Our Floats Cowl may be even more beautiful than a photograph can convey. There’s much more to this simple cowl than meets the digital eye. In fact, it’s what it isn’t… loud, wacky, complicated… that makes it so special.
Named for the “floating” slip-stitched strands that form vertical columns on one side, the Floats Cowl is knit in the round in a crazy-simple 2-round stitch pattern.
Knit up with just 3 skeins of our incredible Season Alpaca, this cozy, soft baby alpaca fabric wraps twice around, like a swaddling blanket for your neck!
There’s no right side to a Floats Cowl: both sides are lovely. And while it is really simple to make, it is truly intriguing to the knitter’s eye!
This project designed for Purl Soho by Jake Canton.
Materials
- 3 skeins of Purl Soho’s Season Alpaca, 100% baby alpaca. We used Heirloom White.
- US 4, 40- or 47-inch circular needles
Gauge
Unblocked: 26 stitches = 4 inches in stitch pattern
Blocked: 24 stitches = 4 inches
Size
One Size
- Unblocked Circumference: 50 inches
- Finished Circumference: 54 inches
- Finished Height: 11 inches
Notes
You will knit this project in the round inside out, meaning that the side of the fabric facing you as you work will be the “wrong side.” Both sides are beautiful, but we’re calling the side with the horizontal bars of slipped stitches the “right side.”
All slipped stitches are slipped purlwise.
To change the finished circumference, cast on any multiple of 4 stitches.
Pattern
Cast on 324 stitches. Do not join to work in the round.
Set-Up Row: *K2, p2, repeat from * to end of row.
Keeping the same side facing you, place marker and join to work in the round, being careful to not twist the stitches.
Round 1: *K2, slip 2 with yarn in back, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 2: *K2, p2, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until piece measures 11 inches from cast-on edge, or desired height.
Bind off purlwise.
Weave in the ends and block, if desired.
PRINT
Good afternoon from Athens (Greece),
I love all your projects and patterns. This particular pattern is so beautiful and elegant. Is there any chance to have it written for straight needles? I’m not used to using circular needles and I would like to make a scarf with this pattern.
Thank you very much in advance. I’m looking forward to your next projects and pattern.
Kisses,
Georgia
Hi Georgia,
Thank you for your question and interest in knitting a flat version of this cowl! You can certainly knit it flat and seem it up. In order to fit the cowl on straight needles, you will be knitting the floats so that they run perpendicular to the the bottom edge instead of parallel as seen above.
To do so, cast on 50 stitches and work:
Row 1 (right side row): *Purl 2, knit 2, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, purl 2
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
Knit until the piece measures 72 inches from the cast on and then cast off as above and sew the ends together.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Thank you very much for your immediate answer. You are wonderful. I’ll knit this cowl as soon as possible. Bye – bye!!
Hi Georgia,
I wanted to let you know that there was a typo in the scarf pattern written in the comment above. The typo that was in the original comment was in Row 2 of the stitch pattern, which read as follows:
“Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 1 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2”
I’ve edited the comment above to read as follows:
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
To make the elongated float you will slip 2 stitches wyib rather than 1 as the original comment said.
Thank you for your interest in a scarf pattern using this stitch and I apologize for any confusion!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
I think this is beautiful and would like to do a similar design in a scarf for my husband. Do you have any suggestions?
Hi Lynda,
Thank you for your question and interest in knitting a scarf version! To create a scarf, you will cast on a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2 stitches. Then you will knit:
Row 1 (right side row): *Purl 2, knit 2, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, purl 2
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
If you would like the floats to orient the same direction as the cowl, you will be knitting the scarf lengthwise. To do so, cast on 434 stitches. This will give you a 8 inch x 72 inch long scarf. Work the above pattern until the scarf is 8 inches high.
If you would like to knit the scarf in a more standard fashion, cast on 50 stitches and work the above pattern until the scarf is 72 inches long.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
thank you for the scarf version – I was just doing this in my head but it’s so much more confidence inspiring to see if come from you!
I’m knitting up a version of the Shifting Angles scarf for a Christmas gift and am thinking of this one as my next gift to tackle.
Thanks so much!
