Mountain Cowl
Nothing is cozier than a mountain of Purl Soho’s Gentle Giant! Our Mountain Cowl takes advantage of all this good feeling, wrapping its wearer in big, soft folds of 100% pure merino wool.
The construction is a simple stockinette loop, with reverse stockinette edges and a gently sloping decrease toward the top. And knit up on US 19 needles at a whopping 1 1/2 stitches to the inch, your Mountain Cowl will be done before you can say Kilimanjaro!
If you love the yarn used in this project, you’ll love all of our other yarn, too! Explore our 35+ lovingly created yarn collections, in nearly every natural fiber and spectacular color you can imagine… Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn shop!
In Calico Pink, our cowl takes on the beauty of a sun soaked summit, a mountain peak as day yields to night. Gentle Giant’s entire palette evokes this kind of mystery, from stormy Poseidon Green to gentle Winter Bark. Pick the one that speaks to you! -Joelle
Designed by Purl Soho founder and co-owner, Joelle Hoverson.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoMountainCowl, and #PurlSohoGentleGiant. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 5 skeins of Purl Soho’s Gentle Giant, 100% merino wool. Each skein is 48 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 240 yards required. This color is Calico Pink.
- US 19 (15/16 mm), 32-inch circular needles
- A jumbo stitch marker
NOTE: We used 5 skeins, but it’s possible you’ll need one more. If you want to be sure you have enough, consider ordering an extra skein. If you don’t end up needing it, you can return unwound yarn for a refund within 30 days of purchase, or within 6 months, for store credit. Our Return Policy has all the details!
Gauge
6 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
Size
Finished circumference at top: 53 inches
Finished circumference at bottom: 60 inches
Finished height: 15 inches (with edges unrolled)
Pattern
Cast on 90 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Place a marker and join to work in the round, being to careful to not twist the stitches.
Purl every stitch for 6 rounds (or for approximately 3 inches, edge unrolled).
Knit every stitch for 2 inches.
Decrease Round: K2tog, knit to end of round. [1 stitch decreased]
Next Round: Knit.
Repeat last two rounds until 80 stitches remain.
Purl every stitch for 6 rounds (or for approximately 3 inches).
Bind of loosely, purlwise.
Weave in the ends and gently block. Done!
(Note: In the photo below the edges are lying flat because we’d just blocked the cowl, but with a little time and wear the edges will roll, like they do in the photo on the mannequin. Both ways are beautiful!)
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!
Hi Purl Bees
I absolutely love your Mountain Cowl which pattern, am afraid i am not familiar with and neither with the stockinette loop.
Would it be possibile to translate the pattern in a video please?
Also i love the Calico Pink yarn. Yet since i am based in Italy how can i get hold of it?
I look forward to your response.
Ciao
Aurora
Hello Aurora!
We ship internationally! You can find the yarn here: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl-soho-goods/gentle-giant.html
As for the construction of the pattern, we knit the cowl in the round and that creates the loop structure. We used circular needles which you can find here : https://www.purlsoho.com/tools/knitting-needles/addi-turbo-circular-needles.html
I hope this helps and don’t hesitate to write in again if you need anything! -Alyson
In the photo on at top, it’s folded over, right? Also, if I was making this for a very small adult (wears size 00) and she didnt want it too large for her neck, could I reduce my cast on count at all? What would you recommend? Thank you!
Hello Kristen!
How big do you want the final project to be? Would you like the cowl to still look over-sized and chunky? For every inch of cowl you’d like to eliminate, you’ll need to eliminate 1.25 stitches. Best of luck! -Alyson
Is the cowl on the mannequin doubled? Meaning, is it long enough to wrap it twice around your neck?
Hello Kate!
Yes! It is large enough to double around your neck. Its squishy and wonderful! Happy knitting! -Alyson
Love the cowl necks – my favorite quick holiday gifts!
This is simply stunning. The yarn looks beyond soft and luscious.
I also love the colour of the yarn that was used.
What a great simple pattern made elegant with the yarn choice.
Hello Bridy!
We’re so glad you love it! Enjoy! -Alyson
It is stunning but at over $100 or possibly $120, it isn’t feasible for everyone to make for themselves or as a gift.
