Mistake Rib Cowl In Cashmere Tend
As dark evenings draw in, stoke the fires of creativity by turning your hand to our beautiful Mistake Rib Cowl In Cashmere Tend, a cold-weather friend for many seasons to come!
Our first ever 100% cashmere yarn comes in 18 stunning heather-y shades. We used Green Sea with its gem-like punch, but we’d also love Coquelicot Orange or a lovely neutral, like Rolled Oat, Ice Gray, or Nocturne Blue… Tough to go wrong here!
Mistake rib stitch is really just a simple 2×2 rib that off-sets columns of knits and purls by one stitch, creating a brioche-illusion with none of the fuss. You’ll need just two skeins of Cashmere Tend, so whether you’re looking for a quick gift or a knitting treat, this Mistake Rib Cowl covers both!
If you love the yarn used in this project, you’ll love all of our other yarn, too! Explore our 35+ lovingly created yarn collections, in nearly every natural fiber and spectacular color you can imagine… Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn shop!
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Jake Canton. Click here to see even more of Jake’s designs!
Share your progress + connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoMistakeRibCowl, and #PurlSohoCashmereTend. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
Our Mistake Rib Cowl Bundle (no longer available) includes…
- 2 skeins of Purl Soho’s Cashmere Tend, 100% cashmere. Each skein is 82 yards/ 50 grams; approximately 160 yards required. We used Green Sea.
- A postcard including a link to the free pattern
- A Purl Soho muslin drawstring bag
You will also need…
- US 8 (5 mm), 16-inch circular needles
- A stitch marker (optional)
PLEASE NOTE: Cashmere Tend is no longer available, please choose from one of our other worsted/aran weight yarns!
Gauge
22 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches in mistake rib pattern
Size
- Finished Circumference: 16¾ inches unstretched
- Finished Height: Approximately 11 inches
Notes
Stitch Multiple
Mistake rib in the round is worked over a multiple of 4 stitches.
Pattern
Cast on 92 stitches.
Place a marker and join for working in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.
Round 1: *K2, p2, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 2: P1, *k2, p2, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k2, p1.
Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until piece measures approximately 11 inches from cast-on edge, or until you have approximately 6 yards left of the second skein for binding off.
Bind Off Round: K2, pass first stitch over, *[p1, pass first stitch over] twice, [k1, pass first stitch over] twice, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, [p1, pass first stitch over] twice.
Weave in the ends and block as desired.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
Would you please recommend a YouTube tutorial for the bind off, recommended.
Thank you!
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately we don’t have a video for this exact bind off row; however, it is simply a variation of a Basic Bind Off! Instead of knitting all the stitches, you will be continuing to knit in Mistake Rib by alternating two knits and two purls while binding off as usual.
Best of luck and I hope that helps!
Julianna
Please email this free pattern to me. Thank you.
Hi Gretchen,
Thanks for writing in! If you would like, you can download a PDF version of this pattern using our print function! If you’re on a desktop version of the site, you will find a “print” icon in the right column just below the date and tags. If you’re on a mobile version of the site, you will find a “print” icon below the pattern and above the comments.
Follow the easy on-screen instructions to delete whichever parts of the pattern you don’t want to print or save. For example, you may decide to shorten the pattern by omitting certain images or the list of materials. To remove images, click the drop down next to the image icon and change from 100% to 0%.
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
Hello- love this pattern- do you have a recommendation for a cotton substitute? This would make a great gift project!
Hi Marcia,
Thanks so much for the kind words and for writing in! Blue Sky Worsted Cotton would be an excellent yarn to use for this cowl, and since it has more yardage than Cashmere Tend, you will only need one skein to complete the cowl!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Could you make this using the yarn/needle size in the mistake rib scarf pattern? What adjustments would need to be made (cast on number, etc)? Thank you!
Hi Molly,
Thanks for reaching out! We love our the Mistake Rib Stitch so much that we have used it for several cowls and scarves in various weights of yarn! One of our most popular versions is the Mistake Rib Scarf in Mulberry Merino, a sport weight yarn, and we already have a pattern for a Mistake Rib Cowl in Mulberry Merino that might be just what you are looking for!
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
I have made the scarf in the merino bloom cashmere and would love to make a cowl in the same yarn. How many stitches would I cast on?
Hi Molly,
Cashmere Merino Bloom and Mulberry Merino are very close in gauge, so if you didn’t have to make any adjustments for the scarf, I would suggest following the pattern for the cowl, which starts with 144 stitches.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Milly Churbuck
Please give us a few more clues on this bind off.
Hi Milly,
Thanks for reaching out! This bind off sounds bit intimidating, but it is simply a variation of a Basic Bind Off also known as binding off in pattern! Instead of knitting all the stitches, you will be continuing to knit in Mistake Rib by alternating two knits and two purls while binding off as usual.
I hope that clears things up, and happy knitting!
Julianna
Hello! I have learned so much about all things knitting from your videos, tutorials and even answers to questions other knitters have posed. Thank you! My question, as a beginner, is what is the easiest way to enlarge the measurements around the inside of this lovely cowl? I would like to accommodate larger/shorter neck sizes.
Hi KayEllen,
Thank you so much for the kind words and for reaching out! You can easily adjust the size of this cowl by changing how many stitches you cast on. As long as you are working at our gauge of 22 stitches to four inches in pattern, you can multiply however many inches around you would like the cowl to be by 5.5 and round to the nearest multiple of four to determine how many stitches to cast on. If you would also like to change the height of the cowl, you can stop knitting whenever you like – or keep going for a taller cowl!
Best of luck, and I hope that helps!
Julianna
I would love to make this project but I am allergic to wool and cashmere. Is there another yarn I can use?
Juliet
Hi Juliet,
Thanks for reaching out! You could use almost any worsted weight yarn for this cowl. I think Blue Sky Worsted Cotton would be an excellent alternative yarn that will not trigger your allergies!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
We are going to Iceland this February and want our family (incl husband and a 7& 8 year olds) to each wear this cowl…..
I was hoping to make a hat to go with this cowl…
do you have a pattern I could buy
Hi Pat,
Thanks for reaching out, and what lovely project (and trip!) that will be! We don’t have a hat in the Mistake Rib pattern, but our Essential Hat is also written for Cashmere Tend and would make a cozy accompaniment to the cowl. I will be sure to pass your request for a matching hat along to the design team!
Best,
Julianna
I purchased 2 skeins for this pattern but. had a change of heart. Can you suggest another pattern for this yarn.
Hi Diane,
Thanks for writing in! You could make any of the items from our Essential Hat, Mitten, and Hand Warmer Set with your Cashmere Tend! You also have enough yarn for any size of our Garter Ear Flap Hat.
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
Could I make this pattern in worsted twist. I am doing in cashmere but would love a different wool to make some gifts that aren’t quite so expensive
Hi Cheistine,
Thanks for writing in! Yes, Worsted Twist would be an excellent substitute for Cashmere Tend in this cowl!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Love love love this yarn and pattern! I received it in olive yesterday and it knots so yummy I have a scarf today! Would love to see it i it up in all the colors so I can figure out what color to order next!
Do you have a suggestion as to which cas-on would be best for this cowl? Would you go with something more stretchy than a long-tail cast-on? Thanks.
Hello Susan,
Thank you for reaching out! A loose long tail cast on will work beautifully for this project. Anther great, even stretchier, option would be a long tail tubular cast on.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Thanks, Marilla. Am I right that you would cast on in a 2 purl, 2 rib pattern? Also, the instructional video recommends a straight needle and 2 foundational rows, but obviously, straight foundational rows won’t work for a cowl
Hello Susan,
Great follow up question! For a Long Tail cast on there is no need to cast on in pattern. For a Long Tail Tubular cast on you can do two foundation rows on straights or circulars, but it is MUCH easier on straight needles. After completing your foundation rows you then join to knit in the round. This cast on is done with a 1 by 1 rib even if your pattern is a 2 by 2 rib. It somehow still works really well!
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi- I love this pattern. I would like it to wrap twice. Should I just double the number of stitches and yarn amount?
Hello Jane,
Thank you for reaching out! The finished circumference of this project is 16¾ inches unstretched. To get a double wrap you might need a bit more than 33.5 inches. I would use a measuring tape to find a good double wrap circumference for you! Once you find a good size you can use your gauge (stitches per inch). To find your cast on number you simply multiply your stitches per inch by your desired circumference.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Can this cowl be made with straight needles?
Hello Robin,
Thank you for reaching out! You can certainly knit this cowl flat, you will just need to seam it up at the end. After casting on you can follow our Mistake Rib Scarf Pattern.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
can you recommend a hat pattern that would coordinate with this cowl, using the Cashmere Tend? Thanks.
Hello Madeline,
Thank you for reaching out! Our Classic Cuffed Hat would work beautifully with Tend.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Thanks for directing me to the longtail tubular cast-on. Took a little patience, but I finally got it (the foundational rows are the hardest when adjusting for 2 by 2 ribbing)). My question is, should I use a matching bind off or use the recommended bind off in the pattern? Thanks for all the advice!
Hello Susan,
Thank you for reaching out! I’m happy to hear about your success! You can either use the recommended cast off or the long tail tubular cast off.
Happy knitting,
Marilla
First, I noticed this cowl is shorter than the one made with Mulberry Merino. Would it be fine to knit this longer? What’s a suitable range for the length of a cowl?
Second, can I substitute Alpaca Pure? (I have 2 skeins.) Would I have to make any adjustments to the pattern?
Also, can you suggest other accessories that I can possibly knit using 2 skeins of Alpaca Pure? (I meant to make the Traveling Cable Hat, but have changed my mind.)
Hello Natalie,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes, Alpaca Pure has essentially the same gauge as our Tend yarn. This project would be lovely in Alpaca Pure and I would just knit until you are happy with the length.
You might also like our Bandana Cowl.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Thanks very much for your help Marilla!
Can you please also address my other question? Is there any reason the cowl is knit to a shorter length with the Cashmere Tend, as opposed to the Mulberry Merino? Is it simply to keep it to just 2 skeins? I suppose there’s no reason I couldn’t use a 3rd skein to make it longer, if I chose.
(But from the looks of it in the photos, it looks sufficiently long as it is!)
Just for some extra help, if the Alpaca Pure gets slightly more stitches per inch, then the cowl may end up slightly smaller, correct? Is there room for this pattern to end up slightly smaller in circumference ?
(To be safe I will knit a gauge swatch and I can adjust the number of stitches cast-on if necessary. )
Hi Natalie,
Yes, we did make the cowl a bit shorter so it would only take two skeins of Cashmere Tend, but you could certainly make it as long as you like! Cashmere Tend and Alpaca Pure knit up to almost the same gauge, so I don’t think you have to worry about it as long as you knit a gauge swatch. You may be comparing the gauge for the pattern to the gauge on the yarn label, which is different because Mistake Rib draws in a bit and results in more stitches per inch than stockinette, which is what we use for gauge measurements on our yarn labels.
Best,
Julianna
Would like to make this in the braided rib stitch pattern instead.Is this possible?
Hi Karen,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately we don’t have instructions for knitting Braided Ribbing in the round; however, you could certainly knit this cowl flat and seam it up at the end! To do so, I would cast on 122 stitches and knit the Braided Rib pattern until the piece measures 11 inches before casting off following the instructions in our Braided Rib Scarf pattern. Sew the two sides together, and your cowl will be done!
I hope that helps, and please do let us know how it turns out!
Julianna
Hi!
I am considering using Blue Sky Alpacas EXTRA to knit this. Would you say it is a suitable yarn to substitute (if I get the correct gauge.)?
It’s a baby alpaca/ wool blend.
Hi Natalie,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes, I think an alpaca and merino blend would be wonderful for this cowl! The alpaca will add some lovely extra drape and softness, while the merino will give the cowl plenty of body and make sure your stitch definition stays crisp!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
After making some headway into this, I see that my cowl is measuring 15″ around. I used the Blue Sky EXTRA. I intend to start over.
I like the fabric I was getting, so I will simply cast on more stitches. As long as I am customizing, I am wondering whether to aim for 16 3/4″, or to make it larger since I will have enough yarn. I thought of aiming for an 18″ circumference. (So, I would cast on anywhere between 104 and 112 stitches.)
In general, what are the things to consider in how large to make the circumference of a cowl?
Hi Natalie,
It does sound like your cowl needs to be a just bit larger around! In the case of a narrow cowl like this, the main concern is making sure it can fit over one’s head comfortably, taking into account how stretchy the stitch pattern is. Mistake Rib is quite stretchy, so we were able to make our cowl 16.75″ around and it can still easily stretch to fit over an average adult head of 20-22″ around. You could make it larger if you like, and when worn, it will be roomier and may drape or fold over at the top more than ours. If you were to make it significantly larger, it would have an even drapier, necklace-like effect rather than the snug cozy fit we chose for our sample.
Best,
Julianna
Thank you for the reply!
Good morning!
I have a question. The Mistake Rib Cowl calls for #8 circ needle, a gauge of 22 and 30 for 4 inches and casting on 92.
The yarn I want to use has a gauge of 18 and 24 for 4 inches. It’s a superfine merino yarn. Can you tell me how many I should cast on and what size needle I should use with this yarn?
Many thanks,
Tolli
Hi Tolli,
Thanks for reaching out! Because the gauge listed in the pattern is measured over the Mistake Rib Stitch, which comes out narrower than stockinette stitch that is usually used for the recommendations on yarn labels, it’s hard to say if your yarn is different enough from Cashmere Tend to require any modifications to the pattern. In fact, our recommended gauge for Cashmere Tend is 15-17 stitches per 4 inches, which is pretty close to your yarn! I would suggest knitting a gauge swatch in pattern on US 8 needles to see if you are able to match our gauge and to see if you are happy with your yarn on that size needle. If you do end up using a different size needle and knitting the cowl at a different gauge, you can multiply your stitches per inch by 16.75 inches and round to the nearest multiple of 4 to determine how many stitches to cast on.
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
I’ve just finished knitting the Mistake Rib Cowl In Cashmere Tend, only I used Worsted Twist.
What a beautiful finished product! The worsted twist is a great substitute for the the cashmere tend. It knits easily & is super-soft. The pattern is very easy & clearly written. I used a cable knit cast on & a simple knit bind off & the result is so pleasing! I’m making another cowl in another colour, same yarn. Thanks!
Can you give me the appropriate adjustments to knit this cowl in Super Soft Merino, my new favorite yarn? Thank you.
Hello Dana,
I’m so happy you love Super Soft as much as we do! The first thing you will need to determine is how many stitches per in you are getting in pattern. Once you know this number you can simply multiply it by 17″ (or your desired circumference) and round to the nearest multiple of 4.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hello,
While I did make my gauge swatch beforehand, I do like to double check my gauge in the early stage of a project.
I have knit 2″ of the cowl, and wondering how to measure the circumference to get an accurate measurement. If I take it off the needles, it relaxes a lot and I am not sure if this is the circumference it will be in the end. I am thinking that as I continue to knit, the ribbing will pull in more.
Should I try and measure with the fabric scrunched somewhat tight?
I hope you can give me some advice.
Just wanted to add: if it makes a difference what yarn I am using-
I am knitting with a blend of Merino and Baby Alpaca, 50/50.
Hi Natalie,
Thanks for reaching out! If you already have two inches done in the stitch pattern, it’s unlikely that the stitch will pull in any more as you go along. Mistake Rib doesn’t contract nearly as much as regular ribbing, so a measurement taken now either with the stitches off the needle or spread on the needle to their natural relaxed state should be quite accurate!
Best,
Julianna
Thanks!
Hi,
Is it possible to knit this flat?
Hi Natalie,
Yes, absolutely! You can find instructions for knitting the Mistake Rib Stitch flat in our Easy Mistake Stitch Scarf pattern!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Do you recommend adding an extra knit stitch on each end for selvedge?
Hi Natalie,
It’s up to you! Our original Mistake Rib Scarf that I linked previously does not include a selvage stitch, but our Mistake Rib Scarf in Mulberry Merino does. The difference is subtle, so I think you could choose whichever edge you prefer!
Best,
Julianna
Hello.
I did the bind off and the result was a little bit ruffled (wavy). Is it possibly because I binded off too loosely?
I see that the instructions essentially have us bind off in pattern. Can you tell me what the effect would be if I did the bind off in all knit instead?
Hi Natalie,
Thanks for writing in! It does indeed sound like your bind off was a bit loose, though you may find that you can block the cowl a bit wider to match the cast off. If you were to cast off in all knit the wavy effect would be exaggerated. By casting off in mistake rib, the final row created by the cast off pulls in to match the gauge of the rest of the stitch pattern, while an all knit cast off would have a wider gauge.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Thanks so much! I will re-do my bind-off, not so loose!
Thanks for the feedback.
When are you getting more cashmere tend back in? I have been looking for months. I want to make a sweater out of it so would need about ten skeins.
In the meantime, have about thirty (!) skeins of the Jade sapphire 12 ply cashmere, in a rainbow of colors. I made the helix scarf with about seven skeins of it, but I didn’t care for the end result enough to make it again and it’s tough to find patterns that use this yarn. I’ve made endless hats with it, but I’d love to make a striped sweater—-any suggestions for a pattern? thanks.
Hi Diana,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately we don’t have an ETA for Cashmere Tend, though I assure you it will return! Like many companies, we are experiencing some shipping and manufacturing delays due to these unusual circumstances we all find ourselves in, so I really can’t say when this yarn will be restocked, though I wish I could. If you enter your email address on the product page, we will let you know as soon as it is available!
What a wonderful yarn to have such a generous stash of! I think you could create a beautiful striped version of our Friendly Fair Isle Sweater with 12 Ply Cashmere. You could either omit the colorwork, or include it to really mix things up! Since it is knit in the round, you don’t have to worry about matching stripes and can just go for it, changing colors whenever you like.
I hope that helps, and please do let us know how your sweater turns out!
Julianna
Okay, thank you Juliana, this is helpful! About how many skeins of the 12 ply cashmere would I need for (xs, adult) version of this sweater? Knowing how many skeins will help me plan out the color pattern of the stripes ahead of time. (In knitting the sleeves and yoke, don’t I have to worry about making the stripes symmetrical? It seems to me that even in rather randomly striped sweaters, that the sleeves mirror each other and also mirror the colors of the yoke—am I correct about this? )
Many many thanks—-
Hi Diana,
Thank you for writing in! Since our Friendly Fair Isle sweater is knit from the bottom up you will want to do some planning ahead of time to make sure your stripes line up in your sleeves and body. It may help to finish a stripe just before you join the sleeves to the body so you are connecting the pieces with a new color – I recommend planning around this stripe placement to make things a bit easier. This sweater will require exactly 11 (12, 13, 14) skeins of Jade 12-Ply Cashmere to knit in gauge, so the options are nearly endless for striping with your collection of this yarn. I hope this helps!
Best,
Gaby
Can I substitute Season Alpaca? I have twp skeins and I think it would be beautiful. If so, any changes in the pattern?
Thank you!
Hi Donna,
Thanks for writing in! The Season Alpaca is a bit thinner than the yarn used. I would suggest knitting up a gauge swatch in pattern on US 8 needles to see if you are able to match the patterns gauge and to see if you like the look of your yarn on that needle. If you do end up using a different size needle and knitting at a different gauge, you can multiply your stitches per inch by 16.75 inches and round to the nearest multiple of 4 to determine how many stitches to cast on. I hope this helps!
Happy knitting
Jessica
I would love to make 3-4 of these cowls for Christmas. Do you expect to have your inventory resupplied in the near future? There are very few color choices available today.
thanks
Hi Sheri,
Thank you for writing in! Unfortunately we don’t have a current ETA for Cashmere Tend, although I can assure you that it will return! Like many companies, we are experiencing a few shipping and manufacturing delays due to these unusual circumstances we all find ourselves in… I really can’t say when this yarn will be restocked, though I wish I could. If you enter your email address on the product page, we will let you know as soon as it is available!
Happy knitting!
Gianna
Hi, Love the pattern. Do I measure the gauge stretched or unstretched? Any tips for measuring gauge of a ribbed pattern?
Hi Esther,
Thanks for reaching out! I’m glad to hear you love this pattern! For this I would recommend measuring the gauge un-stretched. Our guide All About Gauge is an excellent resource and has some great tips about measuring gauge for ribbed knits!
Hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Hi, could I use Line Weight for this cowl even though the gauge is slightly different?
Thanks.
Hi Randolyn,
Thanks for reaching out! You could use Line Weight for this pattern but would need to do a bit of re-gauging since Line Weight is a fingering weight and Cashmere Tend is a worsted weight! For starters, you will need a smaller appropriate needle and will need to cast on more stitches, and remember to worked over a multiple of 4 stitches to insure the stitch pattern is the same! Our tutorial All About Gauge is an excellent resource to use!
All the best,
Gianna
I want to make this cowl in Genghis. Can you help me with needle size, amount of yarn etc.?
Thank you!
Hi Lori,
Thanks for reaching out! You will need to play around with the gauge of this pattern a bit since it is written for a aran/worsted weight and Genghis is a bulky weight! I would recommend a US 11 – 13 needle! As for the amount of yardage, I can’t say exactly how much you will need, but for the pattern as is we used approximately 160 yards. Since you are using a bigger needle and bulkier yarn you wont need quite as much. I would recommend buying 3 skeins to be safe but leave the 3rd unwound so that in the event you don’t need it you can return it within 6 months for store credit!
All the best,
Gianna
Hello, I am struggling with why Round2 has to start P1 and end like this. I am not sure if I am making the right pattern, should I just keep going like Round1->Round2->Round1_> and so on?
Hi Kyu,
Thanks for reaching out! Since this is a “Mistake Rib” pattern, the ribbing is offset by 1 stitch. This is why row 2 starts with a single purl before going into the rib, but it also ends with a purl. Since you are working in the round these 2 single purl stitches will end up next to each other continuing the rib pattern!
So you will work Row 1: *K2, p2, repeat from * to end of round then Row 2: P1, *k2, p2, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k2, p1. You will then go back and repeat Row 1 and then row 2 again until piece measures approximately 11 inches from cast-on edge.
I hope this clears things up!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hello, I am a beginner and I am wondering about Round2. so It should be K2, p2, K2, p2….-> P1, *k2, p2, k2, p2……. k2, p1->K2, p2, and so on? so there are three p3 at one point and only one p1 ? I wasn’t sure if I was doing the right pattern. Thank you very much!
Hi Q,
Thanks for reaching out! The second row should be: P1, *k2, p2, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k2, p1. So, you purl the first stitch, then k2, p2 till you reach the last 3 stitches, k2 and purl the last stitch! Since you are working in the round, the first purl and the last purl will end up next to each other continuing on the 2×2 pattern. There should not be 3 purls together at any point!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
I think you misread her question. If you are knitting in the round, and finish row 1, you’ve ended that round with a P2; and then starting with row 2, you are starting with a P1, so technically there is going to be 3 purls together, (end of round 1 and beginning round 2.) I think this is what she meant.
Hi Deb,
You’re right! At the transition between the two rounds, there will technically be either 3 purl stitches done in a row, or just 1 purl stitch.
All the best,
Lili
Hello,
I have fingering yarn and plan to double it up with lace mohair.
How many stitches should I cast on and what size needles should be use?
Thanks and regards.
Martine
Hi Martine,
Thanks for reaching out! I would suggest working a gauge swatch with a US 4 needle. Based on what your gauge comes out to be you can calculate your cast on from there! I recommend checking out our tutorial All About Gauge, it is an excellent resource to use!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi, is there a purl soho cowl pattern you would recommend that would knit up beautifully with the cattail silk yarn?
Thank you kindly,
Marjorie
Hi Marjorie,
Thanks for reaching out! Any of our fingering weight cowl patterns would be great with Cattail Silk! Here you can find our full selection of fingering weight cowl patterns! I think something like our Soft As A Cloud Cowls would be lovely! I would just be sure to make a gauge swatch prior to beginning to ensure you are consistent with the pattern you select.
I hope this helps and please let us know which pattern you choose and how it turns out!
Hi, I would love to make this with Worsted Twist, I was wondering how many skeins would I need? Thank you!
Hi Hannah,
That’s a great question and one we’d be happy to help with! The original pattern used about 164 yards and Worsted Twist comes with about 164 yards per skein so you can use a single skein to make this cowl. We’d love to see how it would look in that yarn instead so I’m excited for you to give it a try as well.
All the best,
Zha Zha
Hi! It looks like you’re out of the recommended yarn. Do you have a cashmere or cashmere blend substitute you would recommend? Thank you!
Hi Janie,
Thanks for writing in! In place of Cashmere Tend, I would suggest using Jade Sapphire’s 8-Ply Cashmere! It is a very similar weight to our cashmere and will work perfectly with this pattern! Even though they are both Worsted/Aran weight yarns, I do recommend starting off by working a gauge swatch to ensure you are consistent with the pattern prior to beginning!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Bind Off Round: K2, pass first stitch over, *[p1, pass first stitch over] twice, [k1, pass first stitch over] twice, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, [p1, pass first stitch over] twice.
Can you put this into prose instead of this? It is hard to follow.
Do you mean. Step 1: K2 pass first stitch over, p1 pass first stitch over (do this step twice.) then..Step 2 K1 pass first stitch over do this twice. Step 3 – last 2 stitches – P1 pass first stitch over. Your directions are written in a confusing way, I feel. Maybe I am just not privy to the parentheses and their meaning. They confuse me, though and I see others are confused as well. Can you state the entire pattern that we use throughout in a different way? I would appreciate it. Sometimes you just need to state things in a different way to reach everyone. Thank you!!
Hi Odette,
Thanks for reaching out. It may help to think of the Bind Off Round as simply the same as Round 1, except you pass the first stitch over every time you work a new stitch!
I’m sorry that the way we notate our patterns is confusing to you. The way we write out our patterns is considered standard knitting notation, but I can understand that it’s hard to read if you’re not familiar with it yet! Fortunately, we do have a handy list of Knitting Abbreviations + Terms, which may be helpful to reference if you’re unsure about what something means. I hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
That is very helpful! Thank you! I will try it that way. I appreciate your response!
I am interested in knitting this cowl in Worsted Twist for my daughter, but how many stitches would you recommend to make a kid sized version of this cowl? Thank you!
Hi Tomoko,
Thanks for writing in! For a kid’s size, we typically suggest a circumference of about 18-20 inches, and in the mistake rib, you will want to cast on a multiple of 4 stitches. So, if your gauge is consistent with the pattern, you will want to cast on either 96 or 100 stitches!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Thank you for the information regarding alternate yarns for this pattern. I would love to make the Mistake Rib Cowl in Partridge an (Aran) yarn. I think I would need to use two skeins, cast on the same number and same size needle? In other words follow the same pattern without changes for the Partridge yarn?
Thanks for your help, much appreciated.
Hi Pam!
Thank you for your question. You are right! Knitting this cowl with Partridge should not change the cast-on amount or needle size, though we always recommend making a gauge swatch, especially when substituting yarns. If you are interested in learning more about making a gauge swatch, you can check out our All About Gauge Tutorial! You will still need two skeins of Partridge for this cowl as well.
I hope this helps, and happy knitting!
All the best,
Margaret
Oh great! Thanks so much Margaret, I really appreciate it.
You are very welcome, Pam!
All the best,
Margaret
Hello! I was trying to decide if Partridge or Plenty would be good substitute yarns. Do you have a recommendation on which might work better in this pattern? Thanks so much!
Hi Sue!
Thank you for checking in! While both of these yarns would look great in this cowl, Plenty has a ply similar structure to Cashmere Tend, creating better stitch definition. Partridge is also a very soft and squishy choice like Plenty, though, so you really can’t go wrong with either one!
All the best,
Margaret
In round 2, my last 3 stitches are preceded by 2 knit stitches, making 4 consecutive knit stitches. Is this correct?
Hi Maureen,
Thanks for reaching out! There should not be 4 knit stitches in a row, so it sounds like something is a bit off. I’d recommend double checking your stitch count to make sure you have 92 stitches on your needles (or another multiple of 4). It may be the case that you have too few or too many stitches right now, which is messing with the pattern!
All the best,
Lili
I love the two tone mistake scarf, and I am wondering how to do this cowl in two colors. Suggestions?
Thanks so much!
Hi Diane,
Thanks for writing in! To make a two-tone version of this cowl, you would need to alternate the colors on every other row. So you would use your Color A on Row 1 and all of its repeats, and you would use your Color B on Row 2 and all of its repeats!
All the best,
Lili
HI. I have made this several times in different yarns with luscious results. I made this in an alpaca boucle. It was so squishy and beautiful. My daughter said it is her favorite thing I have made and wants a scarf with its same cascade of accordion like ribs. How can I make this into a horizontally ribbed scarf with the same pattern to get that accordion bellows effect? Is it possible? I don’t trust myself to figure it out. Got any suggestions? Thank you!
Hi Odette,
Thank you for writing in and sharing such a wonderful review of this pattern! We always enjoy the feedback from our makers! I would suggest checking out our Mistake Rib Scarf for a horizontal version of this pattern. Although it is knit flat, you could easily graft it together to work as a vertical rib cowl once it gets to the size you like! I hope this helps but let us know if you have any other questions!
Happy knitting,
Gavriella
Thank you so much!! I didn’t know about this scarf. Great news!!
Hi,
Could I use a tubular cast on for this?
What do you think the result would be?
Thanks
Hi Natalie,
I would not recommend using a tubular cast-on for this pattern! That cast-on method is designed for 1 x 1 ribbing and can be used for 2 x 2 ribbing as well, but it’ll look a bit off with a mistake rib pattern. If you’re curious though, you can absolutely give it a try by knitting up a small swatch!
All the best,
Lili
Oooh glad I asked! That response is very helpful. Thank you!
Hi again!
Forgive me if this is already in the comments.
Can this easily be knit flat? Please let me know how?
Thank you!
Hi Natalie,
Yes, this stitch pattern can be knit flat. You can take a look at our Mistake Stitch Scarf to see how it’s done!
All the best,
Lili
Hi again!
For my question about knitting flat- are there pros and cons to that vs knitting it in the round?
Also, do you happen to know if it’s prudent to tighten up after the second purl stitch right before a knit stitch? Or better to keep tension consistent? (I know that this is sometimes helpful in a regular ribbing.)
Hi Natalie,
Since you’ll be working both knits and purls on every row (in the round or flat), it doesn’t matter! And in general, it’s best to keep your tension consistent.
All the best,
Lili
Gotcha.
If I want to knit this flat will the pattern be the same?
Or should I cast on a multiple of 4 plus 1? Then k2, p2, k1 for every row?
Does that work?
Or what about selvedge stitches?
Hi Natalie,
Our Mistake Stitch Scarf is a wonderful example of how to knit this stitch pattern flat!
All the best,
Lili