Floats Cowl
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!
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!
Update: New Yarn
October 2020
We made our original version in Season Alpaca for a fairly crisp finish, but this time we turned to our very newest yarn, Brume, for a hazier take. Fifty-eight percent mohair for coziness, 25% wool for durability, and 17% silk for luminescence, Brume is a perfect balance of good things, distinctive for its soft and mysterious beauty. Learn more here!
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Jake Canton. Click here to see even more of Jake’s designs!
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoFloatsCowl, and #PurlSohoSeasonAlpaca. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 3 skeins of Purl Soho’s Season Alpaca, 100% baby alpaca yarn. Each skein of this sport weight yarn is 218 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 679 yards required. We used Heirloom White.
- US 4 (3.5mm), 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. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On. 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.
LEARN ABOUT SEASON ALPACA + ALL OUR BEAUTIFUL YARNS
Season Alpaca always brings deep beauty to your hand-knits. Made of 100% super baby alpaca, the most special grade of Peruvian alpaca there is, this sport-weight yarn is incredibly soft, and with its long fibers and many fine plies, it also creates smooth stockinette and lovely stitch definition. Prepare to knit with your new favorite alpaca yarn!
More Free Knitting Patterns
- Be sure to explore our collection of (mostly free!) Season Alpaca knitting patterns and cast on!
More Sport-Weight Yarns
- Shop our entire collection of sport-weight yarns
- If you want to use a different yarn, be sure to take the time to get the correct gauge. Need help? Check our All About Gauge Tutorial!
More Yarns With Similar Fibers
- Shop alpaca yarn
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!
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
Hi,
I’m thinking of attempting this in a scarf. Did the edges curl when you tried it?
Thanks!
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
I love this pattern, however, I prefer to knit with larger needles/thicker yarn. Would this pattern work using Alpaca Pure? Or, would the “floating” slipped stitches be too large? If this would work, do you have a suggested cast on for the cowl? Which size circular needle do you recommend? Thank you.
Hello Lindsay,
Thank you for writing in. Using a chunkier yarn will change the look of this cowl quite a bit, however it could be interesting! If you have any Heavy Worsted or Aran weight yarn in your stash you could make a little swatch to see how it would turn out.
If you do choose to go this route you will want to knit a gauge swatch to figure out how many stitches per inch you are getting. You can then use this number to figure out how many stitches to cast on.
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any further questions.
Happy knitting,
Marilla
I would love to knit a matching cap/hat. Do you think it’s possible to knit a ribbed bottom edge, then start the pattern and decrease toward the top? I would think the decrease might be the trickiest part. (I am not a very experienced knitter.) Any suggestions? Thank you.
Hi Virginia,
Great idea! This lovely stitch pattern works over any multiple of 4 stitches, so you could certainly add the texture to a hat. The decrease would be challenging indeed. On the one hand, you could stop the textured section when you get to the crown and work it in stockinette. On the other, you could try to work out how decreases might work while minimally affecting the pattern. This would require a fair bit of trial and error but if you are up for the challenge, you could give it a try. Your best bet is to find a plain hat pattern that uses the same gauge yarn and whose cast on is a multiple of 4 to add in the texture.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I successfully made this as a hat. When I got to the top and wanted to begin shaping it I did as follows:
On a row in which you would K2, then slip 2 purlwise, I SSK, slip 2 purlwise* to the end of the row
Next row K1, P2tog* to end of the row
Next row SSK to the end of the row
Continue SSK rows until you have approx 6-7 stitches left, bring yarn through remaining stitches and tie off
Hi Laura,
How exciting! Thank you so much for sharing!
Best,
Cassy
What soft wool yarn would you recommend for me, since alpaca is a bit itchy when I wear it against my skin?
Thankmyou.
