Giverny Cowl
If you could put the impression of water lilies, rippled reflections, and afternoon light into a yarn, it would be our Lovebird!
Created in partnership with yarn-masters and non-profit cooperative Manos Del Uruguay, each hand-spun, hand-dyed skein of Lovebird is a sun-drenched pool of color. We like to think if Claude Monet had been a knitter, he might have cast on with a skein and settled in pond-side for a day of knitting!
Our Giverny Cowl is named for Monet’s Normandy home, famous for its gardens of bright azaleas and climbing wisteria, its lakes covered in water lilies, and its tumultuous beauty.
Packed with inspiration but not complication, our Giverny Cowl is simple enough for beginners, just a 1×3 rib and a few easy decreases for a nice-fitting shape. You’ll just need three skeins of Lovebird… Pick the color of your own dream getaway!
Designed for Purl Soho by Jake Canton.
Materials
- 3 skeins of Purl Soho’s Lovebird, 100% superwash merino wool. Each skein is 82 yards; approximately 184 yards required. We used the color Candy Shop.
- US 10½, 16-inch circular needles
- 2 different stitch markers
PLEASE NOTE: Because this yarn is hand spun in small batches, yardages may vary between skeins. Our yardage requirements err on the side of caution. The cowl may not require the third skein, but if you leave it unwound and don’t end up needing it, you can exchange it (click right here for Purl Soho’s return policy).
Gauge
11 stitches and 15 rounds = 4 inches in 3 x 1 rib
10½ stitches and 18 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
Size
Finished Circumference At Base Of Cowl: 23¼ inches
Finished Circumference At Top Of Cowl: 21¾ inches
Finished Height: 11 inches
Notes
Stitch Multiple
This pattern works over a multiple of 4 stitches.
Pattern
Cast on 64 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Place end-of-round marker and join for working in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.
Round 1: *K1, p3, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Round 1 until piece measures 7 inches from cast-on edge.
Decrease Round: *K1, p1, purl 2 together (p2tog), k1, p3, k1, p2tog through the back loop, p1, [k1, p3] 5 times,** place side marker, repeat from * to **. [60 stitches remain]
Next Round: [K1, p2, k1, p3, k1, p2, *k1, p3, repeat from * to next marker] 2 times.
Repeat last round until piece measures 11 inches from cast-on edge.
Bind off in stitch pattern.
Weave in ends and gently wet block.
PRINT
Just looking at these photos fills me with inspiration! I think i will make this my first project as I am a beginner knitter. Will let you know how it goes!
Thank you!
Rebecca
Hi Rebecca,
Thanks for writing in! I am so glad to hear that you love this pattern! All the best of luck on your first project and please let us know how it turns out!
All the best,
Gianna
On decrease row the first purl 2 together is not through back loop correct? The best Mary!
Hi Mary,
Thanks for reaching out! When you go to p2tog you will bring the needle from the back to the front through the 2 stitches, you can see exactly how we work this decrease in our Purl 2 Together (p2tog) + Slip Slip Purl (ssp) tutorial!
All the best,
Gianna
Thank you…appreciate your response…this is very helpful…
Hi, just wondering would the 10.5 / 20″ circular needles work for this pattern? It seems the 16″ are out of stock.
Thank you so much!
Taylor
Hi Taylor,
Thanks for reaching out! A 20″ circular needle should be just fine for this pattern!
All the best,
Gianna
Oh no! I just realized that this pattern says 3 skeins and I only purchased 2. Do you have an estimate on when there will be more of this yarn in stock? Or an alternative cowl pattern with this type of yarn?
Hi Abigail,
Thanks for reaching out! Oh no! Unfortunately, I don’t have an exact estimate on when the yarn will be back in stock. The best way to be notified is to add your email on the Lovebird product page under the color you want and we will email you as soon as we have it available! It is possible to slightly alter this pattern, We only used approximately 20 yards of the 3rd skein so you can make a slightly shorter cowl and should be able to get away with 2 skeins!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
where can i buy the needles for this project?
Hi Lesley,
Thanks for reaching out! You can buy the needles on out site by clicking here!
All the best,
Gianna
I have finish knitting…is there a tutorial on wet blocking as I have never done that…thanks so much
Hi Mary,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes, we offer a great tutorial on Blocking!
