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 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, #PurlSohoGivernyCowl, and #PurlSohoLovebird. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 3 skeins of Purl Soho’s Lovebird, 100% superwash merino wool. Each skein is approximately 75-85 yards/ 100-110 grams; approximately 170-192 yards required. We used the color Candy Shop.
- US 10½ (6.5 mm), 16-inch circular needles
- 2 different stitch markers
NOTE: Because this yarn is hand spun in small batches, yardages may vary between skeins. Our yardage requirements err on the side of caution, so this cowl may not require the third skein. If you don’t end up needing it, you can return unwound yarn for a refund within 30 days of purchase, or within 6 months, for store credit. Our Return Policy has all the details!
Gauge
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.
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
Hi Gianna
I just finished this cowl using the color Candy shop. Wet blocking it now. I’m sort of confused, and worried if I did something wrong. You guys said you used the full two skeins, and part of the third skein. I used one skein to knit to 7 inches. Then for decrease row I joined the second skein. After I bound of in pattern stitch, I still had almost a half a ball. I was careful not to cast on tightly. Did the person that knit the sample in photos cast on really loose to use up both skeins? I measured before wet blocking and was 11 inches. The circumference was more like 20 at bottom. Now wet blocked stretching a bit it’s 23. I used 10 1/2 size 16 inch circular needles too.
Hi Cheryl,
It sounds like you may have knit this pattern at a slightly tighter gauge than we did, thus using up less yarn! We also add about a 10% buffer to all of our yardage requirements (to hopefully ensure no one runs out of yarn early!), so it is normal to use a bit less than we state on the pattern page.
All the best,
Lili
Hi Lili
Thanks, it looks good. I put photos of me wearing it on my Ravelry page magicalbeadsny
I have a full skein I’ve not rolled up plus what I have left on second skein. Is there a hat pattern that would work with that amount of yarn? Right now I’m using the Simple Pleasures hat kit in pink I got from you it looks nice with it.
Hi Cheryl,
The Inside-Out Knit Hat would be perfect to use up your remaining yarn! Most of the sizes require less than 2 skeins. The Nesting Hat would be another good option, but it requires more yarn, so there’s a chance of running out.
All the best,
Lili
Hi Lili
I just finished the Inside Out knit hat. Saw it next to picture of cowl on free patterns, before you posted. Came out really nice, and I had enough yarn. I had to do some creative sewing at top of crown, cause I didn’t have double point needles. Next time my friend orders for me will get some 101/2 double point needles. Jake really comes up with beautiful patterns. He was really helpful when he worked in the store. Hopefully the store will reopen. All of us here in NY miss going there.
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
I’m knitting this cowl flat and I’m at the part where you begin to decrease. When it says [knit 1, Purl 3] 5 times, do you k1 , p3 5 times or the entire pattern row 5 times. I’m confused and I hope my question makes sense.
Hi Michele,
Thanks for reaching out! For that section, you will just be repeating what is in the brackets 5 times, not the entire row. So you will k1, P3, and then repeat that 5 more times!
I hope this clears things up!
Gianna
Yes. Thanks so much!
Thanks! I had the same question!!
Is all of this yarn sold out? When I click on to purchase the page is not found.
Hi Michele,
Thanks for reaching out! We’ve been experiencing some technical issues with the website today and several products are showing error messages! We have our tech department working on it, and they should be resolved soon. Feel free to reach out to us directly at customerservice@purlsoho.com if you have any questions or need further assistance!
Warmly,
Kelsey
I made this for each of my nieces. I have 5! Wonderful pattern and easy to make. Thanks bunches for all the great work you do! I have a picture of my son modeling one but can’t figure out how to add the attachment. I used Point Break and it is beautiful.
Hi Leigh Anne,
Thanks for reaching out! I am so glad to hear that you have enjoyed this pattern! We would love to see your work! You can share with us by tagging your pics on Instagram with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoGivernyCowl, and #PurlSohoLovebird, or you can share your pictures with us directly by sending them to our email customerservice@purlsoho.com
We can’t wait to see!
