Braided Cable Cowl
Last week I was lucky enough to be hiking through the Yucatecan jungle. There, I found myself absolutely mesmerized by the foliage: palm fronds the size of blankets, rubber plants that incomprehensibly grew out of giant rocks, and mossy tree trunks twisting around each other as if they were plaited by Goliath hands.
I wished for a way to bring a small piece of this ecosystem back with me that didn’t require stuffing a palm tree in my suitcase. I realized that the Merino Script I had packed for my trip held the answer! At jungle’s edge, I knit up this Braided Cable Cowl, inspired by the intertwined branches of trees and rambling paths of vines.
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!
Clever short rows worked into the cables give this cowl a flattering fit and elegant shape. And Purl Soho’s doubled Merino Script, with its relentlessly organic beauty, lends amazing warmth. Tropical jungle, please meet the icy wind blowing down Broome Street! -Gina
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Gina Rockenwagner.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoBraidedCableCowl, and #PurlSohoSuperSoftMerino. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 2 skeins of Purl Soho’s Merino Script, 100% merino wool. Each skein is 197 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 394 yards required. This color is Artemisia Green.
- US 11 (8 mm), straight or 16-24 inch circular needles
- Cable stitch holder
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!
If you decide to start out with a Provisional Cast On for a seamless finish, you will also need…
- A couple yards of heavy worsted or chunky weight scrap yarn
- A crochet hook, size G-J
- Spare straight or circular needles, US 8 (5 mm)-10.5 (6.5 mm)
Gauge
12 stitches and 18 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, holding 2 strands together
Size
- Finished height: 10 inches
- Circumference at top edge: 20 inches
- Circumference at bottom edge: 26 inches
NOTE: You can omit the short rows in this cowl if you want. This will still make a cowl with a finished height of 10 inches but the circumference will be 20 inches at both the top and bottom edge.
Abbreviations
C8F: Slip purlwise the next 4 stitches to a cable stitch holder, hold them at the front of the work. Knit 4, then knit 4 from the cable stitch holder.
C8B: Slip purlwise the next 4 stitches to a cable stitch holder, hold them at the back of the work. Knit 4, then knit 4 from the cable stitch holder.
Pattern
Using 2 strands of Merino Script held together, use a Provisional Cast On to cast on 46 stitches.
NOTE: If you would rather not work a Provisional Cast On, you can instead use a long tail cast on. At the end of the project you will sew, rather than graft, the two ends of the cowl together.
Row 1 (wrong side): [P12, k5] 2 times, p12.
Row 2 (right side): [K12, p5] 2 times, k12.
Row 3: Repeat Row 1.
Row 4: C8F, k4, p5, C8B, k4, p5, C8F, k4.
Row 5: Repeat Row 1.
Row 6: Repeat Row 2.
Row 7: Repeat Row 1.
Rows 8: Repeat Row 2.
Row 9: Repeat Row 1.
Row 10: K4, C8B, p5, k4, C8F, p5, k4, C8B.
Row 11: Repeat Row 1.
Row 12 (short row, right side): K12, p3, wrp-t.
Row 13 (short row, wrong side): K3, p12.
Row 14: Repeat Row 2. (NOTE: If there is a wrapped stitch, just work it as a normal purl stitch.)
Row 15: Repeat Row 1.
Row 16: Repeat Row 2.
Row 17: Repeat Row 1.
Row 18: Repeat Row 4.
Row 19: Repeat Row 1.
Row 20 (short row, right side): K12, p5, k12, p3, wrp-t.
Row 21: (short row, wrong side): K3, p12, k5, p12.
Repeat Rows 6 -21.
**Repeat Rows 6-11.
Repeat Rows 14-19.
Repeat from ** three more times.
Repeat Rows 6-21 two times.
Repeat Rows 6-11.
Finish
If you used a provisional cast on:
Removing the scrap yarn, slip the live stitches of the Provisional Cast On onto the spare needle.
Holding the two needles parallel, use the Kitchener Stitch to graft the two ends together.