Hello Betsy,
Thank you for writing us! I think this cowl could be beautiful in our Mulberry Merino . This yarn is slightly thicker than our Season Alpaca, but it should still come out beautifully. I would just knit up a little gauge swatch before jumping in to prevent any surprises along the way.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi,
This is a lovely pattern and I absolutely love your Season Alpaca, but I had never tried Understory so went with that. I am getting close to 9” and because this yarn is a little stiffer(?) than Season Alpaca, with doubling it around the neck, I am thinking 11” might be too much!?
I was looking at the bind off and was wondering why you decided to bind off purlwise as opposed to ending with Round 1 and then binding off in pattern? Would that bring the last row of slipped stitches too close to the edge?
Thanks you so much for all your incredible store has to offer!! I absolutely love your patterns and all your beautiful yarn!! Please never close, I have no idea what I would do!!
Best,
Alix
Hi Alix,
Thanks for writing in, and thanks for your kind words! I think that making this cowl 11″ in height would be super cozy and wouldn’t affect its ability to wrap around the neck!
The reason that the bind-off is purlwise is because this project is knit in the round inside out, meaning that the side of the fabric facing you as you work is the “wrong side.” Both sides are beautiful, but we’re calling the side with the horizontal bars of slipped stitches the “right side.” You could absolutely bind off in pattern though, and it would still look great. I hope this helps clarify things!
All the best,
Lili
I love this pattern and am about to begin working it. I’m sorry if you’ve already answered this question, but are the stitches slipped knitwise or purlwise? Thank you!
Hi Kathryn,
Thank you for your kind words! The stitches are all slipped purlwise.
Happy knitting!
Carly
A little confused:the pattern says to slip stitches with “yarn in back”, which to me, means “slip knitwise” but the pattern says that “all slipped stitches are slipped purlwise”. Could you please clarify? Thank you.
Hi,
Great question! I am happy to clarify! Slipping knitwise or purlwise refers to the way in which you put your needle into the stitch and not necessarily where your yarn is. For this pattern, you will slip the stitches knitwise with the yarn in back. That is to say that you will put your needle into the stitch as if to purl but keep your yarn to the back of the work.
I very much hope that this helps clear things up!
Cassy
If I were to knit in the merino wool, how many skeins would I need and what size needles.
Hi Connie,
Thanks for writing in! You can certainly use an alternate yarn here. If you let us know which yarn you would like to use, we would be happy to help you figure out how many skeins you will need!
Best,
Cassy
Could I use 50% baby Alpaca/50% merino wool DK wool for this? I have 6 x 50g balls.
Many thanks
Hello Pip,
Thank you for reaching out! I would recommend knitting up a little gauge swatch to see how many stitches per inch you are getting. This cowl has a gauge of, unblocked, 26 stitches per 4 inches in stitch pattern and blocked, 24 stitches per 4 inches. Once you know what gauge you are getting with your yarn, you can figure out if you need to go up or down in needle size. It sounds like you have the perfect amount of yarn, so I say go for it!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
dows you stitch count change when being blocked? Inthe above comment you said gauge has unblocked,26 stitches per 4″ and 24 stitches blocked per 4″. How do you loose 2 stitches when you block? I don’gt understand this. I can understand it will shrink a bit when blocked but 2 stitches disappear? Than you for clarifying
Hello Brenda,
Thank you for writing in. When blocked this cowl will grow approximately 4″, so it will go from 50″ to 54″. This means your gauge will go from 26 stitches per 4″ ( unblocked) to 24 stitches per 4″ (blocked).
I hope this clarifies things for you.
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Is there a plant based yarn that could be used with this pattern to get the same gauge?
Hello Mari,
Thank you for reaching out! I think this cowl would be lovely in our Cotton Pure yarn.
Happy knitting,
Marilla
What type of cast on do you recommend for this cowl?
Hi Mari,
Thanks for writing in! Unless otherwise noted, we like to use the long tail cast on. We think that it makes a neat and flexible cast on edge!
Best,
Cassy
I love this pattern and even bought the suggested yarn. I keep twisting my stitches ugh! Anyway, I’m sure it’s obvious to a seasoned knitter but why not join in the round for row 1? Thanks!
