purlwise. It would be helpful to put that tip within the pattern instructions
Hi Pam.
So glad you like the pattern.
You’re in luck! There is in fact a note about the slipped stitches being slipped purlwise. I think maybe you might have overlooked it. If you check the section titled “NOTES”, you’ll see it says… “Slip all slipped stitches purlwise.”
In all of our patterns, anytime there is a technique that may raise a question like this, we make a comment about it in the NOTES section for extra clarity.
Hope this helps.
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
I’m trying to figure out how long the tail needs to be for the cast-on. According to the directions for the cast-on, you are supposed to use 3-4 times the width of the garment. I didn’t see the width of the scarf noted anywhere. Please advise.
Just found the circumference is 60 inches. Sorry!
No sorries necessary!
Write us with any questions.
Hope you enjoy the pattern.
Laura
Hi – I have a question that I hope I can ask in a way that makes sense…I am on round 2 of the brioche stitch and find when I knit the yo loop from round 1 I end up with a big hole. Am I not supposed to count this loop as an independent stitch? I have a nice pattern from round 1 of: purl, “x”, loop, purl, and so have been k and k2tog this pattern but I think must be doing something wrong?
Hi Emma.
I’m glad you wrote in.
Just to make sure you worked the first round right and are doing the second round right, here is a longer explanation of the pattern…
On Round 1, you’re going to * purl one, then with the yarn in front slip one, then take the yarn over the needle to the back and then repeat from *, bringing the yarn to the front to p1, slip 1, yo…
On Round 2, you’re going to * k1 and then knit the next two together (these two stitches that you’ll work together consist of the slipped stitch and the yo from the previous round) and then you’ll repeat from the * knitting 1, knitting 2 together…
So that yarn over you described in your question, it should alway be getting knit together with the slipped stitch. If you do that, there shouldn’t be a big hole. I’m thinking you’re knitting the yo by itself and the purled stitch and slipped stitch together maybe?
Let me know if all this makes sense or if you have any questions at all!
Thanks.
Laura
Hi Laura,
I have a quick question about your instructions, specifically the yarn over part:
On Round 1, you’re going to * purl one, then with the yarn in front slip one, then take the yarn over the needle to the back and then repeat from *, bringing the yarn to the front to p1, slip 1, yo…
I’m confused and have watched the video many times, but am unsure if I should K1 after I do the yarn over (video describes this as yarn over between a purl and a knit). When you say “take the yarn over the needle to the back” does that mean K1 with the yarn in front to create the yo…then repeat from * ?
Or should I do what the video describes as yarn over between two purl stitches? (Bring yarn offer top of needle into the front of the fabric and continue purling)
Maybe this is two different ways of doing the same thing, but I want to make sure!
Thank you – I appreciate it!
Maggie
Hi Maggie.
Thanks for writing in. This is a great question and such a common one when working yarn overs!
The yo does not include the knitting or purling of a stitch, it is just the step of moving the yarn. In this pattern you’re moving it from the front of the work, over the needle, to the back of work. And then, since your next stitch is a purl stitch, you’ll bring it to the front again.
So for the Fluffy Brioche section, in Round 1 you *P1, slip 1 wyif, take the yarn from the front over the needle to the back, and then you repeat from the *. So your next move with will that “P1” so simply bring your yarn to the front to work that purl stitch normally and then continue… slip 1 wyif, yo…
Yarn overs can be very tricky. I hope this gets you back on track. Please let me know if you have any questions!
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
This my 5th attempt! I just completed the 4th round, thanks to your “long” explanation of the pattern for Fluffy Brioche. It looks beautiful. I’m glad I found your reply to Emma amongst the 336 comments here.
Hi very interested in knitting this beautiful cowl. Do you have any other yarns same weight that are more textured or verugated in color? I don’t mind paying more for a super luscious fiber. Pattern looks easy enough. LUV you guys can’t wait to see what other ideas you may have.
Julie
Hi Julie.
Here is a link to all of our worsted weight yarns: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/3-knitting-crochet-yarn?filters%5B%5D=6
For a thick and thin yarn, maybe take a closer look at our Merino Script:https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/9649-Purl-Soho-Merino-Script
For some wild colors, Madelinetosh’s Tosh Merino: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8234-Madelinetosh-Tosh-Merino
Or for some thick and thin and wild colors, Manos’ Maxima: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/7529-Manos-Del-Uruguay-Maxima
Let me know if you have any questions about any of these yarns!
Laura
Thus is amazing. I wanted to make a dowel and tadah here it us. Thank you
The last stitch at the end of round 1 of the fluffy brioche stitch is a yo. Round 2 starts with a knit stitch – what has to happen to the yo stitch which is in front – to make a knit stitch to start round 2?
I am confused–
Hi Norina.
I’m glad you wrote in.
So for that last yarn over of the round… Just before it, you’ve purled one and so the yarn is in front and you slip one keeping the yarn in front and then you do that last yarn over by taking the yarn from the front, over the top of the needle, to the back of the work. At that point the yo over is complete and you slip the end-of-round marker and start the next round!
Let us know if you have any questions!
Laura
I’m in love with this cowl! I received the Cashmere Ombré yarn kit for Christmas and want to use it to to make this cowl. Do you think the 4 ply cashmere will work with this pattern?
Hi Eunice.
I think that sounds absolutely amazing and beautiful. I may have to make one for myself now!
This cowl is fantastically adaptable and easy to modify. You’ll probably need a much smaller needle, 2 to 4 sizes smaller depending on how you knit. I would make a small swatch of the fluffy brioche and block it and figure out the gauge. Take that number and multiple it by the 60 inches of the circumference. Cast on an even number and you’re ready to go.
I’m seriously loving this idea of doing an ombre in this cowl. I think you’ll have loads of yarn so you may want to switch colors half way through or partially through each skein.
Please let me know if you have any questions. And definitely let us know how it turns out!
Laura
Hi. Lovely pattern thank you. I’ve just finished mine with 2 skeins and it rolls a lot. It has also stretched lengthwise. Can you suggest what might fix this? I’d like it to sit flat.
Hi Chel.
Thanks for writing in.
I’m surprised the piece is rolling so much. Did you do the ribbed edge? Or did you eliminate that portion of that pattern? If you ribbed the edge, I’m not sure why the piece would be curling. Have you blocked it? I find that even a quick steam blocking really helps the Worsted Twist yarn relax and flatten out.
As for it stretching lengthwise… I’m not sure what has caused this. Did you swatch before your made the cowl? Some people have really loose tension when a pattern involves yarn overs. Is your fabric quite open / holey? What size needle did you use?
Thanks again for writing in.
Please write us back if you have any questions.
Laura
Hi Laura
I did do the twisted rib although it is only 1 inch high on each edge, perhaps too little? Normally I’m a tight knitter so I did a swatch and used a 4.5mm needle because I like the fabric.
To be honest I was so keen to wear it, I haven’t yet blocked it. Hopefully a soak and rest will make it stay flat.
Thanks for your help.
Hi Chel.
I would definitely try blocking it, but even still, I’m really shocked that with an inch of ribbing it’s curling under. This is truly a mystery to me.
What I’m thinking is that maybe your rib is so much tighter than your brioche, that the edges want to fold under. When you lay your cowl flat, is the ribbed portion much narrower than the center brioche portion?
I’m sorry to now have a clear cut answer about this.
I do hope you still like your cowl.
I wonder, if you were up for it, if you unraveled bind off edge ribbing and worked it in a larger needle that doesn’t cause the edge to pull in so much, if that side would still fold under?
Let me know what you think!
Laura
My friend and I want to knit this cowl. I bought 4 skeins of alpca pure hoping to make a hat and gloves as well. My friend only bought 2 skeins for a cowl. Is there any way we could make this with only 2?Could we cast on less stitches or make it narrower?
Hi Jenn.
How fun. I loved doing knit alongs with friends.
I used 3 1/2 skeins for the cowl so I don’t think 4 skeins is going to be enough for a cowl and hat and definitely not enough for a cowl, hat and mittens, unless of course you make your cowl much smaller. Same thing goes for your friend’s 2 skein stash. Unless you modify the pattern quite a bit (perhaps making it only loop around once, rather than twice) two skeins won’t be enough to finish the cowl.
If you did want to make the cowl just be a single tube, rather than a long thing that you loop around twice… I would cast on enough for about 18 to 20 inches, depending on how tight around your neck you’d like it. If you did this, you’d have enough left over for a hat and mittens I think and your friend would have enough for her cowl.
If you want to keep it the same circumference… with two skeins, I think your friend would end up with a width or approximately 9 inches.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you have any questions!
Laura
This pattern is perfection! I just started a second one after my first turned out so great. The textured stitch is really squishy and soft, and the finished cowl is adorable. Thank you!
How would I weave in the ends of the skeins that end within the brioche stitch so that they are invisible and secure?
Hi Jasmine.
Great question!
I would use a duplicate stitch method. By that I mean, I would thread the tail onto a tapestry needle and then draw the tapestry needle along the same path as the strand in the knit fabric, do this for 6 or so stitches, I usually do more with brioche stitch fabrics. This tutorial talks about how to do it for stockinette fabric and garter fabric, but the principles are the same here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2011/07/14/weaving-in-your-ends/
Thanks.
Laura
I love this pattern but I’m having a hard time deciding whether to make it in Purl Soho’s Alpaca Pure or Jade Sapphire 6-ply. Which of this two do you think would have a better drape/feel? Would the weight of both yarns work with the pattern as written or would I need to make any adjustments? Thank you so much for this gorgeous pattern and all your help.
Hi Jumana.
This cowl would be incredible in either yarn. I think I’d probably go with the cashmere, but I think you’ll need 8ply rather than 6 ply. Alpaca Pure is a great choice too. The alpaca will definitely drape, but I’m thinking it might drape a bit too much. You’ll lose some of the loftiness of the stitch. The cashmere however will be incredibly light and airy.
Hope you enjoy the pattern!
Laura
Thank you so much. I’ll go with the 6-ply cashmere.
Oops…I meant the 8-ply!
I am a self taught knitter and found your instructions for the long tail tubular cast on very easy to understand. My problem is that after casting on 150 or more stitches it is very difficult to keep it from twisting on the needles making it impossible to join in the round correctly. Is there a trick to this?
Hi Lyspohrer.
This is a great question.
The stitches want to twist and ou can only cram so many under your two palms to try and tame them. So inevitably the rest will spiral some. This happens more drastically on circular needles than it does straight needles. Some people find it much easier to do this cast on onto straight needles and then transfer them onto circulars after working the two foundation rows.