All the best,
Gianna
How could I make this into a scarf using the same stitch and wool?
Hi Ellen,
Thanks for reaching out! This is a fairly easy pattern to adjust, since it is an easy k1 p3 rib stitch! If your gauge is consistent with the pattern you can calculate your cast on from there based on how wide you would like the scarf (I would recommend casting on 28 stitches for a standard scarf width on 10″, keep in mind that the pattern works over a multiple of 4 stitches!) You would then work Row 1: K1, P3, repeat to the end of the row. Row 2: P1, K3 repeat to the end of the row. You will then repeat those two rows until you reach your desired length!
I hope this helps and please let us know how it turns out!
Warmly,
Gianna
Any idea when these yarns will be back in stock? I’m looking for the licorice.
Thank you,
Michele Dennis
Hi Michele,
Thanks for reaching out! Although I can’t say exactly when the yarn will be back in stock, I imagine we will have it back this month! The best way to be notified is to put your email in on the Lovebird product page under the color you want and we will email you as soon as it is available!
Warmly,
Gianna
Can you tell me what colorway was used for the sample cowl on the model?
Hi Donel,
Thanks for writing in! We used the color Candy Shop for our sample!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi, I’d like to make this for a child. Could you suggest how to adjust the pattern for a smaller size? Thank you!
Hi LL,
Thanks for reaching out! You could certainly adjust the pattern! The stitch works over a multiple of 4 stitches, so if your gauge is consistent and based on the child’s measurements you can adjust the cast on from there!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi from NZ! If I were to make both the Inside Out hat and this cowl in the same colour of Lovebird, would I need 4 or 5 skeins? Am expecting to be either Adult Small or Medium (probably the latter) for the hat. Would like to avoid buying an extra skein if at all possible because the exchange rate is not in my favour. Thank you!
Hi Una,
Thanks for reaching out! This cowl uses 184 yards; 2 full skeins and about 1/4 of the 3rd and for the hat you will need 116 yards for the Adult Small or 136 Yards for the Adult Medium! So total you would need 300 yards for the Cowl and Adult Small hat or 320 Yards for the Cowl and the Adult Medium hat. 4 skeins (328 yards total) should be plenty for either combination, but you may be cutting it a bit close with the Cowl and the Adult Medium hat so I would be extra sure your gauge is consistent and you aren’t leave too long of tails when working!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Oh no! I purchased the yarn and after reading the pattern realize it’s in the round. I don’t know how to knit in the round, is there a flat version of this pattern?
Hi Michele,
Thanks for reaching out! Luckily, since this pattern is a simple rib pattern so you could easily work it flat and then stitch it up after! Just keep in mind that the written instructions only include right side rows since it is worked in the round, so you will need to make sure you keep track and work the wrong side rows to maintain the rib pattern. I know it may be intimidating but working in. the round is super easy and we have many great tutorials to help you along the way!
Please let me know if you have any more questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
Yikes . I’m beginner . What is difference between the first marker and the side marker?
Thankyou ,
Beth
Hi Beth,
Thanks for reaching out! No worries, I am happy to help! The first maker will indicate where you joined the work in the round and mark the end of round and where you begin a new row! The 2nd marker placed on the side will help you keep track of the rib pattern after working the decrease row!
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
How should I modify the pattern to use a worsted weight yarn instead of a bulky – cast on number, needle size, gauge?
Hi Jarvis,
Thanks for reaching out! I would recommend working a gauge swatch with the yarn you plan on using and an appropriate needle size (typically a US 7-8 for worsted weight!) Based on your gauge you can calculate the cast on from there!
All the best,
Gianna
Hi,
I have knit the first 7″ of the cowl. I have completed the first Decrease Row and 60 stitches remain on my needles. But I have 8 stitches remaining until I reach my row marker. Is this correct? and should I just start on the “Next Round”? Even though my row marker is 8 stitches away!
Hi Tessa,
Thanks for reaching out! You shouldn’t start on the next row until you reach your end of round maker, so you should repeat the decrease round until you have reached the marker! My best guess is that you finished the decreases and just need to to finish the round working in the established rib pattern (k1, p3.)
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Warmly,
Gianna