If you used a long tail cast on, bind off in pattern. Cut the yarn, leaving a tail approximately 20 inches long. Sew the cast on and bind off edges together using a whip stitch on the wrong side of the piece.
Weave in the ends.
Block gently and enjoy your Braided Cable Cowl!
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!
I love this but it doesn’t download the photos how can I change that?
Madeline
Hi Madeline-
Here are the instructions for using the print button with some trouble shooting for your issue:
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).
I hope this helps! Please let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly
Thanks Molly that worked.
I think this would make a great “solid” hat. It would be a challenge for me to figure out how to pick up around a top edge with circular needles and gradually decrease to form a flat or slightly domed top. Would this be workable?
Hi Gail! Great idea. It’s definitely possible to transform the cowl into a hat. I would suggest omitting the short rows in the cowl, as you do not need the extra width at the bottom. You actually want to make a tube shape. I think your idea of picking up stitches from the top edge is brilliant! Another suggestion: add an extra purl stitch to the top of the cowl so that you don’t take away from the cable when you pick up along that edge. Just don’t cross this purl stitch in the cable, let it run along the entire top edge. I’d love to see the results of this fun challenge you’ve created for yourself! Thanks for writing in! – Gina
Hi Gina,
I’ve finished converting and knitting a “solid” hat from your Braided Cable Cowl pattern. It was a try-as-you-go effort with several re-do’s and calculations but it worked out well. I did a flat top. I have photos if you would like, just need to know where to email. Thanks for the tips about omitting the short rows and adding the extra stitch along the top edge. I’m sure that added tremendously to the success of the hat.
Hi Gail-
Thanks for getting back in touch about this! You can email the pics to [email protected] and I’ll make sure Gina sees them!
Best-
Molly
I love cables and this cowl! Thanks for the sweet pattern!
I love what I’m seeing. Hope it woks on my iPad!
beautiful! one more example of yours precious pieces ! thanks for being so inspiring 😉
I am looking forward to learning all the new skills and trying my hand at making this beautiful cowl. Thank you.
Any non-wool yarn recommendations that I could use in making this for a friend who is allergic to wool.
Hi Anne Marie-
You can use any worsted weight yarn you like! Just remember to hold it double. We carry a very soft worsted cotton that comes in some very nice colors that would work well as a substitution:
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/721-Blue-Sky-Blue-Sky-Cotton
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
Thank you so much for this pattern. I was just going to look for a simple cable cowl for a very belated Christmas gift. This is perfect!!
I love this cowl! I have some of your merino in my stash and will definitely use it on this piece of art. Btw, I use my tablet to view and print patterns…when I print this I’m not getting pictures of the yarn – just a pink asterisk. What am I doing wrong? Thanks.
Hi Ann-
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!
I hope this helps!
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
I’d like to thank you for this wonderful pattern.
Is there an instructional video for this pattern? New to some of the stitches and would like to see them worked out. Thank you, DB
Hi DB-
There isn’t a video available for this but we are happy to help you with any steps you don’t understand. Just let us know!
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
Beautiful! I’m wondering if you can give ideas for yarn substitutions …. Would a single strand of bulky or super bulky work? Or two strands of worsted? Thanks!
Hi Jenn-
We’d recommend using two strands of worsted weight, which is what is used here. You may also be able to get the correct gauge using a bulky yarn, just make sure to do a gauge swatch before hand to make sure!
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
Thank you for the beautiful cowl pattern….having only heard of the Yucatan you’ve tweeked my curiosity about the Yucatecan jungle and its whereabouts. Thanks.
I’m in love with this new pattern; unfortunately, I’m unfamiliar with short rows. Would it be possible to make the cowl without them and how would it change it?