With such a large cast on number though, straight needles may not be an option, in which case, you kind of learn to recognize (by trial and error and experience) which way the stitches are twisting around the needle. Simply twist them by hand in the other direction just before working them. The first couple of times I did this cast on with a ton of stitches, I had to learn the hard way, but then you’ll get it and the twisting won’t seem like such a bother.
I hope this helps.
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
I use small binder clips (clip the cast on stitches to the needle) to hold the cast on edge facing the right way. Every few inches along the way. Really helps!
Hey Julia.
What a great idea!
Thanks for sharing it here on the site.
Best.
Laura
I am having trouble with the pattern and have had to pull it out twice. It goes really well the first 4 rows and then I get off pattern. Could you help by show ing a phot of just the ending of each row? I think a visual will help see what I am missing. I love the looks and hope that I can figure it out.
Hi Jeri.
Thanks for writing in.
Is there something in particular about the end of the round that has you confused? I’d love to help you figure it out. We don’t have any photos of that part of this project, but maybe I can talk (or type) you through it.
At the end of Round 1, be sure to take the yarn over the top of the needle, from the front of the work to the back of the work. The first stitch of Round 2 is knit 1, so leave the working yarn in the back after you yarn over at the end of Round 1 in order to knit the first stitch of Round 2.
The last stitch in Round 2 is k2tog. You’ll be knitting that yarn over I just mentioned together with the last stitch you slipped in the previous round. After you do that k2tog at the end of Round 2, slip the end-of-round marker and then bring your working yarn between your two needles to the from of your work in order to work the first stitch of Round 3 which you’ll slip with the yarn in front.
Round 3 ends with a p1. After you purl the last stitch of the round, slip the end-of-round marker and then bring the working yarn between your needles to the back of the fabric in order to start the Round 4 where you’ll k2tog.
Round 4 ends with a k1. After you knit the last stitch of the Round 4, slip the end-of-round marker and bring the yarn to the front, between the needles in order to start Round 1 again. It begins with a p1.
Jeri, please let me know if you have any questions at all! I hope this helps you get back on track.
Best,
Laura
I have 4-5 skeins of Blue Sky Alpaca ( 50% alpaca/50% wool). Calls for #9 needles, 4 st/inch. Assumin my gauge is average, can I use with this pattern, and how should I adjust needle size?
Thanks!
Hi B Kiernan.
I think you can definitely use this yarn for the Classic Cowl. It sounds like the yarn is a tad bit thicker than the yarn I used. So I would recommend you make a swatch and find out how many stitches to the inch you are getting in the Fluffy Brioche stitch pattern. Take that number and multiply it by 58 or 60 inches and then cast on the nearest even number. I mention this because I think if you cast on the same number as I did, your cowl would be significantly larger in the end.
As for the needles… I almost always use size US7 when working simple stitches in out Worsted Twist and the same size needle worked for this stitch as well. So I would stick with the US9 for the Blue Sky.
I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Laura
I am starting this cowl using a sport weight yarn. Will that work so brioche pattern show? If I am wanting to use the sport weight, and therefore, need to add stiches to get 60 inches … Is this a repeat pattern of two stiches?
Hi Cindy.
Your plan sounds great. The Fluffy Brioche pattern will look lovely in a sport weight yarn. And yes… it’s a repeat of 2 stitches so just be sure to cast on an even number of stitches when you’re adding to get to a 60-inch circumference.
Thanks for writing in and let us know how it goes!
Laura
Glorious!! Love the pattern and the merino wool is absolutely yummy! Heaven in my hands. Thanks for the free pattern.
Sorry if this has been answered already. I’m considering this as a gift, and the recipient wants to know if the cowl is double-wrapped in the photo, or if it’s a single wrap. Thanks!
Hi Julia.
Yes, it does wrap around twice!
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
I’m working on this cowl and JUST finished the ribbing. The only problem is I have two rows where I wasn’t paying attention and I have a knit-knit instead of a knit-purl, the 1st of which is where I joined. How will this affect my brioche section? Can I still start the brioche section with a purl where my previous row was a knit? PLEASE don’t say I have to start over!
Hi Eunice.
If you don’t want to rib back and fix the mistakes, you do not have to! Those knit-knits won’t affect your brioche section. You should start your brioche section with a p1. In the previous row, you will have knit that first stitch tbl. It sounds like you’re in a good spot as far as that’s concerned, so fear not!
Let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
After completing the rib and working on the brioche part, I realized that the right side of the rib is on the wrong side of the brioche and vise versa. I can’t figure out what I did wrong…
Hi Lydia,
Thank you for commenting! Ribs are exactly the same on both sides so there shouldn’t be a right and wrong side. There should be nothing to worry about but if your still confused or are unsure if it’s coming out right feel free to write us back!
Happy Brioching!
Jake
Hey Lydia.
Laura here.
The twisted rib actually does look different on the front and back.
Is there any way that you started working in the wrong direction at some point between the ribbing and the fluffy brioche stitch?
If you decided to just continue on, I think the cowl will still turn out beautifully, I just wanted to check in.
Thanks.
Laura
This is beautiful! I’d like to make it for my sister, and I’d also like to make her a matching headband. I think I’d be able to do it using this pattern and double-pointed needles. Could you recommend an appropriate number of stitches for a headband?
Hi Stephanie.
What a lucky sister you have!
For the headband, I would cast on approximately 19-inches worth of stitches. An average sized woman’s head is approximately 21 inches and typically you make hats (and headbands) about 2 inches smaller than the head size. So maybe try 70 or 72 stitches?!
Let us know how it goes!
Laura
Hello!
I love this pattern, and my cowl is progressing nicely. I do have one question – is the fluffy brioche pattern interrupted with each new row? My cowl has a vertical “line” created in the fluffy brioche pattern before the first stitch, is this normal?
Thanks!
Bren
Hi Bren.
I’m so sorry, I’m not sure I understand your question. I am going to try and describe the stitch… The stitch is kind of like staggered wide Vs and then from the center of each V comes a short little vertical line that reaches into another broad V above.
This same stitch is used in a baby blanket we made a few years ago. There are some close up photos of the blankets that show the stitch quite clearly… https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/03/21/fluffy-brioche-baby-blanket/. Does your stitch look like it does there on that link?
I’d love to help figure this out with you! Write us back if you have questions!
Laura
What does it mean “bind off in pattern”?
Thanks.
Marcia
I am in the middle of my second cowl with your beautiful yarn.
Hi Marcia.
I’m glad you’re enjoying our yarns! That’s wonderful to hear.
Regarding the bind off… often times when a pattern says to “bind off”, it means to do it knit-wise. So when a pattern says to “bind off in pattern” it usually means to work each stitch as you have been, binding off as you go. So for a rib, you’d k1, p1, bind that first knit stitch off, then k1, bind the purl off, then p1, bind the knit off, then k1 bind the purl off, etc.
For this specific project, I used a Long Tail Tubular Bind Off (https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2015/01/09/long-tail-tubular-bind-off/), it’s a bit involved, but check out the link if you’re interested!
Marcia, please let me know if you have any questions.
Laura
Hi
Try as I might I just don;t get on with circular needles despite over forty years of knitting experience! Would this stitch work on straight needles?
Hi Judith.
Thank you for your interest in the pattern. This specific pattern is currently only written as a cowl/for working in the round and we do not have the pattern for working it flat. We do have a blanket pattern that uses the same Fluffy Brioche stitch as I used for the body of this cowl though. (https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/03/21/fluffy-brioche-baby-blanket/)
Below are some tips for modifying the pattern to work it flat, as a scarf…
CAST ON
Cast on an even number
RIB
Right Side: *K1tbl, p1, repeat from * to end of row.
Wrong Side: *K1, p1tbl, repeat from * to end of row.
Work those two rows for desired height, ending with a right side row.
FLUFFY BRIOCHE
Row 1 (wrong side): Slip 1 knitwise with yarn in back (slip 1 wyib), *yo, slip 1 wyib, k1* repeat from * to last stitch, p1.
Row 2 (right side): Slip 1 wyib, *k1, k2tog* repeat from * to last stitch, p1.
Row 3: Slip 1 wyib, k1, *yo, slip 1 wyib, k1* repeat from * until last two stitches, k1, p1.
Row 4: Slip 1 wyib, k2, *k2tog, k1* repeat from * until last stitch, p1.
Repeat Rows 1-4 until desired height, ending with Row 2.
RIB AGAIN
starting with a wrong side row… work in a twisted rib one again for desired length.
BIND OFF
Bind off in pattern
Hope these tips helps. Let us know if you have any questions.
Laura
Beautiful cowl! Can you please tell me what skill level would be necessary? Thank you.
Hi Gloria.
Thanks for writing in.
For this pattern, other than knowing how to knit, purl and work in the round, you’ll have to slip stitches, knit through the back loop, yarn over and knit 2 stitches together. Listing all of these thing out makes it sound more complicated than it actually is. I guess I wouldn’t call it a beginner pattern, especially if you do the tubular cast on (which is optional), but it’s not a super advanced pattern either.
Plus, we’re always around to help if you have any questions at all!
Laura
I absolutely love this pattern. Thank you for adding the video on the yarn overs. I have been knitting for just under a year and that was the best video yet. I was nervous to start this but I would do it again and again.
What is the stitch pattern repeat? Such as multiples of 3 +1. I didn’t see it
Hi Rhonda.
This pattern repeat is a multiple of 2 so will work over any even number of stitches.
Thanks for writing in!
Laura
How long does it take for the brioche pattern to show up? I’m on row 4 and not seeing anything.. Mostly it just looks like knitting?
Hi Stephanie.
Great question! I’m glad you wrote in. I would give it another 4 rounds and you should be seeing the pattern by then. Please let us know if you have any questions!
Laura
This pattern looks lovely! I have a pair of circular needles that are approximately 35″ tip to tip. Do you think this will be sufficiently long or do I definitely need a 40″ needle?
Hello Lillie!
While a 40″ length is recommended, you could definitely squish all of your stitches on a 35″ long needle. If you’re worried about your stitches falling off, use some tip protectors or a rubber band to safeguard them!
Best of luck! -Alyson
This pattern is so pretty. I’m making the twisted rib now, but mine doesn’t look nearly as tight and defined as yours does. I did check my gauge and it was correct!