Hello Sarah,
We hear you! We totally understand that sometimes our yarn suggestions are more of an inspiration than a reality for many people. We are always happy to recommend less expensive (but still beautiful!) alternatives. In this case, we suggest that you try Cascade Magnum that you can find here: https://www.purlsoho.com/magnum.html
Thank you so much for asking. We’re sure that lots of other readers will thank you, too! -Alyson
Thank you!
Alyson, the magnum is more expensive. Other suggestions?
Hello Sarah!
You’re right, Magnum is more expensive per skein, but while each skein of Gentle Giant has 48 yards, Magnum has 123 in each skein. So instead of purchasing 5 Gentle Giant, you’d only have to buy 2 Magnum! Hope this helps! -Alyson
Yes! I didn’t think of that.
How many skeins and what size needles would you recommend if using the magnum? Thanks!
Hello Sarah!
I would use US size #19 as the pattern suggests and only purchase two skeins of the Magnum. Best of luck! -Alyson
I used the magnum on size 17 needles for the correct gauge…turned out great! Very quick knit. The magnum is gorgeous yarn, thanks for the suggestion!
Hi Alyson – is the Cascade Magnum scratchy on the skin? Necks are sensitive spots. Just wondering how uncomfortable the wool might be.
Hi Celine,
Thanks for reaching out! I have made a few scarves from Magnum and, while it isn’t as buttery soft as merino wool, it is comfortable and cozy to wear unless you are especially sensitive to wool. If you are concerned, I would recommend using Gentle Giant instead, as it is exceedingly soft!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Can you tell me if this yarn is at all itchy when next to the skin? I find it so hard to find bulky yarns that don’t leave me scratching!
Thank you!
Hello Lisa!
Our 100% Merino Wool is specially chosen to make sure that its soft to the touch! We believe it would be soft and squishy even for the pickiest of recipients! Give it a shot and let us know what you think! Thanks for writing in! -Alyson
WOW! love this easy cowl and it was so easy to print out using
your “print” button. I also liked that I could omit the images – especially since I am nearly out of color ink! Can’t wait to start this – especially as I need many quick gifts for the upcoming
holiday season! Thanks again!
We’re so happy this pattern worked for you! Best of luck with all your holiday knitting! -Alyson
Cowl very pretty, not sure of needle size equivalent in millimetres (English).
Hello!
US Size #19 is equivalent as 15mm. Thanks for asking! -Alyson
Hi, could this pattern be modified so it is closer around your neck, so it could be used like a buff/neck gaiter for biking? I love the patterns on your site, and am looking to knit up a cowl good for bike commuting, that is more stylish than something from REI. 🙂
Hello Miriam!
This yarn is stunning because of its chic chunky quality! However, I wouldn’t recommend it for biking since you’re trying to keep air out, and the large scale stitches may let too much air in. Try our Structured Alpaca Cowl found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/11/26/lauras-loop-structured-alpaca-cowl-in-purl-sohos-new-alpaca/
Its another free pattern, a simple knit, and I think it would be perfect for biking! I hope you like it! -Alyson
I like to print the directions for projects I am making.
I have done it before off your site and ended up with pages and pages before actually getting to the directions. Don’t get me wrong all the photos showing off the fiber is delicious but I really don’t want to waste the paper. Now, with the Mountain Cowl, I cannot even print it with all the lead up photos. Help! I’ve already ordered the fiber and anxious to start this project for my daughter. Thanks, I LOVE Purl Soho, Kris
Hello Kris!
We have a new, more efficient feature where you can print without photos! At the top right corner of the pattern there should be a button that says PRINT. Click on it and you can choose to eliminate the pictures and/ or save a PDF as well. We’re so sorry this has been difficult for you, I hope this tip helps! -Alyson
Finally got it. Kris
Love the cowl. What substitute yarn can I use? I have so much from craft stores I need to use.
Hello Jo Ann!
The cowl’s gauge is 1.5 stitches per inch. In order to maintain the sizing of the cowl, make sure the yarn you choose will be able to create that gauge! Best of luck and please write back if you need any more tips! -Alyson
I wanted to order the supplies for the cowl. Needle size is 19/32″. But you do not carry the 32″ cable length. What length cable would wok for this pattern.,
Debbi
Hello Debbi!