Hi Megan,
Thanks for writing in! For us, working the foundation round flat as opposed to joining in the round, helps you get a base that helps prevents twisting the stitches before joining in the round. You certainly can join straight away but we do think that it helps to have a row already knit to make the twisting more evident. I also like to lay the work down on a table and make sure that no stitches are twisted before I pick up and join in the round!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi! I’m knitting this beautiful cowl and I messed up a few things here and there a few rows down. How do I tink down to fix a spot where I purled 2 instead of slipping 2?
Hi Rebecca,
I would recommend unraveling back to where you made the mistake. Slipped stitches are a little tricky to hide if you make a mistake.
Best,
Carly
Could this beautiful pattern be made into a scarf/wrap by just not knitting in the round?
Hi Judi,
Thank you for your question and interest in knitting a scarf or wrap version of this cowl! 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
Thanks for providing the pattern for knitting this on straight needles as opposed to knitting in the round. As a fairly new knitter this is always a bit tricky for me to figure out – you saved me a lot of time that I can now use for knitting!
Forgot to ask… I am not certain why the floats change direction since knitting in the same orientation as the cowl; nevertheless, if I wanted them to float parallel to the bottom edge (so the “ribs” run the length of the scarf) would you recommend casting on the long length?
Thank you, Heidi
Hi Heidi,
Thanks for the question! As there are two ways to do this, one a more traditional scarf where you cast on the short end and one a less traditional scarf where you cast on the full length, the floats will align differently depending on which way you cast on! If you would like the floats to be parallel to the long side of the scarf, you will cast on the long way. If you would like the floats to be parallel to the short side, you will cast on the short way.
I hope that this clears things up!
Cassy
Hi, do you have a specific type of cast on you would recommend? I know the long tail cast on really well but find that I usually have to cast on and start a few rows to work out if the tension is correct and not to tight before continuing. Thank you! For all your patterns, Lauren
Hi Lauren,
Thanks for writing in! For most of our projects, we like the long tail cast on and did use it here. We find that it makes a reliably neat and tidy cast on. If you find that you have difficulties with the long tail cast on and getting a good tension, you can try the traditional backward loop cast on or any other cast on that you find works for you! The beautiful thing about crafting is that you can change things to work for you and make you happy! If you have a cast on that you like best, I’d give that a try here!
Best,
Cassy
I was considering doing this cowl in Trout Brown. How do you think it would look in a darker color? Would the beautiful stitch pattern show up or do you think a lighter color works better?
Hi Amy,
Thanks for writing in! I think that this cowl would be lovely in Trout Brown. This color is not so dark that you won’t still see the lovely stitch pattern!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Hello, I’m so excited to make this! I only have one skein of Season Alpaca, and was wondering how many stitches you would recommend casting on for a single loop cowl?
Thank you!
Chloe
Hi Chloe,
Thanks for writing in! A single wrap cowl can range from 18-22 inches depending on how close you would like it too fit, how drapey the fabric is and how stretchy you stitch pattern is. I would try a 19 inch circumference to start out with being sure to try it on as you go. You could also take a scrap piece of fabric and measuring how you would like it to fit on you. Just be sure to leave enough slack to be able to get the cowl over your head!
If you only have 1 skein, if you make a 19 inch version, you will not be able to get the 11 inch height that we got here. I would wager that it would be closer to 9 inches high. For a 19 inch circumference, you cast on will be 112 stitches.
I do hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hello –
Thank you for the beautiful patterns – I’ve made many! I was in your store this weekend and purchased Season Alpaca to make this pattern in the scarf version, as described in previous comments. I’m noticing the ends are curling in as I’m progressing in length. Any thoughts on how to manage this?
Thank you,
Mara
Hi Mara,
When you block your scarf the edges should not curl as much.
I hope this helps,
Melissa
Was your gauge obtained by swatching in the round or flat? Thank you.