Hello,
I tried the long tail tubular cast on for the first time and it’s great! My question is, in the “Long Tail Tubular Cast On” link it mentions two foundation rows.
Foundation Row 1: *Knit 1 through the back loop, slip one with yarn in front, repeat from * to end of row
Foundation Row 2: Knit 1, slip 1 with yarn in front, repeat from * to end of row.
Am I supposed to knit these foundation rows before I start Round 1 in the pattern?
Round 1: *K1 through the back loop (tbl), p1, repeat from * to end of round. [repeat for 1 inch]
I did the foundation rows and went back to start the pattern, after reading again it seems as if I was supposed to start Round 1 immediately after cast on and ignore the foundation rows. l can always take out the foundation rows but thought I would check before I proceed!
Thank you,
Maggie
Hi Maggie.
Thanks for writing in.
Yes! Work these two foundation rows before you work Round 1.
Let us know if you have any questions!
Laura
I love this pattern and am nearly finishing the cowl. I believe I’ve done everything correctly but I’m not seeing the stitch definition as well as the image posted on the website. Did you block the cowl?
Hi Susan.
I did block the cowl, lightly, with steam. May I ask which yarn you used? Maybe if you used a yarn with a different spin it might be taking away or distracting from the stitch pattern. Or, oh, what color did you use? Often times stitch patterns can be lost if you’re working in a really dark color. Light color usually show off stitch patterns best.
Laura
Hi. I wanted to use merino script yarn for this pattern. Since the yarn is uneven in thickness and thicker than recommended in instructions, would u have any suggestions about using this yarn?
Thank you for your help.
Hi Luba.
I actually debated using Merino Script for this project! It works up beautifully in this stitch. It is, as you mentioned, uneven in its spin, but it really lofty and light and cozy! You may want to go up a needle size, depending on your tension. This of course may affect your gauge. I would definitely make a swatch first to be sure you don’t need to modify the cast on number. I hope these tips help! Please let us know how it goes and don’t hesitate to write back with any additional questions.
Thanks.
Laura
I’m getting stuck on round 1 after the cast on. After I purl from behind it seems I’m getting additional stitches. Should I have additional stitches? Also, I can’t even imagine knowing which stitch to knit once I get to round two because they appear to be overlapping. Thanks!
Hello Sarah!
It seems like you are accidentally making yarn overs when you are bringing your yarn into the front to slip your stitches. Make sure that after you slip the stitch that you bring the yarn back to the back before knitting any stitches. That way you won’t have extra stitches and the yarn overs won’t be overlapping onto your actual stitches. I hope this helps! Best of luck! -Alyson
Hello again Sarah!
On a second glance, it actually seems like you are doing everything correctly, since there are yarn overs in this pattern! It can look very confusing since they seem to block your view of your stitches, but the next round you’ll be integrating them into the work. You will have extra stitches this round because of the yarn overs.
Take a look at our tutorial for this stitch pattern knit flat: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2015/09/28/fluffy-brioche/, while your pattern is knit it the round, so its not exactly the same, you will be able to more clearly see how the stitch pattern is formed.
Hope this helps! Best of luck! -Alyson
i would like to work this cowl in a wide color block stripe. in this stitch pattern will the change row be subtle/clean or will it be obvious/messy? thank you!
Hi Pamela.
What a great question!
Since this stitch involves slip stitches and yarn overs, the transition from one color to the next will not produce a clean straight line. The color from the round below will peek up into the following round. I wouldn’t classify it as messy because it will have a regular rhythm to it, but it won’t be as if changing colors in stockinette stitch.
Thanks for writing in!
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Laura
Hello,
Is there an easy way to change the pattern for your classic cowl into a scarf pattern? I love the look of the cowl, but am a scarf person. I’m a new knitter so don’t know how to adjust patterns yet!
Thank you!
Hello Karen! Unfortunately it will be slightly difficult for this stitch pattern to be translated into 2D knitting.
What is it you love about this pattern? The texture? The yarn? Let us know so that we can help you brainstorm for the perfect pattern! Thanks for writing in! -Alyson
Hi! I need some help: I am going making this for a friend but she wants it to be longer, not so close to the neck, the length of your Crosshatch Cowl. Can I increase the number of stitches and how can I get that number? Thank you for any help you can give me:)
I just saw in the comments this stitch is a multiple of two, so I found my answer!
Could we have a video that explains the fluffy brioche stitch in the round? I have try to knit it using the instructions and it didn’t work at the second row so there is something that I clearly dont understand!
Thank you. 🙂
Hello Mira!
We’re sorry you’re having so much trouble! Have you looked at the video explaining the pattern in flat knitting? I know that its not exactly the same as knitting it in the round, but it should give you a decent idea of how it all works. Take a look here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2015/09/28/fluffy-brioche/
What part of Row 2 are you having the most trouble with? Let me know so we can troubleshoot more carefully together. Thanks! -Alyson
@Karen: On May 18, 2015, you will find the scarf pattern.
Hey,
I don’t own any 40-inch circular needles, will a 30-in one work for this pattern? or would it be too small to work with? 🙁
Hello Michelle,
That should work just fine! You wouldn’t want to go much smaller though, because then the stitches may be too squished to flow easily around the cord. 30″ should do the trick! Best of luck! -Alyson
I’m having trouble with the stitch, it doesn’t come out right. I followed your video which is not in the round and it came out perfectly. But when I follow the pattern instructions in the round, it doesn’t. Could this have something to do with the fact that I knit Russian-style? Help please.
I got it right! Sorry, it seems I made some mistake(s) and ruined it.
Glad to hear you’re back on track! -Laura
Do you mind sharing what went wrong? I’m having the same problem.
Hello there, I had a problem with the stitch as well, and it looks like the written pattern has you purling stitches and the video has you knitting stitches for round one and three. I think this makes the stitch come out wrong.
Hi Heather,
Thanks for writing in and my apologies for the very delayed response! I see the confusion. In our video, we are knitting back and forth on a flat swatch. For the the cowl, you will be knitting in the round and thus you will never knit on the wrong side. Purling stitches, as in the written pattern, allows the texture to appear correctly when knit in the round!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Sorry Cassy, I’m not clear 🙁 I understand that the written pattern is supposed to be different from the video, but it’s still not coming out right for me. There doesn’t happen to be a video laying around of someone working on this in the round, does there? Lol
Hi Gael,
Thanks for writing into us again. I’m sorry this isn’t working out so far! When joining in the round your working yarn should be coming from your right-hand needle, no matter if you knit with your right or left hand. In other words, you’ll always be knitting clockwise. When doing fluffy brioche, it’s important that you are doing the yarn over correctly. Make sure that your yarn over in the first round is laying over the slipped stitch at a 45 degree angle. When knitting these two stitches together in round 2, you’ll get that “fluffy” stitch. I suggest doing a practice swatch in the round to get the technique down. Let me know how things go!
-Adam
Hi Adam,
I am having trouble with this, too, specifically with round 1 in the fluffy brioche stitch. My issue is that after I do the first purl and slip the next stitch with the yarn in front, I cannot figure out how to do the yarn over. I thought the yarn over was simply just bringing it to the back as if to get the yarn in position to knit the next stitch, but then the pattern says to start at a purl again. My yarn over would be pointless as I would just be bringing the yarn to the front again. Am I missing something? I think I am doing the yarn over wrong, but I am not sure how to do it correctly.
Hi Lauren,
Sorry for the late reply! I think you should look at the below posted link for a video on fluffy brioche.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q77Nw0ZqEGw
For round one you will purl 1 and then bring your yarn in front to slip the next stitch purlwise. Next you will bring your yarn over that slipped stitch and back around again to purl. This last part is the yarn over. I hope this makes sense!
-Adam
Maybe I just haven’t done a project with a yo in a long time and I forgot how to do it but this is by far the most helpful comment for figuring out how to do this row. Saying that the yo lays over the slipped stitch at a 45 degree angle clears everything up. I almost wrapped the yarn around the opposite way. I had to scour for this but so glad I found it. Thank you.
Hi! If I wanted to use slightly bigger yarn and size 10 circular needles, how many stitches would you recommend casting on? TIA!
Hi Olivia.
We’d love to help you figure out how many stitch to cast on. Once you work up a swatch and know how many stitches you get per inch with your bigger yarn and US 10 needles… simply take that number and multiply it by your desired circumference. This cowl has a 60-inch circumference, but for a thicker fabric, you may want a 62-inch circumference. Be sure to cast on an even number of stitches and you’re good to go!
Let us know if you have any questions.
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
Can this pattern be worked over any even # of stitches? Like if I wanted to make a 30in circumference cowl, rather than 60, could I cast on 114 stitches? Many thanks!
Hi Kelly,
Certainly! The pattern repeat for the Classic Cowl is a multiple of 2 so will work over any even number of stitches. For a roughly 30 inch circumference cowl, I would suggest casting on 112 or 114 stitches.
Happy knitting!
-Cassy
What is the exact amount of yards needed for this project? I’d love to use yarn that I already have in an attempt at stash busting.
Hi Emi,
Thanks for writing in! The cowl uses roughly 610 yards of worsted weight yarn!
Happy knitting!
-Cassy
I sent a comment earlier, but it never appeared. I hope this doesn’t duplicate. ☺️
I’m second guessing myself from the very beginning. Not necessarily a good thing. On the Foundation Round where it states K1, P1 TBL, is this worked in 1 stitch or 2? So does this give me a total of 226 stitches or 542 at the end of the row?
Hi Tina,
Thank you for writing in and our apologies for the very delayed response! For the foundation row you will be knitting 1 and then purling through the back loop of the next stitch. That is to say that you will begin and end the row with 226 stitches.
I hope that this helps!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Im a little confused. Your video shows the brioche starting with k1, s1, YO, K1, but the pattern above is with a P1 instead. I’m having trouble making this work. Can I follow the way you did it in the video?
I figured it out!
Hello, Jessica!
Thank you for writing in! We are so glad that you were able to figure it out! If you have further questions, please let us know!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
So I’m struggling with the fluffy brioche pattern. I started following your pattern and it didn’t seem right, and I found a video on YouTube for it and it’s different than the pattern listed and has confused me even more. Following the p1, slip one, yo but in the video is was slip one, yo without the purl. Is that the one to do?