Gianna
I love this pattern. But I’m not familiar with the purl stitch — p2tog through the back loop. Would it be OK if I do a regular pearl two together? The whole idea is just to decrease it right? Oh also, I was hoping this could be snug enough so that when my son or daughter, who are adults, pull it up over their faces when it’s super cold, it will stay. It looks a little loose on the model in the picture and was wondering if I should do another decrease row or what do you think?
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for reaching out. If you’re unsure how to do a p2tog through the back loop, I would recommend checking out our tutorial on purl decreases! The final step of a slip slip purl (ssp) is exactly what you’ll need to do to work a p2tog through the back loop. I do think it would be fine to work a normal p2tog here, though. The difference between them is in the direction that they lean, but that is mostly only visible from the knit side of the fabric, which is the wrong side in this case.
I think that working another decrease row (or even 2!) is a great idea to make the cowl more snug at the top! We intended for it just to be worn around the neck, but I think your idea is really cool and your idea for adjusting the circumference should definitely work.
All the best,
Lili
Thanks so much for the guidance Lili. Really appreciate it.
I’ve made this a couple of times in Lovebird and wanted to do another for a friend who seems to prefer more of a solid color. Which other yarns might work? Was thinking of super soft merino but wasn’t sure. Thanks.
–Anne
Hi Anne,
Thanks for reaching out. You’re absolutely right, Super Soft Merino would be a great substitute for Lovebird in this pattern! Hope this helps.
All the best,
Lili
Lili,
Thanks. How much do you think I’d need? Also, my pal would like Alizarin crimson solid and I was thinking about adding either Tussock or Brume (sort of like the three yarn scarf but only one).
Thoughts about best color?
—Anne
Hi Anne,
Thanks for your response! Super Soft Merino has about the same yardage per skein as Lovebird and 184 yards are required for this cowl, so you will need just 2 skeins! I love the idea of adding in Tussock or Brume, there isn’t a true match for Alizarin Crimson but I would recommend Tussock or Brume in either Ripe Boysenberry or Anjou Pear. Super Soft Merino should be the same gauge as Lovebird, but I would suggest working a gauge swatch when adding in another yarn to be sure you are still consistent with the pattern!
I hope this helps, and please let us know how this turns out! Happy knitting!
Gianna
Next round after decrease says 2 times. Then it says to repeat last round until piece measures 11 inches. Not sure what to do 2 times or 11 inches.
Hi Wendy,
Thanks for writing in. For this pattern, you would knit the “Next Round” two times and then keep repeating that round until your work measures 11 inches. So, essentially, both!
I hope this helps, and have a great day!
All the best,
Cat
Hi! I’d like to make this for a (larger) man. How many stitches should I cast on?
Hi Kelly,
Thanks for reaching out! This pattern works over a multiple of 4 stitches, so depending on the neck circumference of the wearer, and if your gauge is consistent with the pattern, you can calculate your cast on from there!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Thanks for the info, Gianna! I appreciate it! 😀
Agh, I can’t believe it, I have been knitting for over 50 years and I am confused on the decrease row.
*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]
What I did was knit from * to ** and that didn’t’ work out. Since you are decreasing 4 stitches, do you knit this *K1, p1, purl 2 together (p2tog), k1, p3, k1, p2tog through the back loop, p1, twice and then knit [k1, p3] 5 times? I am so confused and I shouldn’t be, Any help is appreciated. I call this yarn “happy yarn” and that’s I feel while knitting with it. And am also unsure about the second marker placement. Thank you.
Hi Sue,
Thanks for reaching out. I’d be happy clarify the Decrease Round! Whenever you see asterisks in a pattern, those mean to repeat the instructions contained between the asterisks multiple times. In this pattern, you’ll work the entirety of the instructions between the asterisks once (K1, p1, purl 2 together (p2tog), k1, p3, k1, p2tog through the back loop, p1, [k1, p3] 5 times) and then just repeat the same exact thing one more time! You’ll place the side marker right after you finish working the first repeat of the instructions between the asterisks, and before beginning them again. Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Lili,
Thank you for your well written response. You have helped me see things so much more clearly and I look forward to finishing the cowl and making more.
All the best to you,
Sue
You’re very welcome, Sue!
All the best,
Lili