Hello Donna,
Thank you for reaching out! I would recommend swatching in the round to obtain the most accurate gauge.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
I love this! Thank you for the pattern. I would love to make this as a cowl but not as a double wrap. How many skeins would I need and how many stitches would I cast on? Would your new “good wool” work for this? Brooklyn Tweed Arbor? Cascade 220? Or Manos Maxima? I’m not a big fan of alpaca. Thank you!!
Hello Dana,
Thanks for writing in! A single wrap cowl can range from 18-22 inches depending on how close you would like it too fit, how drapey the fabric is and how stretchy you stitch pattern is. I would try a 19 inch circumference to start out with being sure to try it on as you go. You could also take a scrap piece of fabric and measuring how you would like it to fit on you. Just be sure to leave enough slack to be able to get the cowl over your head. You will need two skeins and a cast on of 112 stitches (for 19″).
This cowl’s gauge will work with our Mulberry and Merino, Brooklyn Tweed’s Arbor, or Cascade 220 Sport.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hello!
I was wondering if this cowl would work well in the new Good Wool? I bought two of the 5 skein bundles, and am very excited to use them. I will definitely make a swatch to check, but if you had any suggestions on needle size I would really appreciate it! I’m very new to knitting, but I’ve been learning a lot through your site. I appreciate the help!
Thank you!
Hello Kelsey,
Thank you for reaching out! I think this cowl would be beautiful in our Good Wool. Because Good Wool is a thicker yarn than we used I would suggest going up in needle size and down on cast on (if you would like your cowl to have the same dimensions as ours). I would try this yarn out on a US6 needle.
I hope this helps and let me know if you have any further questions!
Warmly,
Marilla
I’m about to try this lovely pattern.
I’ll be doing it flat, on 2 needles – following Cassy’s instructions on 11th December 2017.
I’m new to slipping stitches and my question is – do you slip both stitches (purlwise) together; i.e. in one movement, or one at a time? or doesn’t it make any difference.
I’d be most grateful for your help and thanks in advance.
Hello!
For this pattern you can slip them purlwise at the same time or one at a time.
I hope this helps!
Carly
Before I officially knit my swatch, I wanted to get your expertise! Do you think 160 stitches in worsted weight yarn on size 7 needles would be enough to wrap the scarf twice?
Thank you!
Hello Willow,
Thank you for reaching out! This will really depend on how many stitches per inch you are getting from your swatch. I would knit up your watch and then you will want to multiply the number of stitches per inch you are getting by 50 to get your cast on number. You will just make to be sure that your cast on is a multiple of four before jumping in.
I hope this all makes sense and let us know if you have any further questions!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
I want to knit this is 8ply yarn and on straight needles.
Can you give me an idea of approx number of of stitches to cast on, and what size needles (in mm, as I am from Australia ).
I’m a novice knitter so am keen to give this a go.
Hello Kerry,
Thank you for reaching out! Are you planning on knitting this as a scarf, or knitting it flat and then seeming it up to create a cowl? For an 8ply yarn or DK weight yarn, I would go up to a size 3.75mm or 4mm to get the right texture. The width that you would like will determine how many stitches to cast on. Once you decided this you will multiply the number of stitches per inch you are getting by the desired width and this will give you your cast on number just making sure it is a multiple of 2 plus 2.
To work this pattern flat you will need to make a couple of small changes to the original pattern- here is how to do it;
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
I hope this all helps and let me know If I can Clarify any thing for you!
-Marilla
Thanks for your quick reply. I would like to knit this as a double loop. My store bought cowls are approx. 11 inches wide which is a good size. How long should I knit this before halving and sewing into a loop? Do you suggest I so a sample of this pattern by casting on a multiple of 4 stitches (eg 36 or 40) and knitting say 10 rows to see how many stitches I am getting per inch? If get 8 stitches per inch then do I cast on 88 stitches for an 11 inch wide cowl?
I know that’s lots of questions for you but I really appreciate your help.
Cheers,
Kerry
Hello Kerry,
thank you for your questions! Yes, I would recommend knitting up a gauge swatch to see how many stitches per inch you are getting. It sounds like you are right on track! As far as how long to knit it, that is really up to you, our cowl has a circumference of 50″ and has a snug double wrap.