Dear Katelyn,
Thanks for writing in and our apologies for the delayed response. I think that I see the confusion. In our video, we are knitting back and forth on a flat swatch. For the the cowl, you will be knitting in the round and thus you will never knit on the wrong side. Purling stitches, as in the written pattern, allows the texture to appear correctly when knit in the round!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I would like to make the Classic Cowl but I would prefer to make a shorter version that would not loop around twice. Could you please advise me as to how many stitches to cast on to make that work?
Hi Mary Anne,
We’d be happy to help you make a shorter version. The pattern repeat for the Classic Cowl is a multiple of 2 so will work over any even number of stitches. For a cowl roughly half as long, that would loop around once instead of twice, I would cast on 112 stitches. Best of luck! -Cassy
Hello,
I’m new to knitting and I’m slightly confused by the foundation row. So, I was going to choose the Long tail cast on and as per the pattern, after the cast on, there is a foundation row and then join in the round before doing the twisted rib. My question is, how do you do the foundation row without joining in the round?
Please let me know.. thanks!
Hi Meha,
Thanks for writing in and our apologies for the greatly delayed response! For the foundation row, we knit back and forth as if the circular needles were straigh needles. To use circular needles for knitting flat you simply finish a row, turn the work so the other side is facing you and put the needle that was in your right hand into your left hand and the needle that was in your left hand into your right hand, ready to go on the next row!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi,
I’m not sure if this question has already been asked. I am just getting started on this project and just finished a gauge. I noticed that in the video for the fluffy brioche that you posted the first stitch is slipped knit wise and then the following stitches are slipped purl wise. The pattern for the classic cowl says to slip all stitches purl wise so would I change to that for this pattern? Also the video shows ending on a purl stitch for the salvage edge, would I still do this as well if I am knitting in the round?
Thanks!
Katie
Hello, Katie!
Thank you for writing in! Sorry for the delayed response! The video for the fluffy brioche stitch shows how to work the stitch flat, since this project combines the fluffy brioche stitch with the twisted rib I recommend following the pattern as written.
If you have further questions please let us know!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
I’m struggling with this pattern and I looked through the comments to see if I could figure it out. People keep mentioning a video tutorial but I don’t see one posted anywhere. Am I missing something?
Hello, Martha!
Thank you for writing in! Sorry for the delayed response! I think the video folks are mentioning is the Fluffy Brioche video tutorial. You can find that here..
If you have further questions please let us know!
Best,
Kumeko
I would like to use your Mulberry Merino for this cowl. How do I adjust the pattern ?
Is there any other similar pattern?
Hi Debby,
Thanks for writing in and our apologies for the terribly delayed response! You can certainly use Mulberry Merino for this cowl. I think that it would be lovely. To achieve a nice fabric, I would suggest using a US 6 with the Mulberry Merino. Then, I would suggest working up a gauge swatch. Once you work up a swatch and know how many stitches you get per inch with your smaller yarn… simply take that number and multiply it by your desired circumference. This cowl has a 60-inch circumference. Be sure to cast on an even number of stitches and you’re good to go!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
I’ve knit about two inches of the brioche stitch and it looks great, but I notice that there’s a slightly visible seam. I can’t quite tell what looks different about it, but I think it looks like the left half of the V “bump” is missing at the end of every other row (rows 3 and 4 of the pattern). Is that expected, and/or is there a way to fix it?
Thanks! This is my second Purl Soho project so far and I love all of the beautiful winter accessories.
Hi Emily,
Thanks for writing in! I took a look at our sample and there is a slightly visible seam where the round joins. Given the lofty and lovely nature of the brioche stitch as well as the size of the cowl, the seam barely visible if not invisible when worn.
Happy knitting!
Cassy
is this seam due to the last stitch being a slip, yo?
Hi Maddi,
Thanks for writing in! The seam at the beginning/end of the row is due to the fact that the stitch pattern is not continuous at this point. When you are knitting in the round, you are knitting in a spiral. For some stitch patterns, there will be no noticeable start to a row but for others there will be. This is one of those stitch patterns.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Can this pattern be used for men? thx!
Hello Phyllis,
Thank you for your question. I think this would be perfect for a man, it is a classic stitch pattern. You could also make it half the length by casting on 114 stitches instead. I hope that helps. Please let us know if you have any other questions.
All the best,
Allison
I don’t like using circular needles, find it difficult.
Most of your lovely cowls are done this way. Can
you tell me how to do them on ordinary straight needles.
Many thanks
JW
Hi Judith,
Thank you for your interest in the pattern. This specific pattern is currently only written as a cowl/for working in the round and we do not have the pattern for working it flat. We do have a blanket pattern that uses the same Fluffy Brioche stitch as used for the body of this cowl though. (https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/03/21/fluffy-brioche-baby-blanket/)
Below are some tips for modifying the pattern to work it flat, as a scarf…
CAST ON
Cast on an even number
RIB
Right Side: *K1tbl, p1, repeat from * to end of row.
Wrong Side: *K1, p1tbl, repeat from * to end of row.
Work those two rows for desired height, ending with a right side row.
FLUFFY BRIOCHE
Row 1 (wrong side): Slip 1 knitwise with yarn in back (slip 1 wyib), *yo, slip 1 wyib, k1* repeat from * to last stitch, p1.
Row 2 (right side): Slip 1 wyib, *k1, k2tog* repeat from * to last stitch, p1.
Row 3: Slip 1 wyib, k1, *yo, slip 1 wyib, k1* repeat from * until last two stitches, k1, p1.
Row 4: Slip 1 wyib, k2, *k2tog, k1* repeat from * until last stitch, p1.
Repeat Rows 1-4 until desired height, ending with Row 2.
RIB AGAIN
starting with a wrong side row… work in a twisted rib one again for desired length.
BIND OFF
Bind off in pattern
Hope these tips helps!
Cassy
Thanks for posting the straight knitting version. I tired to do this on my own, but was using all purl stitches. I’ll try how you’ve written it up now and I’m sure it will look much better.
Lovely cowl! If I wanted to use chunky yarn, what UK size needle would you recommend?
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for writing in! To achieve a nice fabric, I would suggest using the needle size suggested for the yarn that you are using. Then, I would suggest working up a gauge swatch in your desired yarn. Once you work up a swatch and know how many stitches you get per inch with your larger yarn… simply take that number and multiply it by your desired circumference. This cowl has a 60-inch circumference. Be sure to cast on an even number of stitches and you’re good to go!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
To all of you who are working on this project, I have to tell you it is worth the effort! I am an experienced beginner who received great support and encouragement from Laura at Purl Soho when I ran into trouble. I completed this project in February last year and it took me a month of solid knitting from beginning to end so don’t think you are not working fast enough. I had to rip out multiple rows multiple times because I wasn’t paying close enough attention to those moments my fingers fumbled and I continued on without checking for botched stitches. Don’t give up or get frustrated! The finished project is so soft and squishy and warm! You will love it.
Hi, Adele!
Thank you so much for your wonderful words of encouragement! We are so delighted to hear that you enjoyed your knitting journey with this pattern and that you have a cowl that you treasure. Thank you for writing in.
Best wishes,
Kumeko
I have 573 yards of a yarn I would love to use. Can you suggest any modifications to the pattern that might make this work? Different needle size maybe?
Hi Julie,
Great question! For our cowl, we used roughly 610 yards. If you would like to maintain the height of the cowl, you could remove a few inches from the circumference. You have roughly 10% less yarn, so I would recommend making the cowl 10% smaller around. As the original circumference is 60 inches, I would suggest a circumference of at most 54 inches or for safety’s sake, 50 inches. If you are using Merino Twist or another worsted weight yarn, a 50 inch circumference would indicate a cast on of 188 sts.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Is there a video of the brioche stitch? I can’t find it.
Hi Linda,
Thanks for writing in! We do have a video for fluffy brioche. It can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2015/09/28/fluffy-brioche/
Please note that in this video, we are knitting the fluffy brioche flat and in the pattern, we are knitting it in the round. This means that the techinque will differ slightly.
Happy knitting!
Cassy
What a fun pattern! I’ve only knitted up a small sample, but I’m really enjoying it. I plan on making a full size project soon. What I like about this pattern, besides it is gorgeous, is that it is just challenging enough to be fun. I’m not as good at knitting as I am at crochet, and I love to learn new stitches and techniques. Thanks so much for sharing your patterns with us!
Beautiful patterns
I have some beautiful sport weight yarn I’d love to use for this project.. How do you recommend adjusting the pattern for this yarn weight? How much yardage do you think I need?
Hi Kate,
Thanks for writing in! You can certainly use a sport weight yarn for this cowl. I think that it would be lovely. To achieve a nice fabric, I would suggest swatching with the recommended needle size for the yarn that you are using. Then, I would suggest working up a gauge swatch. Once you work up a swatch and know how many stitches you get per inch with your smaller yarn… simply take that number and multiply it by your desired circumference. This cowl has a 60-inch circumference. Be sure to cast on an even number of stitches and you’re good to go!
As for the amount of yarn that you will need, that is quite a bit more tricky. If your gauge swatch is (for example) 20% smaller that our gauge swatch, you will need roughly 20% more yarn. I would measure your gauge swatch and see how much smaller it is than ours. If your gauge is fairly even, you can make an estimate based on the stated gauge of the yarn as to the amount you will need.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Would like to use this pattern for Men’s Scarf-thought you might convert to scarf pattern. Will save me some time. Appreciate it! Thanks
Hi Julie,
This would make a lovely scarf! At present we are unable to create a scarf version of this pattern but will keep your request in mind. If you would like to take a stab at it, the fluffy brioche stitch can be worked across any even number of stitches. Additionally, as you would be working flat, I would suggest watching our video tutorial on fluffy brioche which is worked flat for the purposes of the video. It can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2015/09/28/fluffy-brioche/
I would recommend knitting up a gauge swatch and once you know how many stitches per inch you are getting in pattern, multiplying the stitches per inch by how many stitches wide you want the scarf and casting on the nearest even number.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I don’t understand how you end up with 339 stitches in round 1 since you basically are adding 1 stitch with each yarn over which would make it 326 since you start with 226. I keep ending with a purl and one slipped stitch in round 1 at the end and that won’t work for round 2. Any suggestions on what I am not understanding
Hi Roberta,
Thanks for writing in! I think that I can help! For every two stitches, you will be increasing one stitch. P1, slip 1 wyif, yo = 3 stitches from the original 2 stitches. This ends up equaling 339 stitches from 226 stitches. It sounds like at the end of your round when you purl one and slip 1, you may have left out the yarn over that should follow.
I hpoe that this helps!
Cassy
My last two stitches on round one are purl and slip one, Can you yarn over at the end of the round and start Round 2 with a knit 1?
Hi Roberta,
You certainly can!
Best,
Cassy
Thank you very much. I actually ended up finishing that round by purl one, slip one and then a purl. Hopefully that doesn’t mess it up. I will be sending a picture when I am done because this has been a challenge and I am determined to get it right. 🙂
I meant to say, I purled one, yarn over and then another purl.
Hello,
I tried to post yesterday and didn’t see my comment so I hope this isn’t a double post. I’ve tried to create this cowl 5 or 6 times and I keep running into the same problem. It’s probably me, but thought I’d ask just in case someone can shed some light on to what I’m doing wrong: at the end of round 2 of the brioche stitch I end up with an extra yarn over stitch. I was super careful to make sure I knit 1 and then knit 2 together (two tries) and I keep ending up with it. Any thoughts on what I might be doing wrong? Thanks!
Hi Anjya,
Thanks for writing in and our apologies for the delayed response! I am not sure why you are encountering an extra stitch. I find that sometimes when there are a large number of stitches, if I get a little distracted while I am knitting, I may miss a stitch. To get into the grove of the stitch pattern, I will sometimes sit in a quiet room and say the repeat out loud for a few rows to be sure that I am getting every stitch.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Would like to know where to find the video referenced int the comments. Can you post a link?
Hi Bea,
Here is a link to the video: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2015/09/28/fluffy-brioche/
Please note that in this video, the fluffy brioche in this video is knit flat and back and forth whereas this cowl is knit in the round. To that end purls in the video will be knits in the actual cowl.
Happy knitting!
Cassy
I am wondering about any straightforward recommendations for using a DK weight yarn instead. I like lighter weight cowls. I am horrible at calculations and am just wondering if anyone has experience knitting this pattern with DK weight.. Thanks!
Hi Melissa,
Thanks for writing in and our apologies for the delayed response! I would suggest working up a gauge swatch in your desired yarn. Once you work up a swatch and know how many stitches you get per inch with your smaller yarn… simply take that number and multiply it by your desired circumference. This cowl has a 60-inch circumference. Be sure to cast on an even number of stitches and you’re good to go!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
When knitting in the round, the back of mine looks all purled, but the front looks how t should. What did I do wrong?!!
Hi Cully,
Thanks for writing in! As this cowl is knit in the round and the stitch pattern is not reversible, the back and front will look different from one another. So long as the front is looking correct, you should be good to go!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
I’m loving this pattern so much! I’m up to the twisted rib before binding off but for some reason when I K1tbl P1 it is the opposite side to when I did it earlier and doesn’t match. Does anyone have an explanation for this or a way I can make it match the first time I did the twisted rib?
Hi Elena,
Thanks for writing in! It is possible that the ribbing won’t line up perfectly to the ribbing below but it should have the same look as the ribbing on the bottom. Is it possible to you knit and purled through the back loop on the bottom ribbing or purled through the back loop instead of knitting through the back loop? That would yield a different look. Perhaps try knitting and purling through the back loop and seeing if it looks the same.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
What a beautiful pattern. I have some Blue Sky Alpaca Suri Merino which I think is a DK weight. Would you suggest using the same size needles or going down a size?
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for writing in! To achieve a nice fabric, I would suggest using the needle size suggested for the yarn that you are using. Then, I would suggest working up a gauge swatch in your desired yarn. Once you work up a swatch and know how many stitches you get per inch with your smaller yarn… simply take that number and multiply it by your desired circumference. This cowl has a 60-inch circumference. Be sure to cast on an even number of stitches and you’re good to go!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
I am making your cowl in a pure silk yarn, and even though I’m a rather experienced knitter it doesn’t want to look regular. When I pull it length-wise and let go, the pattern springs back and it looks beautiful and regular but won’t stay that way long term. What is your advice/suggestion for blocking? I’m afraid I’ll lose the ‘fluffiness’ of the brioche stitch if I wet block, but how do I get it to look regular not just for the seconds after (dry) stretching but long term?
Hi Stephanie,
I am sorry to hear that you are having a rough time! Different fiber types have different characteristics. It may be that the silk that you are working with pulls in on itself fairly strongly. Blocking could help to relax the fibers. To do this, fill a basin with warm water and place the cowl in the water and be sure it is fully submerged. Leave it for approximately 15 minutes. Squeeze out the remaining water being sure not to wring it out and place the cowl on a dry towel. Stretch it to the desired look and leave it to dry. Once it is dry, see if it maintains the stitch quality that you were hoping for.
Best of luck!
Cassy
I would recommend trying to wet block the cowl and seeing if it changes.
I somehow managed to reverse the pattern after a couple inches of getting it correct. I picked it up again after a couple months and have managed to reverse it so that the right side is on the wrong side and vice versa. I have at least 4 rows I need to rip out, but I am not sure where to fix it. I have photos I can send someone. I’d just really rather not have to rip it all out! Please help, I can’t figure out how I got this so wrong!
Hi Megan,
Thanks for contacting us! Unfortunately, when you start knitting inside out, you are knitting in the opposite direction. This will mess up a pattern as complicated as this. Firstly, you will want to rip out the work until you feel there is no mistake in the pattern. I suggest stop ripping out after a round with yarn overs. This is because the yarn overs are hard to pick up. A K1 and K2tog are easier to identify and pick up. If you are afraid of losing stitches while you are stranding them back on to the needle, you can use a smaller size needle or tapestry needle with scrap yarn to make it easier to get a hold of the stitches. I hope this helps!
Best,
Adam
Hi,
I have a question, can this be worked by doing the K1B, or P1 B method?
Many thanks,
Eve
Hi Eve,
Thanks for contacting us. This stitch is in the brioche family, which is closely related to K1B. I think that if you try to adapt the Beautyberry Blanket for working in the round you will come up with a similar cowl. There is a book called “Knit One Below” by Elise Duvekot that is devoted to K1B if you are interested in this technique. Hope this helps!
Best,
Adam
Wondering if there is a way to eliminate the line that occurs at the join in the Classic Cowl pattern. Is that just the way it is or can it be corrected in some way?
Hi Jill,
Thanks for writing us. I am sorry there is a line going up your cowl. I am sure you can block the cowl out to reduce the visibility of the line. Our cowl in the shop does not have a line up the beginning of round. Check to see if your marker is too large. If so, your tension could be affected. Good luck!
Best,
Adam
Thank you Adam but I am sure that my stitches before and after the marker are the correct tension. I’m wondering if the problem occurs with the last yarn over before the marker since the next stitch is a knit and the yarn over just goes over the needle but can’t come fully to the front as it could if it were a purl stitch? Saying this badly but hope you understand. Thank you.
Hi Jill,
Thanks again for writing in! In my experience the yarn over after a slipped stitch will not affect the next stitch. One thing to be sure of is that your yarn over is lying on top of the slipped stitch and not next to it. This will tighten up the yarn over. Also, you’ll want to make sure that you continue this pattern for a few inches because the yarn over does not happen for the first stitch in the round until the third row. I think you should do a few repeats (if you haven’t already) and see if the same problem is happening. And finally, what could also be happening is that your gauge is too loose for this stitch. Our fabric feels dense and fluffy in the shop. I hope that I’ve given you enough options to solve your problem! Best of luck to you on this project. It’s really worth it!
-Adam
Hi Adam, I’m so impressed with the quick responses I’ve been receiving from you on my question! You guys at Purl Soho are on it! So thank you for all your excellent suggestions. I just noticed a previous response to Emily from Cassy on January 29th addressing the “seam” I noticed on my cowl. I think it will become less pronounced after blocking as you suggested earlier. I adore this pattern and yarn. Just beautiful!
Jill
Hi! I’ve made it to the end and was about ready to start binding off when I realized I had a question I was hoping to get answered before I continue – I don’t want to mess up now! The instructions provided in the linked long tail tubular bind off tutorial page say to knit the knit stitches in the Set-Up Row/Round 1, but since the twisted rib pattern here has involved knitting through the back loop, I just wanted to know whether I should continue knitting through the back loop while binding off or follow the instructions as written in the tutorial. Thanks!!
Hi Lindsay,
Thanks for pointing this out! We suggest that you keep knitting through the back loop for the foundation rounds. I think we’ll be adding this info to the pattern to make this clearer for everyone. Good eye!
Best,
Adam
I would love to make this for my 6 year old, any advice on how to size this down for her, or would that be difficult?
Hi Karrie,
I think this would be a great cowl for your 6 year-old! If you want to make it once around cowl you’ll need a 16″ circular needle and for a double to triple wrap you’ll need a 20″ or possibly a 24″ circular needle. All you need to do is cast on an even amount and knit it up! Best of luck and happy knitting!
-Adam
Hey there. Ive seen others comment about their fluffy brioche stitches coming out wrong, and your replies about how working the pattern the way it is written means you’re never knitting on the wrong side…but I’ve started this over maybe 3x now and for some reason, I continuously end up with the wrong side facing me, but even the right side looks crazy! I’m thinking it’s possible I’ve lost my mind and I’m knitting backwards, as in the working yarn is coming from the wrong side.
When I join in the round, which side is the working yarn supposed to end up on? I think that might be where I messed up.
Hi Gael,
I am sorry to hear that you are having continued difficulties! To answer your question, your yarn should always be coming from the right side. We’d be happy to look at some pictures if you would like to send them on to us to try to help diagnose the issue. You can email us at store AT purlsoho DOT com.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Love this fluffy brioche cowl. Do you have a version for a flat scarf?
Hi Lauri,
Great question! We do not have a flat scarf in the fluffy brioche stitch. We do, however, have a blanket using fluffy brioche (Fluffy Brioche Baby Blanket). You can use the technique of knitting this stitch flat as is described in the blanket pattern to make a scarf.
You will need to knit a gauge swatch in your intended yarn using corresponding needles. Then determine how many stitches you are getting per inch and how wide you would like your scarf. Multiple the number of stitches per inch be the desired number of stitches keeping in mind that this stitch pattern works best with an even number of stitches that is also a multiple of 5!
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
The gauge doesn’t match up with the circumference of the cowl. The cast-on number is much less than the gauge would say for 60″. I’m using #10 needles with a very similar gauge than your pattern (18-20 st/4 inches) which doesn’t make sense – same gauge for 3 sizes larger needle? If I want to make a 22 inch cowl do you have any advice on how much to cast on for the pattern?
Hi Avi,
Thanks for writing in! Let me show you how to figure it out. The gauge for this is 15 stitches per 4″ in fluffy brioche, or 3.75 stitches per inch. If we divide 226 by 3.75 spi, we get approximately 60″ for the total circumference. Make sure that you are swatching in the round in fluffy brioche stitch. If you get the fluffy brioche gauge, I’d cast on 84 stitches for a 22″ cowl based on the math. I hope this clears some things up!
Happy knitting,
Adam
Hi, could I use the new Cashmere Merion Bloom for this cowl? Looks like the gauge is not the same? How could I adapt?
Thank you!
Leslie McLaughlin
Hi Leslie,
Great question! You can certainly modify the pattern to work with Cashmere Merino Bloom. I would recommend knitting a gauge swatch to find out how many stitches you are getting per inch with the Cashmere Merino Bloom. Then multiply the number of stitches you are getting per inch by the circumference of the cowl (in this case 60 inches). The pattern repeat for the Classic Cowl is a multiple of 2 so will work over any even number of stitches.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Thank you
Are there any chance of getting these Patterns translated in Danish?
So many perfect and beautiful patternes .
Og Do I find one here in Denmark that Can do that?
Helene
Silkeborg
Denmark.
Hi Helene,
Thank you for your interest and your kinds words! At present, we are only able to provide our patterns and support in English.
Thank you again for your interest and best of luck!
Cassy
Are you able to cross over and place around neck or does the cowl just go over the head and sit there. I like to loop once.I’m not tall and find if the cowl is too bulky I look frumpy and weighted down with material.
Thanks for your reply. I want to order the wool so I will wait to see if this one will work for me.
Hi Cynthia,
Thanks for writing in! This cowl wraps comfortably around the neck two times with some slack so as not to fit too tightly. I think that it works well for those who are on the taller side as well as those of us who are on the shorter side!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
In making the classic cowl in the brioche stitch
60″ seems rather large. If I use 3 skeins of yarn
how many stitches would I need to cast on?
Thanks….
Hi Elaine,
Thanks for writing in! If you have 3 skeins of our Worsted Twist and would like to make the cowl with a smaller circumference, you will want to cast on 168 stitches and then follow the pattern as written. This should yield a cowl that has a circumference of around 45″. Please note that this may be on the tighter side for a double wrap cowl. If you would like to make the cowl a little shorter as well, you can cast on more stitches. So long as you are casting on an even number of stitches, the pattern will work!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Can someone the foundation row when doing a long tail cast-on? I don’t think I did it right and ended up knitting the last stitch. Also why do the foundation row and then join together – can’t you just start working in the round from the foundation row?
Hi Christina,
Thanks for writing us! I don’t know if I completely understand your question though. If you are doing a long tail cast on you do not have to do the foundation rows. If you are doing a long tail tubular cast on however, your foundation rows make a “tube” or “double knitting” that increase the elasticity of the bottom edge. You cannot work these in the round and at the end you sew up the 1/4″ split when weaving in your ends. It’s pretty much invisible! I hope this answers your question!
-Adam
Hello,
I made one of the Fluffy Brioche hats and I love it! I am now going to make a set in the same stitch. I just wondered, do you happen to have a mitten pattern…? Or a mitten pattern that could be tailored (I could do it) to a fluffy brioche stitch?
Thank you for your help!
Kindly,
Kim
Hi Kim,
Thank you for the kind words! I suggest the Seed Stitch Hand Warmers + Mittens pattern as a base since it’s such a simple pattern. You could certainly add or subtract a stitch from the cast on to work the fluffy brioche pattern as in the hats. Best of luck!
-Adam
Hello!
I am starting this cowl for my mom (after just finishing a lovely mistake rib scarf for my back dad)!
How long should my tail be for a long tail tubular cast on and how long should it be for a long tail cast on?
Hi Sara,
Thanks for writing in and for your kind words! For the long tail cast-on, the rule is to use 3 times the length of the final cast on edge. So if you’re making a scarf that’s 6-inches wide you’d start with an 18-inch tail. For the long tail tubular cast-on, pull a length of yarn 3 or 4 times the width of what you will knit.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Has anyone ever knit this in two colours, with horizontal stripes? I’m attempting to stash bust – thought about making it with two colours, striped every two sets of rounds.
Also, this pattern appears to be for worsted wool. I’m using DK, knit loosely. Anyone else tried this weight?
Hi Vanessa,
Thanks for the question. I am positive that striping this cowl in the fluffy brioche stitch will yield a beautiful result. As for knitting this in DK weight, I think it is a good idea, but it’s not guaranteed that you’ll be able to wrap the cowl around twice. Best of luck and let us know if you have any other questions.
-Adam
Hi there! And I apologize in advance for my (probably) very basic question… I am still a beginner!
I have opted to use the Long Tail Tubular Cast-on method on circular needles. Because I am using the Long Tail Tubular Cast on, I know I will need to work the “Foundation Rows” that the pattern mentions. However, this is where I have gotten confused. I’m under the assumption that working the foundation rows is basically the same as knitting flat, meaning that after casting on all my stitches, I turn my work over and begin knitting with the “working yarn needle” in my left hand. However, if I were to do this, I would start with a purl stitch rather than a knit stitch as the pattern suggests. Did I cast on the wrong number of stitches? I thought the slip knot counted as a cast on stitch… So, this would mean all odd number stitches are knit stitches (including the slip knot at the beginning) and all even numbered stitches are purl stitches. By casting on 226 stitches, this means I have ended with a purl stitch, which would be the first stitch worked for the first foundation row, but this is not how it is stated in the pattern (says it should be a knit stitch). Am I just over thinking this? Or have I set myself up wrong some how?
Sorry if my question was confusing! I’d greatly appreciate any help you can offer!
Hi Sara,
Thanks for the question. Hopefully I can straighten this out. The cast on is 226, so in a k1p1 repeat you’ll end on a purl cast on. However, when you turn your work (because the foundation rows are knitted flat), you’ll be presented with a knit stitch because the opposite of a knit is a purl. I hope this helps! If not, feel free to ask me more about this.
-Adam
Hello, I’m at a similar point than the Sara above.
I had to restart my foundation rows, because I couldn’t get them to join in the round. After my long tail tubular cast on on DPNs, I joined and knit foundation row 1. Then I flipped it and did foundation row 2. However, when I joined it appeared as if there’s a gap from when I flipped my work. Can you help me point out where I went wrong?
Thank you
Hi Sara,
Thanks for writing in! I think that I can help! The first two foundation rows will be knit flat without joining in the round. Once you have knit these first two rows, you will then join in the round and begin working the twisted ribbing. There will be a small gap from workign 2 rows flat that you will then sew up at the end using your tail!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Im on row 3 & realized it doesn’t specify which way to slip the stitch. Are we suppose to slip the stitch knit wise or purl wise?
Hi Korey,
Thanks for the question. In the notes section below the stitch gauge and size you’ll see that it says to slip all stitches purl-wise. Thanks!
-Adam
Forgive me if this has already been asked but could you tell me if there is a difference between doing the yarn over after the slip 1 wyif versus before ( in rounds one and three of the fluffy brioche )? Will it make a difference in the way the pattern looks? It is much easier to do the yarn over first but then it doesn’t cross over the slipped stitch . Thank you!
Hi Ajila,
Thanks for the question. You have to slip one with yarn in front first before the yarn over. If you did it your way, you’d probably get a bar across your brioche stitch. Happy knitting!
All the best,
Adam
Hi there
I see that the pattern is a little bit different from the video tutorial of fluffy brioche. Does this have to do with the fact that this cowl is knitted in the round? How do you do the yo in the first row of the repeat exactly?
Hi Eline,
Yes, the pattern is a bit different because it is knitted in the round. In the first round you’ll slip one stitch with the yarn in front and then yarn over by taking the working yarn and draping it over the slipped stitch toward the back of the work. I hope this clears up the issue!
All the best,
Adam
Hi!
I need some help with fluffy brioche stitch.
After knitting round 1 the yarn is in front as the last stitch is yo after a purl stitch and a slip stitch wyif.
The first stitch of round 2 is knit stitch, so the yarn should be back. If I take the yarn back then last stitch of round 1 (yo) disappears, so I don’t know how to begin knitting round 2.
Could you help me, please?
Thanks
I think the problem is when doing yo. Could you tell me if yo is clockwise or counterclockwise around the needle on round 1.
Is it the same for round 3?
I guess yarn is in the front before and after yo.
Thank you so much
Hi Laura,
Thanks for writing in! All of the yarn overs for this pattern should created in the same fashion, you will move the yarn from front to back over top of the needle. We do have a handy video that helps with this that can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/11/11/yarn-over-yo/
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi Laura,
Thanks for writing in! I think that I understand the issue! At the end of round 1, you end with a yarn over which should bring your yarn to the back as a yarn over is created by bringing the yarn from the front to the back over the needle (https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/11/11/yarn-over-yo/). With the yarn in the back, you should be able to begin round 2 without an issue.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Thank you so much!
That resolves the issue
Hello, how long should the tail be?
Hi Sara,
Great question! The rule of thumb for a long tail cast on is to use a tail about 3 times as long as the circumference of the finished item. I always like to add a touch more for piece of mind but that should do!
Best,
Cassy
HI! I know that you guys have a fluffy brioche hat pattern, but if I wanted to use size ten needles and this pattern for a hat, what would I cast on? I used this pattern to make a scarf and it was so much fun! Thanks!
Hi Rebecca,
Thanks for the question. I am not sure what your cast on would be on a size 10 needle because I don’t know the type of yarn you are using and the gauge. If you do a gauge swatch in the round and calculate your stitches per inch, you can then multiply that number by your desired hat circumference. This will give you a rough cast on estimate. Be sure that you cast on an even number, as fluffy brioche is worked over multiples of two.
All the best,
Adam
Hello I am having an issue with round three of the classic cowl pattern. You have slip 1 wyif. If I do that after round two I was assuming I bring the yarn forward first (as the last stitch in round 2 is a knit ) and I then do the slip and yarn over then p1??
What I’m getting confused about is no matter what I do I am only getting a cluster of two stitches at the beginning of round three. Is that because I am ending on a purl and it completes the first cluster of 2 ?