Hi Lynda,
I wanted to let you know that there was a typo in the scarf pattern written in the comment above. The typo that was in the original comment was in Row 2 of the stitch pattern, which read as follows:
“Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 1 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2”
I’ve edited the comment above to read as follows:
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
To make the elongated float you will slip 2 stitches wyib rather than 1 as the original comment said.
Thank you for your interest in a scarf pattern using this stitch and I apologize for any confusion!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
Does this wrap around your neck more than once?
Hi Marcia,
Thanks for the question. You can wrap it around twice, which is how our model is wearing it.
Kindly,
Anna
I can’t find this pattern on Ravelry. Who is the designer?
Thanks!
Hi Victoria,
Here is a link to the pattern on Ravelry:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/floats-cowl
It was designed by Purl employee and designer Jake Canton!
Thanks for your interest!
Anna
I totally adore this gorgeous cowl.
Do you have this stitch pattern for knitting flat on 2 straight needles?
I do hope so, as I’ve yet to master knitting in the round.
With thanks and in hope,
Ros
Hi Rosamond,
Thank you for your question and interest in knitting a flat version of this cowl! You can certainly knit it flat and seem it up. In order to fit the cowl on straight needles, you will be knitting the floats so that they run perpendicular to the the bottom edge instead of parallel as seen above.
To do so, cast on 50 stitches and work:
Row 1 (right side row): *Purl 2, knit 2, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, purl 2
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
Knit until the piece measures 72 inches from the cast on and then cast off as above and sew the ends together.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi Rosamond,
I wanted to let you know that there was a typo in the scarf pattern written in the comment above. The typo that was in the original comment was in Row 2 of the stitch pattern, which read as follows:
“Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 1 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2”
I’ve edited the comment above to read as follows:
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
To make the elongated float you will slip 2 stitches wyib rather than 1 as the original comment said.
Thank you for your interest in a scarf pattern using this stitch and I apologize for any confusion!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
amazing stich
Hi Clara,
Glad you like it!
Kindly,
Anna
Hello, this is LOVELY – I was, however, wondering how to go about using the stitch to knit in the flat – not in a circle. I thought of making a scarf or even a simple straight up cardigan. Thanks.
Hi Kieran,
Thank you for your question and interest in knitting a scarf version! To create a scarf, you will cast on a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2 stitches. Then you will knit:
Row 1 (right side row): *Purl 2, knit 2, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, purl 2
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
If you would like the floats to orient the same direction as the cowl, you will be knitting the scarf lengthwise. To do so, cast on 434 stitches. This will give you a 8 inch x 72 inch long scarf. Work the above pattern until the scarf is 8 inches high.
If you would like to knit the scarf in a more standard fashion, cast on 50 stitches and work the above pattern until the scarf is 72 inches long.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi Kieran,
I wanted to let you know that there was a typo in the scarf pattern written in the comment above. The typo that was in the original comment was in Row 2 of the stitch pattern, which read as follows:
“Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 1 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2”
I’ve edited the comment above to read as follows:
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
To make the elongated float you will slip 2 stitches wyib rather than 1 as the original comment said.
Thank you for your interest in a scarf pattern using this stitch and I apologize for any confusion!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
Could I do this as a scarf instead of a cowl?
Hi Carol,
Thank you for your question and interest in knitting a scarf version! To create a scarf, you will cast on a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2 stitches. Then you will knit:
Row 1 (right side row): *Purl 2, knit 2, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, purl 2
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
If you would like the floats to orient the same direction as the cowl, you will be knitting the scarf lengthwise. To do so, cast on 434 stitches. This will give you a 8 inch x 72 inch long scarf. Work the above pattern until the scarf is 8 inches high.
If you would like to knit the scarf in a more standard fashion, cast on 50 stitches and work the above pattern until the scarf is 72 inches long.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi Carol,
I wanted to let you know that there was a typo in the scarf pattern written in the comment above. The typo that was in the original comment was in Row 2 of the stitch pattern, which read as follows:
“Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 1 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2”
I’ve edited the comment above to read as follows:
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
To make the elongated float you will slip 2 stitches wyib rather than 1 as the original comment said.
Thank you for your interest in a scarf pattern using this stitch and I apologize for any confusion!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
Hello. I’d like to make this in a plant fiber &/or a silk. I live in a warm environment.
Suggestions?
I have in my cart 2 skeins of Pure Cotton for the Fisherman’s Rib 2-color cowl. (Purple Heath & Cloud Gray. ) I’ll wait for your reply before I check out.
Also, received the BT order to make my winter sweater, Voe, by Gudrun Johnston. It’s absolutely beautiful.
Thanks
Patti Frankel
Asheville, NC
Hi Patti,
Thanks for writing in! We are so glad that you are happy with your purchases! You can certainly use Cotton Pure for this lovely cowl without any modification. You will still need 3 skeins of a a single color. I would be sure to knit a gauge swatch to be sure that you are getting gauge with the suggested needles but then you should be good to go!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Is there instructions for a smaller version of this cowl?
Thank you,
Roberta
Hi Roberta,
To change the finished circumference, cast on any multiple of 4 stitches. If you’d like the cowl to be 25 inches around, we’d suggest casting on 164 stitches. Please let us know if this helps!
Kindly,
Anna
Absolutely gorgeous! I can’t wait to attempt this.
Any tips on how to join without stitches twisting? I never understood how that happens until I undertook a massively large cowl and was devastated to find twists after working so many rows.
Hi Emily,
Thanks for writing in! Not twisting stitches can be a challenge. I like to lay my needle (with all of the stitches cast on) flat on a table and ensure that all of the stitches are facing the correct direction. Then I pick up the needle gently and join in the round!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
You simply must . . . STOP. MAKING. BEAUTIFUL. YARN. And patterns to knit with them. I HAVE A JOB and must go there every weekday . . . . 🙂
Hi Catherine,
Thank you so much for the kind words. Sometimes it’s hard for us to get everything done with so much inspiration around us here, so we totally understand. Thank you again!
Kindly,
Anna
The pattern says to slip with yarn in back, but the notes say all slips are slipped purlwise. Can you clarify?
Hi Aleichia,
Thanks for the question. You can keep the yarn in back and still slip the needle purlwise, by moving it from your left needle to your right needle as if you were purling. Let us know if this makes sense.
Kindly,
Anna
Thank you for a gorgeous idea of a ribbing and of a cowl. And it is so nice to know that it has been designed by a man. I only have a question about the number of stitches. I have to cast on an even number of stitches and the set-up row is not joined, it is knitted straight. But then I have to join it. The way I do the joining, I will end up having one stitch less. So, I will no longer have the required even number of stitches multiple of 4. Where will be my mistake?
Thanks again for the great job you are doing.
Hi Elena,
Thanks for the question. We’d suggest casting on 1 extra stitch, so when you lose it, you’ll have the correct number of stitches. Please let us know if this helps.
Kindly,
Anna
Brain fart. I understand now! Thanks.
Thank you for another lovely classic cowl! I love slip stitch cowls and can’t wait to knit this one.
Julie
Hi Julie,
Thanks so much for the kind words!
Warmly,
Anna
Could this pattern be converted to make a scarf with “ends”?
Hi Judy,
Thank you for your question and interest in knitting a scarf version! To create a scarf, you will cast on a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2 stitches. Then you will knit:
Row 1 (right side row): *Purl 2, knit 2, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, purl 2
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
If you would like the floats to orient the same direction as the cowl, you will be knitting the scarf lengthwise. To do so, cast on 434 stitches. This will give you a 8 inch x 72 inch long scarf. Work the above pattern until the scarf is 8 inches high.
If you would like to knit the scarf in a more standard fashion, cast on 50 stitches and work the above pattern until the scarf is 72 inches long.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Thank you very much for your answer.
Hi Judy,
I wanted to let you know that there was a typo in the scarf pattern written in the comment above. The typo that was in the original comment was in Row 2 of the stitch pattern, which read as follows:
“Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 1 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2”
I’ve edited the comment above to read as follows:
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
To make the elongated float you will slip 2 stitches wyib rather than 1 as the original comment said.
Thank you for your interest in a scarf pattern using this stitch and I apologize for any confusion!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
Thank you for the correction and clarification. I am looking forward to trying this pattern once I finish with my present project. All the patterns on Purl Soho look so inticing.
Can this pattern be knitted as a scarf instead of a cowl. How to make the adjustments to knit it straight rather than in the round. Thank you in advance.
Veena
Hi Veena,
Thank you for your question and interest in knitting a scarf version! To create a scarf, you will cast on a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2 stitches. Then you will knit:
Row 1 (right side row): *Purl 2, knit 2, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, purl 2
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
If you would like the floats to orient the same direction as the cowl, you will be knitting the scarf lengthwise. To do so, cast on 434 stitches. This will give you a 8 inch x 72 inch long scarf. Work the above pattern until the scarf is 8 inches high.
If you would like to knit the scarf in a more standard fashion, cast on 50 stitches and work the above pattern until the scarf is 72 inches long.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Thank you for your detailed reply with all the instructions, Cassy. I look forward to knitting this as a scarf.
Veena
Hi Veena,
I wanted to let you know that there was a typo in the scarf pattern written in the comment above. The typo that was in the original comment was in Row 2 of the stitch pattern, which read as follows:
“Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 1 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2”
I’ve edited the comment above to read as follows:
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
To make the elongated float you will slip 2 stitches wyib rather than 1 as the original comment said.
Thank you for your interest in a scarf pattern using this stitch and I apologize for any confusion!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
Hi Jake,
Thank you for the clarification.
It’s a beautiful pattern.
Veena
I would love to knit this . Love the pattern.
What an unintimidatingly beautiful cowl. Even a beginner can make this gorgeous piece of art!
All I can say is WOW. Robyn, my park ranger daughter, only wears scarves. can I make this into a scarf? I would buy2 skeins as she is 5 foot 3 with he boots on and 64 is the longest she likes. would I need 2 or 3 , if I can make it into a scarf. Thanks for your talent and still don’t charge us. jo
Hi Jo,
Thank you for your question and interest in knitting a scarf version! What a great gift for your daughter! To create a scarf, you will cast on a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2 stitches. Then you will knit:
Row 1 (right side row): *Purl 2, knit 2, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, purl 2
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
If you would like the floats to orient the same direction as the cowl, you will be knitting the scarf lengthwise. To do so, cast on 434 stitches. This will give you a 8 inch x 72 inch long scarf. Work the above pattern until the scarf is 8 inches high.
If you would like to knit the scarf in a more standard fashion, cast on 50 stitches and work the above pattern until the scarf is 72 inches long.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
thank you Cassy, I appreciate your time and effort….you are so kind. jo
Hi Jo,
I wanted to let you know that there was a typo in the scarf pattern written in the comment above. The typo that was in the original comment was in Row 2 of the stitch pattern, which read as follows:
“Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 1 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2”
I’ve edited the comment above to read as follows:
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
To make the elongated float you will slip 2 stitches wyib rather than 1 as the original comment said.
Thank you for your interest in a scarf pattern using this stitch and I apologize for any confusion!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
I’m in love with this cowl! So simple yet so elegant. Thank you!
ABSOLUTELY LOVELY! Tell Jake he did a wonderful job.
I was looking for a simple, striking pattern for a cardigan and cowl set. This is BEYOND PERFECT! Tell Jake, “Thank you” for me, please.
Thank you so much for yet another wonderful pattern… and the yarn is DELICIOUSO. Time to go shopping…
Have a great day… KNITTING!
Beautiful pattern–could it be used for a scarf or would the edges curl?
Hi Tina,
Thank you for your question and interest in knitting a scarf version! To create a scarf, you will cast on a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2 stitches. Then you will knit:
Row 1 (right side row): *Purl 2, knit 2, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, purl 2
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
If you would like the floats to orient the same direction as the cowl, you will be knitting the scarf lengthwise. To do so, cast on 434 stitches. This will give you a 8 inch x 72 inch long scarf. Work the above pattern until the scarf is 8 inches high.
If you would like to knit the scarf in a more standard fashion, cast on 50 stitches and work the above pattern until the scarf is 72 inches long.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi Tina,
I wanted to let you know that there was a typo in the scarf pattern written in the comment above. The typo that was in the original comment was in Row 2 of the stitch pattern, which read as follows:
“Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 1 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2”
I’ve edited the comment above to read as follows:
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
To make the elongated float you will slip 2 stitches wyib rather than 1 as the original comment said.
Thank you for your interest in a scarf pattern using this stitch and I apologize for any confusion!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
You have the most amazing patterns. I’ll be casting this on this weekend.
Beautiful pattern, I have some cashmere merino bloom I’m planning to use. Do you have a recommended cast on?
thank you
Hi Lauren,
Unless the pattern specifies, I would do a long tail cast on for this pattern.
Enjoy,
Melissa
Striking! A pattern that I cannot wait to dive into. Thank you for sharing 😘
Does this pattern work on a bulky knit knitting machine do u think? If so, what adaptation is required? Thanks just want to use my machine whenever possible.
Hi Karen,
Thanks for writing in and for your interest in a knitting machine pattern! At present, we are unable to provide knitting machine instructions for our patterns. As I am not familiar with the ins and outs of knitting machines, I am not sure if you will be able to convert this pattern to work on a machine. We will certainly keep your request in mind for the future.
Best,
Cassy
How many cast-on stitches would you recommend if I’d like this to be fairly close around the neck, like in your reversible cowl pattern? Thanks!
Hi Megan,
Thanks for writing in! If you were to adapt this pattern to be closer to the neck (I am using our Mistake Rib Cowl as an example as the gauge of the yarn is similar), I would suggest casting on 72 stitches and then following the pattern as written!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Hello, I just love this one, and the traduction will be rather easy to do, for me to. Not always simple to translate in French sometimes.
Thanks for all those lovely patterns 🙂 🙂 I will start this one hopefully whitin a couple off days (sorry for my bad english)
Hi Martine,
Thank you for writing in and for your kind words! Best of luck on your translation!
Best,
Cassy
Wondering how much of the third skein is used. Can you estimate the height of the cowl if only two skeins are used? Would like to use the suggested yarn while keeping the cost down a bit. Would it be better to keep the height as designed and just reduce the circumference instead? Thanks for any suggestions you can offer.
Hi Bonnie,
Thanks for writing in! We used almost all of the 3 skeins for this lovely cowl. If you were to use 2 skeins, the height of the cowl would probably be around 7-7.5 inches. You can certainly reduce the circumference if you would like, but I would say that reducing the circumference would likely mean that you are not able to wrap it twice around your neck. Just be sure that you are happy with the look of the circumference that you choose!
Best,
Cassy
do NOT join … then join??
Hi Marny,
Thanks for writing in! You have it correct! You will not connect at first and work one row to set up the pattern and then begin working in the round. You will cast on, knit the set-up row and then connect in the round while beginning the first row.
I hope that this clears things up!
Cassy
Please, what other of your yarns could I substitute. Sadly, I have a sensitivity to alpaca.
Thank you,
Karen
Hi Karen,
Thanks for writing in! We totally understand and recommend Mulberry Merino as an alternative. You will need the same number of skeins and will use the same needles!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Lovely cowl. Alpaca and I are incompatible; can you recommend an alternative yarn?
Hi Jeanne,
Thanks for writing in and for your kind words! We totally understand and recommend Mulberry Merino as an alternative. You will need the same number of skeins and will use the same needles!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
the cowl pattern I have been waiting for! Many thanks for creating and sharing such a beautiful pattern. It will make the perfect gift for loved ones. Blessings.
I see someone else had a question about joining, but I am still unclear about the process. First row you stich in pattern to the end, then keeping same side facing, you join – to do this you knit two stitches together? And this is where you are short a stitch? So, by casting on one extra to start, you eliminate that extra by stitching the two? Sorry for the elementary question.
The pattern is divine! Thank you.
Hi Ann Marie,
Thanks for writing in! You do not have to cast on an extra stitch. Some people prefer to do so as they connect in the round by passing one stitch over the other but this pattern does not join in that fashion. If you would like to use this technique, you will need to cast on an extra stitch. As the pattern is written, you cast on, knit the set-up row and then connect in the round while beginning the first row.
I hope that this clears things up!
Cassy
Thank you – I shall do a practice run before the “real thing”.
Your team is awesome – and inspiring!
Can this be knitted as scarf?
Hi Jus,
Thank you for your question and interest in knitting a scarf version! To create a scarf, you will cast on a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2 stitches. Then you will knit:
Row 1 (right side row): *Purl 2, knit 2, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, purl 2
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
If you would like the floats to orient the same direction as the cowl, you will be knitting the scarf lengthwise. To do so, cast on 434 stitches. This will give you a 8 inch x 72 inch long scarf. Work the above pattern until the scarf is 8 inches high.
If you would like to knit the scarf in a more standard fashion, cast on 50 stitches and work the above pattern until the scarf is 72 inches long.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi Jus,
I wanted to let you know that there was a typo in the scarf pattern written in the comment above. The typo that was in the original comment was in Row 2 of the stitch pattern, which read as follows:
“Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 1 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2”
I’ve edited the comment above to read as follows:
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
To make the elongated float you will slip 2 stitches wyib rather than 1 as the original comment said.
Thank you for your interest in a scarf pattern using this stitch and I apologize for any confusion!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
Some of us have difficulty knitting ‘in the round.’
In my case, it’s because I knit combination. Have you a cowl pattern which can be knitted flat and then seamed? I find that I need to knit gauntlets (or fingerless mitts) flat and then seam them and they are perfect.
Hi Fran,
Thank you for your question and interest in knitting a flat version of this cowl! You can certainly knit it flat and seem it up. In order to fit the cowl on straight needles, you will be knitting the floats so that they run perpendicular to the the bottom edge instead of parallel as seen above.
To do so, cast on 50 stitches and work:
Row 1 (right side row): *Purl 2, knit 2, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, purl 2
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
Knit until the piece measures 72 inches from the cast on and then cast off as above and sew the ends together.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi Fran,
I wanted to let you know that there was a typo in the scarf pattern written in the comment above. The typo that was in the original comment was in Row 2 of the stitch pattern, which read as follows:
“Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 1 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2”
I’ve edited the comment above to read as follows:
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
To make the elongated float you will slip 2 stitches wyib rather than 1 as the original comment said.
Thank you for your interest in a scarf pattern using this stitch and I apologize for any confusion!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
Love, love, love it but I’d like to make it in a scarf. Can you please give me the pattern for the second row if I don’t knit in the round?
Thanks in advance,
G.
Hi Gazelle,
Thank you for your question and interest in knitting a scarf version! To create a scarf, you will cast on a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2 stitches. Then you will knit:
Row 1 (right side row): *Purl 2, knit 2, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, purl 2
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
If you would like the floats to orient the same direction as the cowl, you will be knitting the scarf lengthwise. To do so, cast on 434 stitches. This will give you a 8 inch x 72 inch long scarf. Work the above pattern until the scarf is 8 inches high.
If you would like to knit the scarf in a more standard fashion, cast on 50 stitches and work the above pattern until the scarf is 72 inches long.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi Gazelle,
I wanted to let you know that there was a typo in the scarf pattern written in the comment above. The typo that was in the original comment was in Row 2 of the stitch pattern, which read as follows:
“Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 1 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2”
I’ve edited the comment above to read as follows:
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
To make the elongated float you will slip 2 stitches wyib rather than 1 as the original comment said.
Thank you for your interest in a scarf pattern using this stitch and I apologize for any confusion!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
Hi! I love this pattern! But I,m a spanish girl and I have some problems with english words. Could you explain me how to do “slip 2 with the yarn back “? I have to knit 2, and put the next 2 stiches in my needles? Sorry, I,m a little bit clumsy!
Thank you
Hi Elena,
To slip 2 with yarn in back, you are going to just take your right needle and slip two stitches off the left needle as if to purl onto the right needle keeping the yarn in the back.
I hope this helps,
Melissa
This looks like a pattern that could be adjusted to make a scarf. Is that correct? I would love to knit it up as a scarf.
Hi Carol,
Thank you for your question and interest in knitting a scarf version! To create a scarf, you will cast on a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2 stitches. Then you will knit:
Row 1 (right side row): *Purl 2, knit 2, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, purl 2
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
If you would like the floats to orient the same direction as the cowl, you will be knitting the scarf lengthwise. To do so, cast on 434 stitches. This will give you a 8 inch x 72 inch long scarf. Work the above pattern until the scarf is 8 inches high.
If you would like to knit the scarf in a more standard fashion, cast on 50 stitches and work the above pattern until the scarf is 72 inches long.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi Carol,
I wanted to let you know that there was a typo in the scarf pattern written in the comment above. The typo that was in the original comment was in Row 2 of the stitch pattern, which read as follows:
“Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 1 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2”
I’ve edited the comment above to read as follows:
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
To make the elongated float you will slip 2 stitches wyib rather than 1 as the original comment said.
Thank you for your interest in a scarf pattern using this stitch and I apologize for any confusion!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
Hello, love this pattern! However, cowls and I are not too comfortable. I was wondering if I could make just a scarf out of this pattern and if so, the number of stitches you would recommend to cast on.
I love your shop which I have been lucky enough to visit once in the past 3 years. Wish I lived closer, so thank you for the online site!
Any help would be appreciated, thank you, Nora
Hi Nora,
Thank you for your question and interest in knitting a scarf version! Thank you so much for your kind words! To create a scarf, you will cast on a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2 stitches. Then you will knit:
Row 1 (right side row): *Purl 2, knit 2, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, purl 2
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
If you would like the floats to orient the same direction as the cowl, you will be knitting the scarf lengthwise. To do so, cast on 434 stitches. This will give you a 8 inch x 72 inch long scarf. Work the above pattern until the scarf is 8 inches high.
If you would like to knit the scarf in a more standard fashion, cast on 50 stitches and work the above pattern until the scarf is 72 inches long.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi Nora,
I wanted to let you know that there was a typo in the scarf pattern written in the comment above. The typo that was in the original comment was in Row 2 of the stitch pattern, which read as follows:
“Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 1 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2”
I’ve edited the comment above to read as follows:
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
To make the elongated float you will slip 2 stitches wyib rather than 1 as the original comment said.
Thank you for your interest in a scarf pattern using this stitch and I apologize for any confusion!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
This pattern is so pretty. Could it be adapted to make a baby blanket? I am not sure how to convert it from in the round. Thank you!
Hi Regina,
Thanks for writing in! You certainly can use this pattern in a blanket. In order to knit this pattern flat, you will need to cast on a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2 stitches. Then you will knit:
Row 1 (right side row): *Purl 2, knit 2, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, purl 2
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
Given a gauge of 26 stitches = 4 inches in stitch pattern unblocked and 24 stitches = 4 inches blocked, you will need to decide how wide the blanket will be and make sure that you cast on number is a multiple of 4 plus 2. For example, if you wanted a 36 inch wide blanket, 6 stitches per inch blocked x 36 inches = 216. The nearest number that is a multiple of 4 plus 2 is 214 and so you will cast on 214 stitches.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi Regina,
I wanted to let you know that there was a typo in the stitch pattern written in the comment above. The typo that was in the original comment was in Row 2 of the stitch pattern, which read as follows:
“Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 1 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2”
I’ve edited the comment above to read as follows:
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
To make the elongated float you will slip 2 stitches wyib rather than 1 as the original comment said.
Thank you for your interest in a scarf pattern using this stitch and I apologize for any confusion!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
I was trying to make this pattern into a scarf rather than a cowl. Would the pattern then read:
Row 1: k2, slip2
Row 2: P2, K2
Any help you could give me would be great!
Hi Theris,
Thank you for your question and interest in knitting a scarf version! To create a scarf, you will cast on a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2 stitches. Then you will knit:
Row 1 (right side row): *Purl 2, knit 2, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, purl 2
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
If you would like the floats to orient the same direction as the cowl, you will be knitting the scarf lengthwise. To do so, cast on 434 stitches. This will give you a 8 inch x 72 inch long scarf. Work the above pattern until the scarf is 8 inches high.
If you would like to knit the scarf in a more standard fashion, cast on 50 stitches and work the above pattern until the scarf is 72 inches long.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi Theris,
I wanted to let you know that there is a typo in the scarf pattern written in the comment above. The typo that was in the original comment was in Row 2 of the stitch pattern, which read as follows:
“Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 1 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2”
I’ve edited the comment above to read as follows:
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
To make the elongated float you will slip 2 stitches wyib rather than 1 as the original comment said.
Thank you for your interest in a scarf pattern using this stitch and I apologize for any confusion!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
Hi from Mallorca!
First of all I have to say that I love your desigs, in fact now I’m making your Trellis Scarf.
And I’m totally in love with this one, but I have a question. I don’t know how to use circular needles, is there any possibility of making this pattern using straight ones?
Hi Iolanda,
Thank you for your question and interest in knitting a flat version of this cowl! You can certainly knit it flat and seem it up. In order to fit the cowl on straight needles, you will be knitting the floats so that they run perpendicular to the the bottom edge instead of parallel as seen above.
To do so, cast on 50 stitches and work:
Row 1 (right side row): *Purl 2, knit 2, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, purl 2
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
Knit until the piece measures 72 inches from the cast on and then cast off as above and sew the ends together.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Thank you so much for your answer! I’ll try it as soon as I finish the Trellis Scarf!
Hi lolanda,
I wanted to let you know that there was a typo in the scarf pattern written in the comment above. The typo that was in the original comment was in Row 2 of the stitch pattern, which read as follows:
“Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 1 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2”
I’ve edited the comment above to read as follows:
Row 2 (wrong side row): *Knit 2, slip 2 wyib, repeat from * until last 2 stitches, knit 2
To make the elongated float you will slip 2 stitches wyib rather than 1 as the original comment said.
Thank you for your interest in a scarf pattern using this stitch and I apologize for any confusion!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
Hi there! I am a new-ish knitter and have been inspired by many of the patterns on this site. Thank you!
As for the pattern of this cowl, the instructions for R1 are: K2, slip 2 WYIB. However, the pattern for a traditional scarf calls for: K2, slip 1 WYIB.
Is this an error, or does the scarf need only one slip stitch WYIB (rather than 2 WYIB)?
I eagerly wait for your reply 🙂
Hello!
Thank you for your kind words! The instructions for the Floats cowl is to slip 2 stitches with yarn in back. The floats are nice and long compared to the 1 slipped stitch that you mentioned.
I hope this helps!
Carly
This is surely a silly question, but since I’m new to knitting, I want to make certain: Does it matter if the two slip stitches are slipped separately, or can they be slipped together?
Hi Sue,
Thank you for your question! As long as your working yarn is in back when you are slipping your stitches you can slip two stitches or one stitch.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
“Some people prefer to do so as they connect in the round by passing one stitch over the other but this pattern does not join in that fashion. If you would like to use this technique, you will need to cast on an extra stitch. As the pattern is written, you cast on, knit the set-up row and then connect in the round while beginning the first row.”
I will join per the instructions but I want to understand:
If I pass one stitch over the other, stitches “trading places” from one needle to the other, I should have the same number of stitches, as opposed to k2tog which would require an extra stitch. This doesn’t change the number of stitches. So why would I need to CO an extra stitch?
Hello Susan,
Thank you for your question! Because you are not just slipping a stitch you are passing a stitch over another stitch it does require an extra stitch. I hope this makes sense- If you have any further questions please let me know!
Warmly,
Marilla
Hi!
Thank you for sharing this pattern. If I were to knit this on US 5 needles, would you recommend the same yarn and would I still cast on 328 stitches?
Thank you!
Hello Nicole,
Thank you for writing us! This will depend on what gauge you get with your US 5 needles and if you care if your stitch is a bit more open. Most likely what will happen is the scarf will just come out slightly larger than our measurements. If you are happy with this then go for it! Going one size up in needles shouldn’t change the cowl to dramatically.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
How can I modify this so that it doesn’t wrap around your neck x2. I just want a single pull down cowl?
Hi Pam,
Thanks for writing in! To change the finished circumference, you can cast on any multiple of 4 stitches. If you’d like the cowl to be 25 inches around, we’d suggest casting on 164 stitches. For our single wrap cowls, we usually use a circumference of between 20-25 inches. Please let us know if this helps!
Best,
Cassy