I hope this helps and let us know how it goes!
-Marilla
I have only 2 skeins of season alpaca. Will this still work?
Hi Joanne,
Thanks for writing in! You can make this cowl with just two skeins, but we did use almost all of three skeins for our sample, so yours will turn out about a third narrower. I think it would still be a lovely warm cowl when worn wrapped several times around ones neck!
Best,
Julianna
I have some Malibrigo Rios yarn and wanted to know what size needle and how many stitches I would need to cast on to make the Floats Cowl using the Malibrigo yarn. I was not sure how to adjust the pattern with this yarn so any help would be appreciated, thanks.
Hello Nancy,
Thanks for reaching out! Because Malibrigo Rios is a worsted weight yarn I would try knitting this cowl on a US8 needle. To figure out a good cast on number you will just need to knit up a gauge swatch and then multiply the number of stitches per inch you are getting by 50 (the circumference of the finished cowl) to get your cast on number. You will just make to be sure that your cast on is a multiple of four before jumping in.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I would like to make a scarf with this pattern. Can you tell me what pattern of stitches the reverse row would be, please?
Thanks….
Hello Sharon,
Thank you for reaching out! To work this pattern flat you will need to make a couple of small changes to the original pattern- here is how to do it;
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
I hope this all helps and let me know If I can Clarify any thing for you!
-Marilla
Can this pattern be adjusted to make a scarf not a circular cowl?
Hello Maureen,
Thank you for reaching out! To work this pattern flat you will need to make a couple of small changes to the original pattern- here is how to do it;
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
I hope this all helps and let me know If I can Clarify any thing for you!
-Marilla
hi there – I had purchased some of the line weight merino to make the willow cowl and have not gotten to it. then I saw this pattern and am wondering if I could use the line weight yarn for this pattern and still see the detail of the slipped stiches…thanks in advance…
Hi Kasey,
Thanks for reaching out! I think this pattern would be lovely in Line Weight! Line Weight doesn’t show stitch definition quite as clearly as Season Alpaca, but you should still be able to see the floats and texture quite well. I would suggest knitting a gauge swatch on US 3 needles since it is a lighter weight yarn. You can then multiply your stitches per inch by 50 and round to the nearest multiple of 4 to determine your cast on number.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
This is so beautiful! I’d love to make this using Linen Quill yarn. Can you please advise how many skeins I will need and what size needles I should use.
Thank you!
Hi Sheri,
Thanks so much for the kind words and for writing in! Since Linen Quill is a bit thinner than Season Alpaca, I would suggest knitting a gauge swatch in pattern on US 3 needles and blocking it. You can then multiply your stitches per inch by 54 and round to the nearest multiple of 4 to determine how many stitches to cast on. Two skeins of Linen Quill will be plenty of yardage even at the smaller gauge!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hello!
So I have never blocked anything before. Would you use blocking wires for blocking this pattern? How would you lay this out to block it? I am having a hard time envisioning blocking this since it is a circular pattern.
Thank you!
Hi Amanda,
Thanks for reaching out! Since this project doesn’t require aggressive blocking, I probably would not use blocking wires for this. Blocking wires are very useful when you want to stretch out a finished piece while keeping the edges straight, but this cowl doesn’t require stretching to show the stitch pattern. I would just use a ruler or the edge of your blocking mats to make sure the top and bottom of the cowl are straight when you lay it flat to dry and secure with a few pins if necessary.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
I would love do know this in linen quill. Can you advise on needle size and cast on number? Thanks! What a simple but gorgeous pattern.
Hello Sherri,
Thank you for reaching out! I think this pattern would be beautiful in Linen Quill. I would try going down to a US3 or US2 depending on how tightly knit you prefer your cowl. This first thing I would do is knit up a little gauge swatch to figure out how many stitches per inch you are getting. Once you have this number you can use it to find the perfect cast on number. You will just want to keep in mind that this stitch is worked over a multiple of 4 stitches.