Wonder if this is making sense. Thanks
Hi,
Thanks for writing in! It sounds as though you have everything correct! Beginning round 3, you move the yarn to the front, slip the stitch, yarn over and then purl 1 stitch. This cowl does have a seem where the rounds meet. It is not visible in the pictures above but is present. So long as the rest of the round lines up correctly and the pattern emerges, it sounds to me like you are working the cowl pattern correctly!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
For the long tail tubular cast off do I need another set of needles the same length ? Or can I use ones that are 29 inch
Thanks
Hi,
Thanks for writing in! For the second needle, you need not have one that is the same length as your original needle. It needs only to be long enough to hold all of the stitches required!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi – how can I modify this pattern for narrow shoulders? Do I cast on less stitches? Thanks!
Hi Shaznin,
Thank you for the question! I’m not 100% sure I know what you mean but if you are referring to the bulk of the cowl from wrapping around so many times, then yes, you should cast on less stitches. Hope this helps!
-Adam
Thanks for the quick reply, Adam. I’m also not entirely sure what I meant by the question. However, I don’t want it looking bulky as it appears to me on the mannequin. So by how much to reduce stitches? Does this pattern go in odd or even number of stitches? Thank you.
Hi Shaznin,
The pattern is worked over an even amount of stitches. If you would like less bulk, you can take a tape measure and wrap it around your head at your chin twice to get a rough measurement for the circumference of your cowl. From there you’ll want to add about 6-8″ ease for wrapping the cowl. This will be your final circumference and you’ll multiply this number by your stitch per inch gauge. The cowl in the photo looks so bulky in part because it is made from a worsted weight yarn. If you’d like to change the weight of the yarn this will require gauge swatches and much more math!
All the best,
Adam
Hello, I don’t know if this has been asked before, but I’v knit the Fluffy Brioche Hat and noticed the twisted rib for that pattern is knit 1 through the back loop purl one through the back loop but for this Classic Cowl it’s only knit 1 through the back loop and purl 1. Do they look the same? I’d like the two to match as much as possible.
Hi Scott,
Excellent question! Knitting through the back loop on just the knits creates a 1 sided twisted rib. That is to say, the the rib will only truly pop as a twisted rib does on one side. If you knit and purl through the back loop, the result will be a two sided twisted rib. So if you fold up the brim of the hat, the ribbing will look the same on both sides!
Best,
Cassy
Hi,
I would like to make this cowl and I have a question: I don’t want to do the twisted rib edging, what other cast on/bind off would you recommend for this?
Thanks!
Hi Steph,
Thanks for writing in! If you are opting to do just a standard ribbed edging instead of the twisted rib, you can still use the long tail tubular cast on wish. You can also opt for the regular long tail cast on. In general, when not noted, we use the long tail cast on and it would work well here!
Best,
Cassy
Hello,
I noticed that there is a jog each round in the fluffy brioche stitch pattern. I can only think of helix knitting as a way to avoid this, is there maybe another easier way?
Thanks,
Gaby
Hi Gaby,
Thanks for writing in! Due to the nature of this stitch pattern, there will be a jog when knitting it in the round. We think of it as a deign feature and for those who like it a little less than we do, looping the cowl around your neck, can effectively hide the jog when you are wearing it.
Best,
Cassy
Thank you for your reply. May I ask: Is this pattern supposed to be the pearl brioche stitch (see here: http://www.briochestitch.com/archives/stitchvariations/pearl-brioche-stitch) ? I am confused, because the pearl brioche when worked flat requires you to slip with the yarn in fron on the WS, so if knitted in the round like for the cowl you would need to slip with the yarn in back, wouldn’t you?
Hi Gaby,
Thanks for writing back! Very interesting! I am not familiar with pearl brioche but based on looking at the link that you provided, it seems that the fluffy brioche that we use hear differs a little from the pearl brioche. While they do look similar, there do appear to be some differences. For this pattern, you will be slipping with the yarn in front for the fluffy brioche sections!
Best,
Cassy
Hello,
I’d love to make this scarf but I’m not up to the challenge of circular needles yet. Is there a flat pattern available at all? I really like the combination of the edging stitch with the fluffy brioche.
Thanks for your time.
Cheers, Sarah
Hello Sarah,
Thank you for your interest in the pattern. This specific pattern is currently only written as a cowl/for working in the round and we do not have the pattern for working it flat. We do have a blanket pattern that uses the same Fluffy Brioche stitch as used for the body of this cowl though.
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any further questions!
-Marilla
Hi! I apologize if this question has already been asked…in the tutorial for the fluffy brioche stitch it says to S1WYIF, YO, K1; however the pattern says to P1 instead of K1 on rows 1 and 3. Just wanted to check in and make sure that was accurate.
Thanks much!
Hello Ruth,
Thank you for writing us! The pattern is correct. The reason for the deference is that the swatch in the tutorial is knit flat while this cowl is knit in the round.
Happy Knitting!
-Marilla
Thanks Marilla – I worked that out myself laying in bed last night! Much appreciate the response!
Hi there just wondering if there is a u tube visual for the classic cowl ? Thanks Fiona
Hi Fiona,
Thanks for writing in! We do have a video for the Long Tail Tubular Cast On but not for the other techniques used or the whole project. We will certainly keep your request in mind for the future.
Best,
Cassy
Thank you for getting back to me with my couple of ?s I will check out video on Long Tail Tubular Cast on and Cast off hopefully is there somewhere to. Many thanks I am about to purchase my yarns and give it a go. Fiona
? Why in the pictures are there two sets of circular needles?
Hi Fiona,
Thanks for writing in! The portion where you see 2 sets of needles being used is for if you decide to so the long tail tubular bind off. You may opt to use this technique or to do a standard bind off if you wish. If you use the technique, you will need to divide your stitches onto 2 circular needles to achieve the bind off.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Any suggestions for minimizing the end of round transition? I am a little anal about “seams” – otherwise my first brioche attempt but I made a headband instead of the cowl.
Hello Janet,
Thanks for writing us! Unfortunately the end of round seam is inevitable. The seam at the beginning/end of the row is due to the fact that the stitch pattern is not continuous at this point. When you are knitting in the round, you are knitting in a spiral. For some stitch patterns, there will be no noticeable start to a row but for others there will be. This is one of those stitch patterns.
However, given the lofty and lovely nature of the brioche stitch as well as the size of the cowl, the seam barely visible if not invisible when worn.
I hope this helps! let us know if you have any further questions.
Warmly,
Marilla
Love this! How would you suggest altering for my 4 year old?
Thanks so much!
Hi Andrea,
Thanks for writing in! For a smaller person, I would cast on fewer stitches. Perhaps measure a cowl that you already have that fits them and use this to determine of big you would like to make it. The cowl works over any even number of stitches. I would also suggest knitting it to be less tall. Again, using a scarf of cowl that works well, you can determine the height that would work best; 5-8 inches should be the sweet spot!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Dear All,
I knit in the continental method being from Germany. My question re: the Fluffy Brioche Stitch is a simple one. Is this pattern also called Honeycomb Brioche? I am asking because I’m unable to find instructions for the “Fluffy Brioche Stitch” in the continental method.
I still have problems understanding some of the English knitting terms. Although Laura’s videos are absolutely great, but when she explains knitting stitches I am somewhat lost do to the different method of knitting.
Many thanks in advance for your time and response.
Sincerely, Mara
P.S.
Does the store carry tapestry needles as the one used in the Kitchener Stitch video?
Hi Mara,
Thanks for writing in! Honeycomb Brioche is a bit different that Fluffy Brioche. I have seen Honeycomb Brioche written up a few different ways all of which differ a bit from the Fluffy Brioche that we use here.
I, myself, am a continental knitter. The only true difference is that your are wrapping your yarn with the opposite hand. You can still follow the written directions with no alterations. It can sometimes take a bit to work things out when watching a video from a knitter who knits opposite to you but if you give it a shot, you may be able to get it. I also like to read the written instructions out loud to myself and follow them in that fashion. I find it really helpful when trying a new technique! As an aside, the fluffy brioche video that we have is fluffy brioche worked flat and this pattern uses it in the round which is a bit different!
We absolutely carry the tapestry needle shown in the Kitchener Stitch video! It can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/chibi-with-2-inch-tapestry-needles.html
Best,
Cassy
From an educator to the wonderful staff of Purl Bee, I’d just like to thank you for the excellent and thoughtful answers you provide all those in a confused knitting state. Since I’m a self taught Continental knitter of no great experience and will be taking on this wonderful cowl in 2018, I wanted Purl Bee to know how very much I need and appreciate all of the terrific answers given to really important quesions.
Hello Rebecca,
Wow- thank you for your thoughtful, kind words. We appreciate your support! Let us know how the cowl goes and, of course, let us know if you have any questions throughout the process.
Happy knitting,
Marilla
The pattern needs to be fixed for download. If you download it you will see what I mean!
Hi Melanie,
Thanks for writing in! Are you using our print function to download as a PDF? I just gave it a try and all worked well. If the images are too large of plentiful for you, you can click on each image to delete just the unwanted images or you can click the drop down next to the image icon and change from 100% to 0%.
Please do let us know if you have any further issues!
Cassy
I thought this was so beautiful and just finished knitting it. Love it! I’ve only done kitchner stitch a few times, so maybe how I was doing it was part of the problem. All I know is my bind off side was much smaller than the cast on side. Any thoughts on how to correct that if I were to knit this again?
Hi Courtney,
Thanks for writing in! I am so glad that the project turned out well! Sometimes bind offs can get a little tight. I frequently go up a needle size when working a bind off as this will give you a little more slack and create a bind off that is not as tight.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi!
I’m attempting this project and have a few questions. On the twisted rib portion, could I k1tbl and p1tbl rather than just k1tbl?
Also, why do we join after the foundation row is completed? Why can’t we join on the foundation row?
Thanks!
Hi Trish,
Thanks for writing in! You can certainly substitute your variation of twisted rib if you prefer – the difference between the two is very subtle and won’t affect the gauge of the ribbing, so it is up to your personal preference.
If you are referring to the two foundation rows after the Long-Tail Tubular Cast-On, it is definitely necessary to work the foundation rows before joining, as the Tubular Cast-On twists around the needle so much that it would be near impossible to join in the round without a twist or two unless you have worked the foundation rows to secure it.
If you are referring to the single foundation row after the regular Long-Tail Cast-On option, you may join before working the foundation row if you wish, but we find it is much easier to see and avoid twists, especially with really long cast-ons like this one, if the first row is worked before joining.
I hope that answers all of your questions!
Regards,
Julianna
I understand now! Thanks for your reply, and thanks for having such a great site!
Hi! Okay, I’ve been struggling with this pattern so I hope I can explain my problem correctly. I looked through the Qs and didn’t see mine, so I may be alone here. So when you get to round 4 – knit 2 together and then knit 1. Is it correct in that the two stitches that you are knitting together are the previously slipped stitch and yarn over stitches (from round 3) and the knit 1 is the previously purled stitch? I ask because when you yarn over the yarn goes all the way over to the purl so it feels like I should be knitting the previously purled and slipped stitch and I’m forcing the yarned over stitch when I use that one. In fact from the instructions is looks like you are always essentially doing the knit 2 together with the previously slipped and yarn over stitch and then knitting the purl stitch on its own. I hope that this made sense! As always thank you for the gorgeous pattern and the help!
Hi Lilo,
Thanks for reaching out! You are correct that in brioche, you are always knitting together the slipped stitches with the yarn overs from the previous row. If you are working the yarn overs correctly, they should seem to “pair” with the slipped stitches naturally, making it easy to knit them together. You might want to take a look at our Yarn Over (YO) video, especially the section on yarn overs between two purls, to make sure you are wrapping your yarn the correct direction, as wrapping it the opposite direction would make a very tight yarn over, which could be causing your problem.
I hope that helps! Brioche is a fairly advanced stitch, but just keep at it and I’m sure you’ll get it!
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
I followed the pattern and made the cowl and I absolutely love it! I wanted to make a matching hat to go with it, but I’m not sure how to change the pattern to do so, specifically when decreasing at the top part of the hat. Would you be able to help me with this?
Hello Hana,
Thank you for reaching out and your kind words! I think our Fluffy Brioche hat would be a lovely companion to the Classic Cowl.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
I feel silly asking such a basic question but I can’t figure out the gauge. Normally it’s a certain amount of stitches and a certain amount of rows but your gauge just says 20 stitches and then 4 inches so I’m not sure how many rows to knit….??
Hello Stormie,
Thank you for reaching out! The reason we don’t give a row count is just because you don’t need to have a perfect row gauge for this pattern, so if you are getting stitch gauge you are in good shape.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi,
I am knitting this cowl for a friend, but they would like it to go once around the neck, rather than the double loop length as it is pictured. Would casting on 112stitches be okay? (about half but an even number for the tubular cast on and bind off) Or should it be shorter?
Hello JS,
Thank you for reaching out! This sounds like a great plan. Casting on 112 stitches will give you a circumference of roughly 30″. If you would like a snug cowl than I would go down in your cast on. You could always measure out 30″ with a measure tape so you can visualize it, this often helps me.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Thank you!
Hi,
Can you please suggest how many stitches to cast on for a kid size or would this size fit a kid as well?
Thanks a lot!
Julia
Hi Julia,
Thanks for writing in! Although this is a pretty substantial cowl that would probably be a bit overwhelming for a child of any age, it’s hard to say exactly how much smaller to make it without knowing the age or size of the child you wish to make it for. In general though, this stitch works on any even number, so if you know how long you want to make it, you can multiply your desired length in inches by our gauge of 3.75 and round to the nearest even number to get your cast on amount.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Hi,
I have started the cowl 4 times now but I still can’t get the pattern right. The first row says to p1 which already takes the yarn to the front. Then to slip1wyif but the yarn is already in front. So, do I just slip it? Then it says to yo which brings the yarn to the back. How do I p1 with the yarn in the back?
I am confused.
Thanks,
Cinzia
Hello Cinzia,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes, you keep your yarn in front when you slip the stitch. After your yarn over you will bring your yarn to the front to do your purl.
I hope this clears things up for you and happy knitting!-Marilla
Hi,
I’m considering knitting this cowl and have 1 and 2/3 skeins of worsted twist left over from a prior project and am wondering whether I could get away with ordering only 2 more skeins for this.
Thank you,
Diana
Hello Diana,
Thank you for reaching out! I think you should be fine. You might loose a tiny bit, but not enough to be noticeable. If I were you I would just order the two skeins.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I love the fluffy Brioche pattern! I’m making my second hat, using Cashmere Merino Bloom, and I want to use matching yarn to make this cowl. My gauge is very close to your ‘normal’ in the many Purl Soho projects I’ve made. What size needle would you recommend for the cowl in this yarn and how would I need to adjust the cast on number of stitches to achieve the same size? Thanks in advance for your help. Lisa
Hi Lisa,
Thanks so much for the kind words and for reaching out! I would use a US 4 as you did for the Fluffy Brioche Hat, and based on the hat gauge of 20 stitches to 4 inches, you will need to cast on 300 stitches for a similar length cowl. It’s a bit hard to say how much yarn you will need, but I would guess 4 skeins of Cashmere Merino Bloom should do it!
Happy knitting, and please do let us know how the matching cowl turns out!
Julianna
Like Diana above, I have 2 skeins of worsted twist bought for a project that I changed my mind about. I had thought about purchasing 2 more skeins to make this cowl, but was concerned about not having the same dye lot—is that not an issue anymore? Thanks for your advice!
Hello Kathryn,
Thank you for reaching out! It is true that, depending on when you purchased your two skeins, we likely will not have the dye lot of your original skeins. There is one way to get around this and that is to stripe between two skeins, of the same color, but from different lots to eliminate a line from forming.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
I want to knit the Classic Cowl in a lighter, softer yarn than the Worsted Twist.
What would you recommend, and what changes would I need to make to the yardage and pattern?
Hi Reesa,
Thanks for reaching out! I think Cashmere Merino Bloom would be a great option – it is a DK weight and looks lovely in fluffy brioche, as you can see in our Fluffy Brioche Hat. Since it is a lighter weight yarn, I would suggest knitting a gauge swatch in pattern on US 4 or 5 needles to measure your stitches per inch. You can then multiply that by 60 inches and round to the nearest even number to determine how many stitches to cast on. It’s hard to say how much yarn you will need when changing the gauge, but I think it will take about 4 skeins of Cashmere Merino Bloom.
I hope that helps, and please do let us know how it turns out!
Julianna
After half way through the project I have 13 stitches that do not give me the correct angle of the pattern ( looks like a stockinette stitch). Ripped out to that row but it keeps repeating the mistake. What am I doing wrong if I am following the pattern? The rest is fine.
Hi Debra,
Thanks for reaching out! It’s hard to say exactly what might have gone wrong without seeing your work, but it sounds like you may have added or removed a stitch in the previous row. I would recommend taking out two rows to see if that helps!
Best,
Julianna
Hello. I’ve knitted swatches in stockinette and fluffy brioche. How do I count stitches to determine gauge for the fluffy brioche? I got gauge in stockinette. Thanks.
Hi Rebecca,
Thank you for reaching out! This is a great question. Your process for counting stitches in the fluffy brioche pattern will be the same as for counting stockinette, except the stitches look a bit different! When counting your fluffy brioche gauge you’ll know you’re counting straight across one row if your stitches alternate between fluffy and normal looking knit stitches. I hope this is helpful!
Happy knitting!
Gaby
hi sorry if this has already been asked but could we use a knitted cast on. Long tail comes out incredibly loose for me
Hi Alicia
Thanks for writing in! If you use the knitted cast on it won’t be quite as elastic and the edge won’t have as much stretchiness as it would if you did one of the Long Tail Cast On. The overall circumference of the cowl is 60″ so you will have no issue of it fitting over your head, but it may not let the ribbing relax as much as it would with the long tail. I hope this helps!
Happy knitting
Jessica
Hey all —
Beginner knitter here, who is trying to challenge herself! For the Long Tail Tubular Cast on…. am I really supposed to knit that on straight needles & then transfer it? I know it’s supposed to be knit flat, but that seems impossible. Or is this just something I need to keep practicing? Thanks for any & all help!
Hi Courtney,
Thanks for writing in! Long Tail Tubular Cast On is definitely a bit more of an advanced technique, and yes you begin it on straight needles and then transfer it! It is a technique that takes a bit of practice so I do recommend looking at our Long Tail Tubular Cast On tutorial, it is an excellent resource to use!
Please feel free to reach out with any more questions moving forward!
All the best,
Gianna
Thank you for posting free patterns. This entire site and your business is very inspirational. After what feels like eleventeen tries, I am giving up and picking something easier….. one day I’ll try again but to keep me from stabbing someone with my knitting needle I’m going back to garter stitch scarves because they don’t reject me.
Keep up the great work
Hi! I have finished the cowl… and it is so pretty… but it rolls inward. What did I do wrong and is there a way to fix it? I used your worsted twist yarn… can it be blocked and if so… how woud you do that? Thank you so much for your help!!
Hi Pam,
Thanks for reaching out. Blocking will definitely minimize much of that roll! I’d recommend wet blocking the cowl and laying it flat to dry. You also may be interested in taking a look at our handy Blocking Tutorial. Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Hi, I have 2 skeins of line weight, is this sufficient to complete this Classic Cowl in Fluffy Brioche stitch?
Can you please suggest the best needle size and number of cast-on stitches.
Thank you.
Christina
Hi Christina,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately, 2 skeins of Line Weight might not be enough yarn to knit the Classic Cowl. The Brioche stitch tends to use up more yarn than other stitches, so I would recommend having at least 3 skeins of Line Weight. If you are interested though, we also have the Crosshatch Cowl, the Willow Cowl, and the Newsprint Cowl that are all knit using only 2 skeins of Line Weight!
To calculate how many stitches should be cast on for the Classic Cowl in Line weight, you can knit a swatch on size US 2-4 needles to measure your stitches and rows per inch. Then multiply your stitches per inch x 60″ and round to the nearest even number to get your cast-on number, and multiply your rows per inch by 12″ to get the number of rows you need to knit. We have a very helpful tutorial called All About Gauge that you might find useful, too!
I hope this helps!
All the best,
Carly
Hi! I’m working through this pattern and nearing the end. I have done the Long Tail Tubular Cast On but now I’m starting to stress about the bind off. I don’t have a second needle to divide up the stitches. Is there a way to do it with one needle and still give it the same look? It seems like the Kitchner stitch can be done on one needle but I don’t know if it would apply to this pattern and I don’t want to mess it up. If the 2 needle method is the best and easiest way, then I’ll find a way to make it work.
I hope this makes sense! Even after 15+ years knitting, I’m still learning!
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for writing in! Since you don’t have another needle, I’d recommend doing a ribbed sewn bind-off instead. This will give you a similar look to the long tail tubular bind-off, but you don’t need an extra needle! It’s very stretchy as well.
All the best,
Lili