We do carry that length, its just that we are sold out right now. If you’re itching to get started, you can use the 40″ length cable, the stitches will just be slightly more spread out, but it will work just fine. Thanks for writing in! -Alyson
Can it be knitted with straight needles?
Hello Joanne!
Of course you can knit a similar item with straight needles, but the stitches won’t be oriented in the same way if you knit it like a scarf and then stitch it up the side. Give it a shot and let us know how it goes! Best of luck! -Alyson
Beautiful cowl…thank you for sharing the pattern! Is the Calico Pink one of the color options that can be purchased? I am not seeing it in the selection.
Hello Mary!
We do have this yarn available here: https://www.purlsoho.com/gentle-giant.html
Thanks so much for your kind words! Enjoy! -Alyson
I have a different yarn I’d like to substitute in place of the Purl Soho’s Gentle Giant, but I am not sure if it will work . It’s Tjockt’s Martta the Merino bulky yarn. Each skein of Martta is 200 grams, 140 yards, with a gauge of 10 sts-4″/10cm; it’s suitable for knitting on 10-12mm needles.
Is this an adequate substitute and if so, how many skeins do you recommend? Thank you!
Dawn
Hello Dawn!
The yarn you’re suggesting is a little thinner than our Gentle Giant, so I would recommend doing a gauge swatch so that you don’t end up with a cowl smaller than expected! Gentle Giant is recommended to be knit with 12-15mm needles. Figure out how many stitches per inch you’re able to create and then multiply by 53″. That will then be the number to cast on. Best of luck! -Alyson
In anticipation of my Gentle Giant Calico Pink yarn which has shipped and is on its way (YIPPIE!), I decided to practice this project. I am a “seasoned beginner” so the fact that this knits up quickly and doesn’t contain anything tricky is great. With that said, I have made two cowls using Cascade Magnum, and each time I discover something that I have done wrong. (Thanks goodness for a generous stash)
While stitching the first cowl I tried to wing it and I didn’t use a stitch marker. Needless to say I have a very wonky area where I decreased.
On the second cowl, I used a stitch marker, but failed to read that the pattern instructed me to knit a row between the rows where I K2tog and now have a very left leaning row of stitches.
After reading the pattern AGAIN, I think I have it, but I am worried about the way I followed the K2tog instruction. Do I just catch two stitches as to knit at the same time? I seem to remember that some patterns have you pick a one stitch at a time when decreasing. Also, I don’t see an obvious seam in the Purl Soho photos where the decreases are done. What am I doing wrong?
Best,
Chival
Hello Chival!
Yes knitting in between the decrease rows is crucial so that the cowl doesn’t decrease too quickly! Since you are actually knitting two inches worth of plain rows (not only one!) in between each decrease row, you shouldn’t be able to notice the decreases too much. I hope this helps! We’re so glad you enjoy this pattern and this new yarn! Best of luck! -Alyson
HI there – I used a size 17 needle as I didn’t have a 19 at home – I find the cowl tight to wrap around twice – would the size of needle really have that much impact? Also you mentioned that there was 2 inches of knit, then the decrease row and then one row of knit between each decrease row – the way I’d read it was to do the 2 inches of knit, then the decrease row then a knit row and then a decrease row again – (the instruction is to repeat the last 2 rounds) which is correct?
Hello Monica!
For the decreasing, you will start it after you have knit 2″ worth of rounds. Then you will alternate between knitting one whole round and the decrease round until you have 80 stitches left. Make sure that you’re only decreasing one stitch every decrease round and not repeating the k2tog more than once within the round.
Honestly, switching from US #19 to #17 is a couple millimeters difference, but it shouldn’t make it so tight that you can’t wrap it around twice. What gauge are you getting?
Let us know so we can get to the bottom of this! -Alyson
Hello!
Thank you again for another fabulous pattern! Love the yarn!!
I just wanted to ask if you used the long tail cast on and long tail cast off using a tapestry needle.
Thanks for your time!
Lisa
Hello Lisa!
Are you referring to Long Tail Tubular cast on and bind off? For the cast on, you don’t need a tapestry needle, but for the bind off you do! WE have a tutorial for both! The cast on is found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2014/10/21/long-tail-tubular-cast-on-tutorial/ and the bind off is available here:
https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2015/01/09/long-tail-tubular-bind-off/
I hope this helps! Best of luck with these polished techniques! -Alyson
Oh Alyson, I thank you so much from up here in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada!
Great pattern! How many stitches would I have to cast on for a yarn requiring needles US size 11. Thanks a lot in advance!
Hello Nan!
How many stitches per inch are you able to get with your yarn? Once you figure that out, all you’ll need to do is multiply that number by 53″ and you’ll have the correct cast on edge amount. Best of luck with your cowl!
-Alyson
Does the mannequin above have two cowls on it? I don’t see how one cowl can achieve that look.
Thanks so much,
Jeanie
Hello Jeanie!
There is just one plush, wide cowl on the mannequin! The cowl is twisted up like a figure 8, so there is a twist on the back of the neck, that isn’t shown in the photo. I hope this description helps! Please don’t hesitate to write back should you have any other questions! Thanks! -Alyson
Is this pattern (or the Mountain Capelet) appropriate for beginners?
Hello Taryn!
Both projects are knit in the round and have a little bit of decreasing to shape the items accordingly. Neither are difficult by any means, but make sure you are familiar with joining your work in the round and the decrease stitches used in the patterns before you get started!
Feel free to write in again along the way! Best of luck! -Alyson
Hi there!
First time knitter here and I am transfixed by this gorgeous cowl! I think I hit a wall here and was looking for a little guidance….when I get to
Decrease Round: K2tog, knit to end of round. [1 stitch decreased]
Next Round: Knit.
Repeat last two rounds until 80 stitches remain
I repeated this as directed but after two rounds I only have 20 stitches instead of 80 and now it’s incredibly tight and I think I’m going to have to start over 🙁 What did I miss here so that I can make sure I don’t make the same mistake in the future?
Thank you so much for your help!
-Autumn
Hello Autumn!
I think the issue is that you repeated the sequence with the K2 together throughout the row instead of just doing it once at the start of the round. Each round that includes the decrease stitch should only subtract one stitch at a time!
Please let me know if you still have any other questions, we’re so happy you’re getting into the knitting world! -Alyson
Since you are using several skeins, what is your favorite/suggested way for joining a new skein and/or weaving in the ends with this beautiful, bulky yarn?
Hi, Michelle!
Thanks for your question! We recommend the wet-splice (also known as the split-splice) as an alternative to weaving in the ends with this yarn. Please check out our tutorial for more information: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2015/11/05/wet-splice-aka-spit-splice/
Again, thank you for writing in.
Happy knitting,
Kumeko
When it was finished, I had a full skein left. (No, it was not wound.) I would like to return it. How do I do that?
Hi Barbara-
Please email [email protected] to arrange that.
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
Finished the cowl and have not yet blocked it. It is beautiful but so big and thick that if I wrap it around my neck it uncomfortably pushes my chin way up and if I just let it hang around my neck, it’s too long . I used 4 skeins of the gentle giant yarn, size 19 needle and knit in the round. I measured it and it is within an inch of all the suggested dimensions . Don’t know what to do? Please help! Thanks
Hello Ellen!
We’re sorry to hear that the cowl is uncomfortable! It is definitely meant to be a snug and cozy knit–but not uncomfortable! Is your stitches per inch measurement at 6 stitches = 4″? If its a little tighter, that could account for the smaller outcome. Regardless, I would recommend blocking it by getting it slightly damp and then stretching it before letting it dry flat on a towel. Since the yarn is so plush and isn’t tightly spun, the 100% wool should respond to blocking nicely.
Please write us again should you have more concerns and thank you for sharing your experience with us! -Alyson
Embarrassed to say that after several months , I have finally blocked the cowl and it now fits beautifully. So much so that my college daughter has asked if she can “borrow” it when she returns to school this fall !
Thanks for the advice.
Hi Ellen!
Blocking is magical! I guess you’ll have to make your daughter one as well!
-Adam
Hi:
Coming to the end and curious what bind-off you used. I used a long tale tubular cast-on as suggested. I’ve never done a tubular bind-ff so I am a little cautious. Thanks very much.
Hi, Crissy!
Thank you so much for writing in! If you’d like to try the tublar bind off we’ve got a great tutorial here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2015/01/09/long-tail-tubular-bind-off/. If you have further questions please don’t hesitate to ask!
Best,
Kumeko
Hi! I’m about to get started on this – but I was wondering how big it will be when finished. I read another comment that confirmed it wraps around twice, but I am hoping it will drape over my shoulders slightly too. Should I cast on more than 90 stitches? Thanks!
Hello, Rachel!
Thank you so much for writing in! Once it is finished the circumference at the top will be 53 inches and the finished circumference at the bottom will be 60 inches. It will drape a bit over your shoulders after wrapping twice around. Also, like all natural fibers, it will stretch a bit over time with regualr wear. I recommend casting on the 90 stitches and once you’ve completed it if you’d like a bit more drape you could gently tug it out a bit during the blocking process. Again, thanks for your question!
Happy knitting,
Kumeko
– See more at: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2015/10/29/mountain-cowl/#sthash.tMH8lWsU.dpuf
Ordered Gentle Giant in Wolf Brown and Graphite – Knitted the Mountain Cowl up and they are both fabulous. One for me, one for a gift! Turned out perfect! Consider myself an intermediate knitter. Can’t wait for the pink to come back in stock, it will be perfect for a girlfriends birthday gift. Thanks for the fabulous, yummy, gorgeous yarns and the perfect pattern!
just curious….why do you do the 10 stitch decrease?
Hi, Jackie,
Thank you for writing in! Sorry for the delayed response. In conceiving the pattern for this cowl we were inspired by the shape of mountaintops. The decrease creates interest not found in traditionally shaped cowls. Also, the decrease gives the cowl a bit of shaping around the neck, creating a nice snuggly fit around the neck.
If you have further questions please let us know!
Best,
Kumeko
Hi. Wondering about the softness of the magnum yarn. I find pure wool very itchy. Anything as soft as the “super easy baby blankets” I’ve done. For me, those are not itchy. The gentle giant is a bit pricey for me.
Hi, Janice!
Thank you very much for writing in! The Magnum is not as soft as the Gentle Giant, but it does get you more yardage for less money and like many wools it will soften up with time and wear. A softer alternative to Magnum would be Blue Sky Alpacas Bulky (https://www.purlsoho.com/yarn/knitting-crochet/bulky.html). If you wanted to use the Blue Sky Bulky, you would need 5 skeins which would cost about $77 (not much cheaper than the Gentle Giant). You could shorten the cowl a bit and just get 4 skeins.
If you have further questions, please let us know!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
Hi!
I’ve made this pattern and absolutely love it! I’m wondering if I could also use the super soft merino doubled? I love some of the colors available in that yarn. Thanks!
Steph
Hi Stephanie,
Thanks for writing in! Doubled Super Soft Merino knits up nicely on a US 15 or US 17. Since this pattern uses a US 19 needle, I think you can add on a few more stitches to reach gauge. It is always advisable to do a gauge swatch before reworking a pattern and multiply your stitches per inch by your desired bottom edge circumference. Keep in mind that this pattern decreases at four points, so it would be advisable to add stitches in multiples of four. Good luck on your journey!
Best,
Adam
Good morning,
I have just received the Gentle Giant in Calico pink. The feel of the yarn is amazing and the color very subtil. I live in France and cannot find such quality here… The cowl was finished within the day and is very easy to knit and beautiful… Looking forward to the next knitting project. Many thanks! Jordane
Hi! I’ve just finished my cowl with the gentle giant (well worth the money, that yarn is scrumptious!). I am ready to block it and I’m wondering if I should completely wet the cowl or just use a spray bottle of water? I do think I knitted a bit tight – I had nearly a whole skein left over, although I did check my guage first. I would like the cowl to be a bit looser, so would the full wet block work better? I’m a new knitter and have only blocked one other thing. Love your site! Kindest regards, Vicki
Hi Vicki,
Thanks for the lovely comment! I suggest you spray the cowl with water front and back and steam it really well. Once it’s sufficiently damp you can gently stretch it to loosen up the stitches and fibers. I’d then steam it again and let it lay flat to dry.
All the best,
Adam
I noticed the hank is more of a dusty pink and the actual cowl is darker, towards cooler, deeper brown. What is the name of the brown yarn?
Thanks!
Hi Chris,
Thanks for reaching out! Actually, the color of the yarn we used to make the sample is the same as the color of the skein shown in the photo. The photos were taken under slightly different conditions, so there is a bit of color discrepancy! The color of this yarn in person is closest to the color shown on the product page, since that photo was taken more recently, after we had the opportunity to upgrade our photography equipment and lighting!
All the best,
Lili
How would you suggest altering the pattern if I wanted to use a bulky weight yarn (not super bulky as this pattern recommends)? What needle size/cast on stitches/etc. would I use?
Thank you!
Hi Mary,
Thank you for writing us! I suggest that you make a gauge swatch first to calculate your stitches per inch and multiply this number by the finished bottom circumference. This will give you the cast on number. When it comes to decreasing you will want to take six inches out of the cowl (this is based on how many decreases are in the pattern). You’ll know how many to decrease total from your gauge. I hope this helps!
Best,
Adam
Do you think it would it be possible to make a simple garter stitch scarf with this yarn? If so, would you recommend the same size needles?
Thanks so much!
Hi Leda,
Absolutely! You could make a garter stitch scarf using Gentle Giant and it would be lovely! You could certainly use the US 19s used on this project. If you find the fabric too loose, you could switch to US 17s. I would think that roughly 4 skeins and a cast-on of 14 stitches would yield a good sized scarf!
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
If I made the mistake rib cowl in Gentle Giant how many stitches should I cast on and how many skeins would I need? The wool looks so beautiful I can’t wait to order some and try it.
Thanks
Hi Sue,
Thanks for your question! I would buy three skeins for a once over, turtleneck-like cowl. Now, for the mistake rib, you’ll want to do a circular gauge to determine how many stitches you should cast on. Once you find your stitches per inch I would measure around your jawline and add two inches for ease. If you multiply your measurement by your stitches per inch you’ll come up with a roundabout cast on number. The only thing to remember is that the mistake rib is worked over multiples of four stitches. Best of luck and let us know how it goes!
-Adam
I do not understand how come you cast on more for the cowl than the caplet, nor why it takes more yarn for the cowl than the caplet. Am I missing something?
Hi Carol,
Great question! The cowl is quite a bit larger than the caplet. The caplet goes over your head just once and lays fairly snuggly. The cowl is meant to be wrapped twice around the neck and as such is quite a bit bigger than the slim caplet.
I hope that this helps explain it!
Cassy
would it be possible to do this as a shawl by not joining in the round?
Hi Susan,
Thanks for writing in! You can certainly not join this in the round but the effect would be a bit more like a wrap or a scarf rather than a shawl. You will have to reverse every other row to get the same look at here! The Moonstone Wrap, using Gentle Giant, would make a nice alternative for a shawl!
Best,
Cassy
Can you tell me what ply the wool for this is please?
Hi Lynne,
Thanks for writing in! Gentle Giant is a single ply yarn that comes in at a Jumbo size (6 stitches over 4 inches). According to my conversion chart, this yarn comes in at larger than a 14 ply in UK/Australian terms.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Wow. I just finished. I am very petite. All my final dimensions equal your finals. I will block it and work with it. How could I alter the pattern to have a look like the mannequins without having to twist it in the back? I would like to pull something over my head and have it look like what is on the mannequin. . . any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
Hi Shawna,
Thanks for writing in! This cowl is quite oversized and I can imagine that it may seem large for a more petite person. To get the look on the model, you will need to double wrap the cowl. You can certainly knit it with a thinner yarn to yield less bulk but you will need to adjust the cast on to match your gauge. Alternately, you could knit two smaller cowls and wear one on top of the other to get the same look without the twist in the back. To do this, cast-on roughly half then number of stitches and knit the cowl, omitting the shaping and then repeat for the second one.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
How do I print the pattern without all the comments?
Hi MJP,
Thanks for writing in! We do have a printer friendly version of this pattern! If you’re on a desktop version of the site, you will find a “print” icon in the right column just below the date and tags. If you’re on a mobile version of the site, you will find a “print” icon below the pattern and above the comments.
Follow the easy on-screen instructions to delete whichever parts of the pattern you don’t want to print or save. For example, you may decide to shorten the pattern by omitting certain images or the list of materials.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi!
The photo with the cowl on the mannequin frame doesn’t look the same as the cowl just laid flat out. Is the cowl on the mannequin double wrapped around the neck? You can see that the top edge is reverse stockinette and then there is another reverse stockinette for strip in the middle but the bottom edge seems to be basic stockinette. That doesn’t seem to match up with the written pattern.
Hi Hannah,
Thanks for writing in! The cowl on the mannequin is the same one that is laid out flat. The generous size of the cowl allows for a double wrap and the nature of the double wrap is that you will see some of the reverse side of the cowl. The top and bottom of the cowl are reverse stockinette and the body is stockinette.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I would like to make this cowl Half the size so I could wear it without doubling it up. If I cut the pattern In half, and only cast on 45 stitches, do I need to use circular needles that are shorter than the 32 inch ones that are recommended?
Hi Autumn,
As long as your gauge is correct you should be able to use a 24″ circular needle for a cowl that is half of the circumference.
Happy knitting!
Carly
I have some Cascade Magnum which I’ll use for this project. I HAVE to reduce my stash before I purchase more yarn.
What if I only wanted the cowl to go around once–not double wrap it? How many stitches would I need to cast on?
Thanks!
Hello Diane,
Thank you for reaching out! Depending on how snug you would like your cowl I would half the cast on number. I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any further questions!
-Marilla
Hi there! I love how this cowl looks like. I’m a little confused, when it says “Repeat last two rounds until 80 stitches remain” means :Knit every stitch for 2 inches.
Decrease Round: K2tog, knit to end of round. [1 stitch decreased] or
Next Round: Knit. And Knit every stitch for 2 inches.
Decrease Round: K2tog, knit to end of round. [1 stitch decreased]
I’m kind of stuck on this part.
Thanks!
Hi Nancy,
Thanks for writing in and for your kind words! In this section of the pattern you will repeat the following 2 rounds until you have 80 stitches:
Decrease Round: K2tog, knit to end of round. [1 stitch decreased]
Next Round: Knit.
The instruction to “knit every stitch for two inches” precedes the 2 rounds that you will repeat and thus is not included in this section!
I hope that this clears things up!
Cassy
Will you be getting the Calico Pink color in again?
Thanks.
Hello Denise,
Thank you for reaching out. Yes- it looks like Calico Pink is now back in stock!
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I made this in gentle giant and wanted to try it in another yarn.
I have 22 stitches = 4 inches….would I cast on 291 stitches??
Hi Monica,
Thanks for writing in! Our Mountain Cowl measures 60 inches in length, which at your gauge of five and a half stitches per inch, actually comes out to 330 stitches. You could make it a bit shorter if you prefer – 291 stitches would come out to about 53 inches which is pretty close in such a long cowl!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
I have 3 skeins of Purl Soho’s Silk Alpaca Alloy (I tinked my Moonstone wrap because it came out too loose – I was trying continental). Would these work for this cowl? Many thanks! I love your patterns.
Hi Christiana,
Great question! Silk Alpaca Alloy should work quite well for this cowl! I would recommend knitting a gauge swatch to make sure you are happy with the fabric on US 19 needles since Gentle Giant is a bit heartier and thicker than Silk Alpaca Alloy. If you do decide to move down a needle size or two, fortunately you have plenty of extra yardage so you can cast on a few extra stitches to compensate for a smaller needle.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Can you suggest a “non-wool” yarn as the person I would like to make this for can not wear wool.
Thanks
Hi Joyce,
Great question! I would recommend using either Alpaca Pure or Blue Sky Worsted Cotton doubled as wool free alternatives. With either yarn, even doubled they may turn out a little thinner than Gentle Giant, so it would be best to knit a gauge swatch before casting on the whole cowl to see if you would be happier moving down a needle size.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Hi… I just finished this cowl and love it. I will say the yarn has developed kind of a fuzzy halo to it. Is there a way to calm or remove the fuzziness so it will look a little cleaner and more crisp? Thanks again for the great pattern.
Hi Kristen,
Thanks for reaching out! I would recommend using a Gleener like the Ultimate Fuzz Remover!
This is an excellent product and can be used whenever to remove the halo effect of fuzz for a cleaner look overall!
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Gianna