Happy knitting and let us know how it goes!
-Marilla
Hello! I ordered the alpaca yarn, made the cowl and it’s beautiful. I need a tutorial on how to wrap it around my neck. It’s lovely on the model but I can’t tell how she wrapped it.
Hello Kaye,
Thank you for reaching out- I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed this lovely cowl. We like to do a double wrap for this cowl.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hello, I don’t understand the instruction not to join at the cast on. The set-up row is k2p2, then wouldn’t one just continue with k2sl2? (In my case, I have done an i-cord CO, does that make a difference?)
Should I expect to see a jog where the rounds change?
Hi and thanks for writing in! You are correct – after working the first row not in the round, you then join in the round and continue with the next row, which begins with k2, slip 2 with yarn in back. The I-Cord cast on shouldn’t affect anything, but I think will be a very nice touch! Although there is a slight jog, since it is along one of the columns of slipped stitches, you really won’t be able to see it unless you are looking for it.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
I love this pattern but pretty new to knitting. I know how to work in the round but having trouble understanding which way to have my knitting facing me when joining to work in the round? I’m not very technical so an easy, peasy explanation would really help:-) . Desperate to start but rather stuck…..
Would this pattern work with 50% alpaca/50% silk yarn? If so what needle size the yarn recommends US 3-5? I have to hand a US 4 or 5.
So appreciate your beautiful designs and any advice:-)))
Hello JJ,
Thank you for reaching out! When joining in the round you will be creating a circle with your needles. You want the outside of the circle facing you, not the inside. I hope this makes sense – let me know if not!
You can use any yarn for this pattern as long as it is the correct size to obtain gauge. For this project you will need a sport weight yarn with a gauge of 6 to 7 stitches per inch on US3-US5.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I would like to knit this nice floats cowl with circular needles but without joining it. How do I knit the row 1 and the row 2? Is it the same… I do not think so because knitting will be like straight needles. How is the conversion? Sorry for my English writing… it is not my native language (french of Quebec). Thanks a lot! Geneviève
Hi Geneviève,
Thanks for writing in, and no need to apologize, I understand your question just fine! To knit this pattern back and forth in rows rather than in the round, you will need to modify it as follows:
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
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
Do you have a video tutorial for this cowl? I’m a beginner and have gone horribly (but consistently) wrong with this pattern. Instead of floating, my ‘float’ stitches are set back, almost behind the knit stitches either side. I followed the pattern to the letter.
Hi Elle,
Thanks for reaching out, and I’m sorry to hear you are having trouble with this pattern! Unfortunately we do not have a video for this stitch and it is hard to say what might have gone wrong without seeing your work. The cowl is knit inside out, so is it possible that you are looking at the wrong side of the fabric? It could also be that you are pulling too tightly on the yarn when slipping the stitches on Round 1. If that doesn’t help, please feel free to send us a picture of your work at [email protected] and we would be happy to see if we can figure out what went wrong!
Best,
Julianna
Do you slip the two stitches at once, or individually? Thanks
Hi Nancy,
Great question! Since you are slipping the stitches purlwise, which does not twist or change the orientation of the stitches on the needle, you can either slip them together or individually, whichever you prefer. The stitch will turn out the same either way!
Best,
Julianna
I finished the firtst skein following the patten and checked gauge… I only have 2 inches in width! At this rate I will only have 6 inches using the 3 skeins. What am I doing wrong?
Hello Karen,
Thanks for writing us! Oh no! This does sound like a gauge issue, I would check and see if your stitch gauge or circumference is correct. My suggestion would be to go up in needle size in order to get the correct gauge.
I hope this makes sense and let us know if you have any further questions!
-Marilla
Re-floats cowl
After the setup row and joining in the round, are the pearl stitches the ones slipped.
If you get this question twice accept my apologies.
Sandra
Hi Sandra,
Thanks for writing in! Yes, that is correct! Throughout this pattern, you will be slipping stitches in the purl columns.