Hi Jane! You can certainly make the cowl without short rows. The cowl will be square shaped instead of trapezoid shaped, meaning the circumference at the top AND bottom edge will be 20 inches. Thanks for writing in and please let me know if I can help with any other questions! -Gina
Hi, Was the example cowl in the pictures knit without the short rows then? It looks square, and sits really nicely
Hi Jenna,
Thanks for writing in! The cowl picture was indeed knit using short rows. The way that they are incorporated is almost invisible but creates a lovely, flattering fit while still laying quite squarely!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
thank you for this very nice cable cowl. I’m french and I don’t understand what is GJ hook? does this mean that we have the possibility to choose the size G or J or between 2? thank you in advance for your reply. In France we use the metric systeme to choose
Hi Nadia-
You can use any sized crochet hook from a G to a J. In the metric system that means you can use any crochet hook from 4.5mm- 6mm.
Please let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly
Thanks for this beautiful pattern! I’m a bit confused with the following part:
**Repeat Rows 6-11.
Repeat Rows 14-19.
Repeat from ** three more times.
Does this mean I should do rows 6-11 and 4-19 3 times or just 6-11 3 times?
Thanks!
Hi Ivana, Thanks for your kind words! Yes, you will repeat rows 6-11 AND 14-19 three times. Let me know if I can help with any other questions! -Gina
Thank you so much, you guys are amazing!!
WAIT. Is it 4-19 or 14-19? Because that’s a really big difference.
Hi Jasmine, I think you might have noticed a typo I made in the comments section. Thanks so much for bringing that to my attention! I’ve corrected the comment to avoid further confusion.
As for the pattern, 14-19 is correct. Thanks again for writing in! I’m sorry for any confusion my typo may have caused. All my best, Gina
Wondering what to do when grafting when I get to the purl stitches?
Thanks!
Hi Erika, You can do one of two things. Graft the purl stitches as you would knit stitches. This will make a little disruption in the purl sections but should not be too noticeable on the back of the cowl. Alternatively, when you get to the purl stitches this is how you can graft them: Insert your needle into the first purl on the front needle knitwise, then into the first purl on the back needle purlwise. *Coming back to the first purl stitch on the front needle, insert your needle purlwise, then into the second stitch on the front needle knitwise. Back to the back needle, go into the first stitch knitwise, then into the second stitch purlwise. Repeat from * until you have grafted all the purl stitches. Let me know if that makes sense! Thanks for writing in with your question! – Gina
thank you! will try it!
I just made this and looks great. I wonder what hat could I wear with it. Do you have a suggestion? I’m thinking it would have to be a simple pattern since the cowl has cables already, no? I have yarn left over from the cowl so I would love to start the hat right away and wear them both.
Thank you!
Hi Maria, Thanks so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled you love the cowl. To go with the cowl, I would make a Classic Cuffed hat (you can omit the pom pom for a simpler hat) or a Boyfriend hat. You can find both under the accessories section of the Knit projects menu on the top bar of the Bee. Let me know what you think of those options! Kind regards, Gina
Question: Should **Repeat Rows 6-11.
Repeat Rows 14-19.
actually read 4-19? Otherwise, you’re not knitting one half of the cable pattern, right?
Hi Erica,
Thanks for your question!
I’ve read through the pattern again and it is correct as written. Row 18 is a repeat of the cable row 4, so both halves of the cable pattern are accounted for in the repeat. Please don’t hesitate to ask if I can help clarify further. Kind regards, Gina
I am a new knitter, usually crochet, I was pinning lots of knitting stuff for a ‘one day’ project until I came across your cowl and I could hold off no more as I love it. The knitting has started!!
I’m a UK knitter however and I am struggling a little on your US terminology. After row 21 I did the repeat row 6-21 then I got confused with the **Repeat Rows 6-11, well not confused by that but confused later where you state ‘Repeat from **three more times’. Normally I would expect ‘repeat from *TO*’ eg [*row 6 TO 11*]??
Am I confusing things and do you mean repeat rows 6-11 then 14-19 three more times? My friend who is a knitter is also confused and I had her rip back my knitting to row 21 and then start at the ‘Repeat row 6-21’.
Please advise as I really want my 1st knitting project to be awesome.
Thanks
Louise
Hi Louise, Sorry you’re having some trouble with the phrasing! I’m going to quote the pattern here so we know we are both looking at the same part:
**Repeat Rows 6-11.
Repeat Rows 14-19.
Repeat from ** three more times.
The ** alerts the knitter that an important section follows, in this case, a section to be repeated. You are correct, what this means is, repeat rows 6-11 then 14-19, then repeat that whole section twice more. If I wrote it out without condensing the instructions at all, this is what it would say (starting from the **):
Repeat Rows 6-11.
Repeat Rows 14-19.
Repeat Rows 6-11.
Repeat Rows 14-19.
Repeat Rows 6-11.
Repeat Rows 14-19.
(pattern continues) Repeat Rows 6-21 two times.
I sincerely hope my explanation helps! Please don’t hesitate to ask if I can clarify more!
Thanks for writing in with your question. All my best, Gina
Gina, I goofed, like Louise I got a little confused too, I didn’t repeat the 14-19 three times. I repeated the 6-11 three times, duh. Wondered why it took me only two days to knit it. Wouldn’t have known I messed up, till I saw Louise question. Will make it again, doing it with the right repeats. But, what I did still looks good. I’ll show it to Alison when I come in to sew up the linen stitch scarf I did for a cowl.
Wouldn’t this indicate that you repeat from ** TWO more times (not three)? I have been knitting tighter than I normally would based on what you mentioned about using almost all the skeins, but I am almost out of yarn nevertheless. My measurements are also the length of your finished piece, but the pattern says I have about 20 more rows to go…
Thanks for your help!
Hi Jess! Sorry for any confusion! You will repeat from “**” a total of three more times. Is that what you have done? What row are you currently on? Thanks!
Hi Kristina —
I took away one repeat section on my first cowl and ended up with the correct measurements. All together, I knit 6-11 and 14-19 three times (first go through, then repeated twice more).
I’m on my second cowl and trying to knit even tighter this time; I’m still looking at similar measurements (i.e. will end up with 20″/26″ length if I skip one set of 6-11/14-19 again). Still looks like I would run out of yarn if I attempted a third repeat. I’m using size 11 needles and Merino Script. Either way, the pattern works for me and I love the result — just curious if anyone else has encountered this.
Hello Jess!
How many stitches per inch are you getting? Knitting tighter actually can use up more yarn and create a denser fabric. Double check your stitch gauge and let us know how it goes. We’re so glad that you like this pattern and that you’ve been so prolific! Keep up the good work! -Alyson
Is there a reason this couldn’t be knit in the round; I haven’t studied the pattern, but maybe adding, or deleting stitches to complete the cable pattern all the way around?
Hi Susan, That’s a great question! Unfortunately, if you knit this cowl in the round, the cables would run vertically along the cowl rather than horizontally. It’s definitely possible to make a cowl this way, just not this cowl. Thanks for writing in! – Gina
On the short rows what do I do after the wrap turn? I’m so confused.
Hi Ria-
Have you checked out our short row tutorial here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2008/06/18/short-rows/
If it doesn’t answer your questions please get back in touch!
Thanks!
Molly
This is beautiful! I’m wondering if it’s possible to make this longer? Could sections of the patterns be repeated?
Thank you!
MaryLinda
Hi MaryLinda, Thanks for your question! How long would you like to make the cowl? You can definitely make it longer, and you may be able to omit the short rows depending on how long you would like the cowl. Let me know and I can give you clear instructions! -Gina
what size circular needles do I uses? 15mm and 20 or 24 length?
Hi Donna-
For the body of the cowl you should use a US #11 (8mm), straight or 20 or 24-inch circular needles. Either length will be fine.
If you are doing the Provisional Cast on you will need spare straight or circular needles. They can be any length and any size between US #8 – #10.5.
I hope this helps! Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
Hi,
I’m really excited to try out this cowl but I want to make sure I order the right supplies. I only need 2 skeins of merino script total? I’m just not sure if you meant 2 lengths (~400yrds long then doubled, so 4 skeins total), or the length of one skein but held double (197yrds long doubled so 2 skeins total).
Thank you!
Hi Sarah-
You will need 2 skeins of Merino Script, and possibly a third as is described in the Materials section.
I hope this clears things up! If you have any more questions please let me know!
Molly
I love this cowl! I would like to make it using Classic elite yarns Mountaintop Chalet. Do I still need to double? Would 8″ high be high enough?
Hi Liz-
We are not familiar with that yarn but if you get the same gauge as the pattern lists you should be fine!
Thank you for getting in touch!
Molly
I love this cowl! I have a couple of questions: If I don’t want to do the wrap and turn, what should I do for those 2 rows? Also, for Row 4 (the first time doing the cable), the cable starts at the beginning of the row, is that correct? It seems odd to have the cable begin the row. Thank you!
Hi Maryanne, thanks for writing in with your question! If you don’t want to work the short rows, simply omit those rows. You don’t need to do anything in place of them. This will make a square shaped cowl, rather than one that tapers towards the top. To answer your second question, the cable does in fact begin (and in the other cable round the cable ends the row) the row. It may seem a little odd at first but once you do it a couple times you’ll see how nice the cabled edge looks. Let me know if you have any other questions! Enjoy making the cowl. -Gina
Thank you, Gina. I can’t wait to get started!
Hi Gina!
I love this project!
I just have a question. After doing the wrp-t (Row 12), when I do Row 14, do I have to pick up that stitch that was wrapped or should I just simply knit this stitch as a regular “purl stitch”?
I tried doing this, picking up the stitich. Doing this, there is a “horizontal bar/line” if I don’t pick up the stitch; and if I pick up the stitch, on the “right side” the stitch that it was pick looks funny.
I wonder how should I do this.
I love Purl Soho store, I love buying my yarns there and doing your projects too!!… I finished my Classic cuffed Hat too! It’s beautiful!!
Thank you,
Mariella
Hi Mariella, Thank you so much for writing in! It’s so nice to hear your kind words. When you work row 14, there is no need to pick up the wrap. You should just purl the stitch as you normally would. Since the wrap is around a purl stitch, the wrap gets hidden in the purl ridges. Once you’ve worked a couple more rows, you should not notice the horizontal bar. Please let me know if I can clarify further! Have a great day! -Gina
Thank you very much Gina!
It is very clear now! : )
I love your patterns, the Classic Hat and this Cable Cowl.
I can’t wait to see it finished.
I did my hat in Merino Script yarn, in Artemisia Green color, it’s beautiful! it looks very chic and elegant! : )
Thank you!
Purl Soho and Purl Bee are the BEST!!
Regards,
Mariella
I love your Merino Script. It is just as you described it: like knitting calligraphy. Also it is sumptuous and scrumptiously soft. The color is subtle and sophisticated. I am making a capelet.
I am a non-expert knitter (but not a beginner). I’m finding the Merino Script difficult to work with – I have very slippery metal needles, and some textured softer ones and the yarn breaks apart with both as I work through the needles. Any tips?
Hi Jennifer, Thanks for writing us! I’m sorry to hear you’re having trouble with the Merino Script. I haven’t heard of anyone having this problem before. Are you an exceptionally tight knitter? You may need to use larger needles to relax your tension a little bit. If that doesn’t help, and you believe you may have a defective skein (it’s definitely possible), please email us at [email protected], and we will send you a replacement! Let me know if that helps! All my best, Gina
Je trouve ce foulard magnifique, ce patron existe-il en Français.
Merci beaucoup
France
Just to clarify I need to work with 2 skeins of yarn at the same time (double strand) for the entire length of the cowl and 197yards (what each skein provides) is enought for 1 cowl? Also the yarn (single strand) calls for size 11 needles. Is it ok to double it and still use size 11 needles? Will it be too thick or stiff?
Hi Oksana! Yes you are correct about the amount and doubling the yarn. There is a note in the pattern about the amount of yarn needed. I suggest buying an extra skein, which you can return for store credit within 6 months if the yarn is unwound. Regarding the needle size, I suggest working a small swatch with the size 11 needles to make sure you get the gauge specified by the pattern. You may need to adjust your needle size if you tend to knit tighter or looser than I do. You can unravel your swatch when you’re done. Thanks for writing us! -Gina
Can this be knitted in the round versus sewing the ends together at the end of the pattern?
Thanks.
Njeri
Hi Njeri,
Thanks so much for writing us!
Because this cowl is knit with the cables going the long way, it is not possible to knit in the round. Please let me know if I can help with any other questions. -Gina
Do you have an instructional video on cable knitting? Or, one that you can recommend for this cable style? This will be my 3rd knitting project and feel I’ve bit off more than I can chew. I always go with my taste and not skill! Branson says, “If your dreams don’t scare you, you are not dreaming big enough.” Help me with my dream because I want to make this cowl without a flaw (that you can see) 😉
Hi Stephanie! What a wonderful quote! Although cabling may initially seem complicated, it’s actually much easier than you might think! You can find a photo tutorial on cabling here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/09/27/cable/, and good video clip on the basics of cabling can be found here: http://www.knittinghelp.com/video/play/crossing-cables-with-a-cable-needle. As you work through the steps and try them, if you find you are getting stuck or have any questions at all, please let us know, we’d be glad to help. Good luck and thanks for writing!
Hello! I have a question I hope you can help me with. I got some Purl Soho Super Soft Merino to make this with. Would I use this yarn doubled also? Two babies who don’t sleep have made me too brain dead to figure that out myself!
Hello Nicky! We’re so glad you’re interested in our pattern. Super Soft Merino is very close to equivalent of two strands of the Merino Script, so you would only need to use one strand! Make sure to double check your gauge so the sizing of your cowl comes out just right. Happy knitting!
Hi Nicky,
Thanks for writing us! You will use the Super Soft Merino single, not doubled. That is a fabulous substitution! Good luck and happy knitting!
Best,
Adam
Do you have suggestions to scale down the pattern to fit a 7-8 year old girl?
Hello! I am wondering if this project would be appropriate for someone who’s never done cables before? I am a basic-intermediate(?) knitter and can knit in the round, but cables have always seemed intimidating! But I just came across this pattern and love it! (and the yarn is on sale to boot!)
Thanks! 🙂
P.S. I had sent an email to the site inquiring but I’m sure you get lots of emails – wondering if Purl Soho has ever considered making classes available online for those of us just a bit too far from NYC? Thanks 🙂
Hello Mel!
Cables are super fun! They essentially are created by knitting stitches in the wrong order. It seems like you have lots of skills already in your knitting arsenal, so this seems to be a logical next step for you!
Just be patient and follow the instructions carefully. Don’t hesitate to write in again if you’re ever stumped! Online classes are a super fun idea, but we don’t have anything in the works at the moment.
Stay tuned for more patterns and tutorials though! Thanks for writing in! -Alyson
My first cable pattern! But re the provisional cast-on: instructions say use 2 strands of the Merino Script, yet the photo shows another yarn. Do I use scrap yarn, or the pattern yarn?
(This is also my 1st Prov cast on).
Thanks!
Hello Jennifer!
Provisional cast on uses scrap yarn to create the crochet chain, and then the actual yarn for the project to pick up the stitches and create the foundation stitches for the project. Once you’re done knitting the whole piece, you will remove the scrap yarn and graft the stitches from the first row and from the last row you knit together.
Best of luck working on this new technique! -Alyson
Gorgeous Gorgeous! I was wondering if I could use 2 different colors for this cowl..
Hello Nancy!
Of course you can adapt the pattern to include a second color! Were you thinking of creating stripes or giving it more of a speckled effect? I think using one strand of two different colors at once could look really great!
Give it a try and let us know how it goes! -Alyson
Hi i am italian and i am afraid i do not understand the terminology of the cowl pattern.can i please help me ?thanks
Hello Angela!
Which parts are most confusing? Please let us know what you have most issues with! For now, take a look at our abbreviation glossary: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/knit/terms/
Thanks for writing in! -Alyson
I have a blocking question: To “block gently,” would you submerge (with euclan) or would you spray to dampen. Either way, would you pin when drying? I’m a little blocking-phobic but I think it might give this cowl (which is so cozy and inviting) a little bit more polish (like in the picture!)
Thanks for your help-
Robin
Hello Robin!
Since this yarn is one ply and can easily pill, I wouldn’t fully submerge the item. Stick to spraying and then drying. If you would like the cowl to lay a little more open and flat, then feel free to pin it slightly into place on a towel or blocking board.
We’re so happy you liked this pattern! Enjoy your lovely cowl! -Alyson
Thank you!
Hello! First off thank you for this wonderful cowl! Second I just had a question: Am I knitting using two skeins of yarn together throughout? And if I am and need extra yarn, wouldn’t that mean I would have to buy 2 skeins of yarn instead of one?
Thank you for the clarification!
Hello Britta!
You won’t have to buy two more skeins! You can use one skein and work with the start and end of the skein at the same time! You will need to use two strands throughout the cowl. We’re so happy you like this fun and quick design!
Best of luck! -Alyson
I think the merino script yarn looks beautiful. Do you have any suggestions for making it into a blanket? I’m thinking a lap blanket size.
Thanks!
Jen
Hello Jen!
We’re so glad that you love this yarn! We don’t have any patterns for throw blankets that were written specifically for this yarn, but we do have one that would be about the same gauge if you were to double the yarn! I would recommend a textured pattern like our Double Seed Stitch blanket since the texture of the yarn will only add to the lovely pattern. Take a look here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/01/27/double-seed-stitch-blanket/
Let us know what you think! -Alyson
If I doubled it how many skeins would I need for either a crib or a throw blanket?
Thanks
Jen
Hello Jen,
Its very hard to estimate without making a swatch! I would suggest that you knit a square about 4″ by 4″ so that you can measure the number of stitches per inch you are able to yield and then multiply that number of stitches by the number of inches wide you want your blanket to be. That is the most full-proof way! Best of luck! -Alyson
I have done cables before but always did them in the middle of the row. When I do the cable in this pattern, the end of the row bunches up. Is this supposed to happen?
Hi Joy,
Thank you for writing us. This is completely normal in a selvedge cable. The cable at the end acts as a design detail, pulling the fabric in and releasing it out as the cable moves around the neck. You can certainly block or steam the cowl after you are finished to eliminate some of the curling after, but the edge will always pull in and out. Hope this helps.
Thanks,
Adam
Hi,
I’m a bit late to the party with this pattern, but have just got going and am a bit stuck when it comes to dealing with the wrapped stitch. I’ve done my short row, now working on Row 14 and I’ve got to the wrapped stitch. Row 14 is right-side, so I followed the instructions for picking up a wrapped stitch knit-side on your short row tutorial. However I’m meant to work it as a purl stitch, and your tutorial only shows how to work it as a knit stitch on this side? Sorry, I think I’m missing something but really need a hand, hope you can help!
Many thanks 🙂
Hi Bethany,
Thanks for your interest in this pattern! I hope you’re enjoying it. For working the wrap in row 14, you’ll want to purl the wrap and the stitch together. To see how to do this you’ll want to visit the short row tutorial and all the way at the bottom it shows you how to pick up a wrap purlwise. I hope this helps! Good luck on your project!
Best,
Adam
Hello,
I made your Cozy Cable Cowl with some bulky yarn and Kristy had helped me adjust the number of stitches according to the gauge I got with this yarn. I gifted that cowl along with your Chunky Cable Hat to a friend. I still have some of the same yarn left over and would like to try this braided cowl for myself. Would it be possible to adjust the number of stitches for this pattern?
The gauge I get with the yarn using a 7mm needle is:
14 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette (with 4 rows/inch)
8 stitches = 1 inch in C8f
Thanks in advance for your help.
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for writing in to us! So glad the Cozy Cable Cowl worked out! I think that you could do this pattern without changing a thing. Your gauge in stockinette is 3.5 st/in and the pattern gauge is 3 st/in. The cowl shown is approximately 15″ high and yours would be 13″ high. If you’d like to add an extra cable repeat, this would work, but make your scarf a few inches taller. I prefer a high cowl so it scrunches down, so this is what I’d do. As for the row gauge you will probably have to stick to the pattern because the way the cable goes the beginning and the end of the project are set up to match up for grafting. I would wet block the project and try to stretch it if you think it ends up too small. Best of luck!
-Adam
Thank you Adam! I have a few more questions. You said the cowl is 15in high, but the pattern says it’s 10in high. Am I looking at the wrong thing?
You suggested adding another cable repeat. So that would mean I would have 4 sets of cables instead of 3 per the pattern. Correct? That means I have to cast on more stitches, right? I’m not advanced enough to know how to figure this part out, but let me try. I need to cast on an extra 17 stitches?
Row 1: p12, k5 three times
Row 2: k12, p5 three times
Row 3: no change
Row 4: add p5, C8B, k4
Rows 5-9: no change
Row 10: add p5, k4, C8F
And then I’m lost. Don’t even know if the above changes are correct. If you have time, I’d really appreciate it if you could help me with this. Thank you so much.
Best,
_Jennifer
Hi Jennifer,
Sorry about that…I was calculating the cowl height in stockinette gauge. The cowl will be a few inches shorter in the cable. You are right, you’ll have to add another 17 stitches to make the cowl higher and the pattern will go like this:
Row 1 (wrong side): [P12, k5] 3 times, p12.
Row 2 (right side): [K12, p5] 3 times, k12.
Row 3: Repeat Row 1.
Row 4: C8F, k4, p5, C8B, k4, p5, C8F, k4, p5, C8B, k4.
Row 10: K4, C8B, p5, k4, C8F, p5, k4, C8B, p5, k4, C8F.
Hope this helps!
-Adam
Thank you Adam. I’ll give it a go!
Hello! Love this pattern and have used it multiple times, but I’m wondering what yarn to use now that you’ve discontinued the Merino Script? Thank you!
Hi Jamie,
Thanks for writing in! Merino Script was a pretty unusual yarn for gauge but this lovely cowl can be knit in any worsted weight yarn. I think that our Worsted Twist would make a great substitute. You would need 3 skeins to complete this project!
Best,
Cassy
Can you please provide the yardage required? Merino Script is no longer available, and I can’t find a reference to yardage……
Hello Angie,
Thank you for reaching out! This Cowl uses approximately 400 yards of chunky/bulky weight yarn.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Would 5 skeins of Super Soft Merino work?
Hello Judy,
Thank you for reaching out! Yes- 5 skeins of Super Soft Merino will work beautifully.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
If I used super soft merino, do I still hold the yarn double?
Thanks so much!!
Anjya
Hi Anjya,
Great question! Although I would recommend knitting a gauge swatch, Super Soft Merino should work well for this pattern held single! You will only need half as much yardage, but since Super Soft Merino has less yardage than Merino Script, you will still need 3 skeins.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
It look oks like you don’t have anymore of this yarn in stock. Do you suggest another yarn for this pattern.
Hi Katie,
Thanks for writing in! Indeed, Merino Script has been discontinued and is no longer available. Merino Script was a pretty unusual yarn for gauge but this lovely cowl can be knit in any worsted weight yarn. I think that our Worsted Twist would make a great substitute. You would need 3 skeins to complete this project!
Best,
Cassy
I am confused about the instructions on Row 12-13.
Row 12 (short row, right side): K12, p3, wrp-t,
Row 13 (short row, wrong side): K3, p12,
Row 12 has a comma after the wrap and turn and nothing after it, and similarly, row 13 has a comma after p12 (but no instructions after the comma). I am unsure what to do after the wrap and turn on row 12 and after the 12 purls on row 13 ?
Thank you!
Hello Hans,
Thank you for reaching out! Excellent catch, those commas should be periods. After completing your short row in row 12, you will go back to the beginning of your row in row 13.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Merino script does not appear to be available any more. Is there another yarn you recommend, and what yardage would be needed?
Hi Bev,
Great question! Merino Script has been discontinued, so I would recommend using a single strand of Super Soft Merino instead. Since you will only be using one strand, you will need 195 yards, or 3 skeins.
Happy knitting!
Julianna