Best,
Julianna
Hi there,
This pattern is gorgeous! I would like to try knitting this up in Burnish. Do you think 3 skeins would be enough to knit this pattern but as a scarf? If so, what size needles) tension would you recommend as I like the drape pictured here.
Thanks so much!
Hi Belle,
Thanks for writing in, and what a wonderful idea – Burnish would be just lovely in this stitch! Burnish is only slightly thinner than Season Alpaca, so I would try a swatch on a US 3 to see if you are happy with it. Burnish also has more yardage than Season Alpaca, so with 3 skeins, you will have plenty of yardage for a scarf!
I hope that helps, and please do let us know how it turns out!
Julianna
I would love the look of this! Would 60% superfine alpaca and 40% merino wool yarn be advisable? I’m new at knitting and am having difficulty choosing a pattern. Thank you!
Hi Elly,
Thanks for reaching out! As long as your yarn is a sport weight yarn, an alpaca merino blend would work up wonderfully in this pattern! If you aren’t sure, you can check the yarn label to see if it indicates what weight of yarn it is, or to see what gauge is recommended. A sport weight yarn usually calls for a US 3-6 needle and will knit up to 24-26 stitches per 4 inches.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi?
I’m currently making this lovely cowl. I should say struggling! My mistakes aren’t as easily detected until I’ve completed several rows and then you have to unravel so much. I need to check my work more frequently! I love the pattern though and I’d like to make a baby afghan in this pattern. Would Season Alpaca be suitable? How many stitches would I cast on to make a nice usable baby afghan?
Thanks for your lovely patterns?
Brenda??
Hi Brenda,
Thanks so much for writing in! Yes, I think Season Alpaca would be absolutely wonderful for a baby blanket! For a typical 29 by 38 inch crib blanket, you would need to cast on 172 stitches and you will need 6 skeins. To knit the pattern flat, you do also have to make a few small changes to the pattern as follows:
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
I hope that helps, and please do let us know how it turns out!
Julianna
Could this Season Alpaca been used on the Elementary Wrap you posted today?
Hi Marsha,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes, we actually already have pre existing patter for the Elementary Wrap in Season Alpaca that you can follow!
All the best,
Gianna
Hi, I’d love to try this cowl but first want to knit a swatch to check my guage and see how it looks in the yarn in going to choose. But how do I knit a flat swatch of this stitch? The instructions for knitting in the round are throwing me. Thanks!
Hi Siobhan,
Thanks for reaching out! We have an excellent tutorial for Swatching for Circular Gauge that should help you with this!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Can this pattern be made with the Cashmere Merino Bloom yarn? Thanks!
Hi Laurel,
Thanks for reaching out! Cashmere Merino Bloom is a dk weight and Season Alpaca is a sport weight so Cashmere Merino Bloom is a bit heavier than what the pattern is written for but it should be very easy to adjust the gauge if necessary. I would recommend working a gauge swatch with an appropriate needle size and going from there! Our All About Gauge tutorial is an excellent resource to use!
All the best,
Gianna
I love this pattern, but I would like to knit it as a scarf instead of a cowl. Should I just follow the pattern but not join in the round? Thanks
Hi Elva,
Thanks for reaching out! You could certainly work this pattern as a scarf instead of a cowl! Be sure to keep in mind that the pattern is only written for working in the round over the right side so there are not written instructions for working the reverse of the fabric!
Please feel free to reach out with any more questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi,
I would like to knit this shawl with the least itchiest yarn possible. What would you recommend? Cashmere? How many skiens would I need? I‘ve knit it in season Alpaca which is beautiful, but already itchy for my mom. Many thanks!
Hi Em,
Thanks for reaching out! I would suggest using our lovely Cashmere Merino Bloom, it is slightly heavier weight than Season Alpaca so you may need to go up in needle size, I would suggest working a gauge swatch prior to begining. It is an absolutely lovely yarn to wear, it is incredibly soft and not itchy at all.
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna