Soft As A Cloud Cowls In Cygnet
Our Soft As A Cloud Cowls feel as if we reached up and grabbed some puffy clouds floating by. My, what a wonderful feeling, downy and snuggly, gentle and billowy!
This nebulous ring of softness is made out of our beautiful Cygnet, an undyed blend of 70% cashmere and 30% baby alpaca. Both fibers contribute to cloud-like softness, but it’s the cashmere that brings the ethereal lightness.
All this well-being demands some exquisite stitchery. Our Soft As A Cloud Cowls use simple techniques to etch columns of pretty twists. The Open Mock Cable version (above, left) uses a yarn over and a “pass slipped stitch over” (essentially a bind off); the Spiral Rib (above, front) employs an easy right twist (yes, there’s a tutorial!); and the third version (above, right, and also below) combines the two.
You’ll need just two 50-gram skeins of Cygnet to knit up your favorite version. There are four undyed shades to choose from, the three beauties shown here, plus Heirloom White… Cast on for cloud nine!
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 founder and co-owner, Joelle Hoverson for her (now out-of-print) book, More Last Minute Knitted Gifts.
Share your progress + connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoSoftAsACloudCowls, and #PurlSohoCygnet. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 2 skeins of Purl Soho’s Cygnet, 70% undyed white cashmere and 30% natural-color alpaca. Each skein of this fingering weight yarn is 164 yards; approximately 328 yards required. We used the colors Silver Stone, Weather Gray, and Ash Bark.
- US 2 (3 mm), 16- or 20-inch circular needles
- A stitch marker
Gauge
40 stitches and 40 rounds = 4 inches in stitch pattern (all three versions are the same gauge)
31 stitches and 42 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
Sizes
Open Mock Cable
- Finished Dimensions: 20½ inches in circumference x 10¾ inches high
Spiral Rib
- Finished Dimensions: 20½ inches in circumference x 10½ inches high
Open Mock Cable + Spiral Rib
- Finished Dimensions: 20 inches in circumference x 10½ inches high
Notes
Slip Stitches
Slip all slipped stitches purlwise with yarn in back.
PSSO (Pass Slipped Stitch Over)
Use left needle to lift slipped stitch (third stitch on right needle) over first two stitches and off the needle. [1 stitch decreased]
RT (Right Twist)
NOTE Our Mock Cable Rib tutorial demonstrates this technique!
K2tog, leaving stitches on left needle, insert right needle between 2 stitches just worked and knit first stitch again, slip both stitches from left needle together. [2 stitches on right needle, no decrease or increase]
Stitch Multiples
Open Mock Cable Rib Cowl is worked over a multiple of 5 stitches.
Spiral Rib Cowl is worked over a multiple of 6 stitches.
Open Mock Cable + Spiral Rib Cowl is worked over a multiple of 11 stitches.
Pattern
Open Mock Cable Rib Cowl
Cast on 200 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Join for working in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place marker for beginning of round.
Rounds 1 and 2: *K3, p2, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 3: *Slip 1 (see Notes), k2, psso (see Notes), p2, repeat from * to end of round. [160 stitches remain]
Round 4: *K1, yarn over, k1, p2, repeat from * to end of round. [200 stitches]
Repeat Rounds 1-4 until piece measures 10¾ inches or to desired length, ending with Round 4.
Bind off, working Round 1 pattern.
Weave in ends and gently block.
Spiral Rib Cowl
Cast on 204 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Join for working in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place marker for beginning of round.
Rounds 1 and 3: *K4, p2, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 2: *(RT [see Notes]) 2 times, p2, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 4: *K1, RT, k1, p2, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Rounds 1-4 until piece measures 10½ inches or to desired length, ending with Round 4.
Bind off, working Round 1 pattern.
Weave in ends and gently block.
Open Mock Cable + Spiral Rib Cowl
Cast on 198 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Join for working in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Place marker for beginning of round.
Round 1: *K3, p2, k4, p2, repeat from * to end of round
Round 2: *K3, p2, (RT [see Notes]) 2 times, p2, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 3: *Slip 1, k2, psso (see Notes), p2, k4, p2, repeat from * to end of round. [180 stitches remain]
Round 4: *K1, yarn over, k1, p2, k1, RT, k1, p2, repeat from * to end of round. [198 stitches]
Repeat Rounds 1-4 until piece measures 10½ inches or to desired length, ending with Round 4.
Bind off, working Round 1 pattern.
Weave in ends and gently block.
LEARN ABOUT CYGNET + ALL OUR BEAUTIFUL YARNS
Our Cygnet yarn makes this project extra special. A fingering-weight yarn in an exquisite blend of 70% undyed white cashmere and 30% natural-color baby alpaca, Cygnet’s five straight-from-nature shades span a range of soft gray-browns, like a bevy of baby swans! You will love the warmth, the softness, and the drape, but most of all, you will love the natural beauty.
More Free Knitting Patterns
- Be sure to explore our collection of free Cygnet knitting patterns and cast on!
More Fingering-Weight Yarns
- Shop our entire collection of fingering-weight yarn
- 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 cashmere yarn
- 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!
I love these and the colours are so nice. I need this yarn!
This is beautiful! Is there anyway y’all are planning to make a matching hat pattern out of this?
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for reaching out and for your kind words! At this time we don’t have a matching hat pattern planed for this hat but thank you for expressing your interest! I will be sure to pass this along to the rest of the team!
Warmly,
Gianna
Gorgeous! Yes, a matching hat pattern, please!
Spiral Rib Cowl — beautiful. Can you tell me if the back is as beautiful. I’m looking for a pattern that is reversible and am wondering about this one. Thank you.
Hi JW,
Thanks for reaching out! The cable pattern only appears on the “right side” of the cowl, the “wrong side” slightly resembles a rib pattern! You can kind of see how this looks in the photo directly below the PATTERN section!
Warmly,
Gianna
I love this pattern but can’t afford $66.00 for one cowl! Can you tell me what weight this yarn is. Do you have suggestions for alternative yarn choices?
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for reaching out! Cygnet is a fingering weight yarn, so in its place I would recommend Line Weight or Linen Quill! I also recommend working a gauge swatch before jumping in to insure you are consistent with the pattern!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi – would this work with the Sweetgrass yarn?
Hi Gladys,
Thank you for your question! Yes, this cowl would work very well with Sweetgrass instead of Cygnet, since Sweetgrass is also a fingering weight yarn! As always, we recommend making a gauge swatch, especially when substituting yarns. If you would like to learn more about how to make and use a gauge swatch, we have a handy tutorial here!
All the best,
Margaret
I would like to make larger version of the mock cable and spiral rib cowl. Can you tell me how many stitches for each repeat of the pattern or how many I should cast on to make it about a third larger?
Hi Linda,
Thanks for reaching out! You can find this information in the NOTES section of the pattern! The Open Mock Cable + Spiral Rib Cowl is worked over a multiple of 11 stitches. To calculate your cast on I would suggest working a gauge swatch first to insure you are consistent, you can calculate how many stitches to cast on based on the width you are looking for!
Warmly,
Gianna
Love the pattern! Could these stitches be used in making fingerless gloves?
Hi Judith,
Thanks for reaching out! I think you could certainly adapt this stitch pattern for fingerless gloves! Keep in mind the Open Mock Cable Rib is worked over a multiple of 5 stitches, the Spiral Rib is worked over a multiple of 6 stitches and the Open Mock Cable + Spiral Rib is worked over a multiple of 11 stitches.
Warmly,
Gianna
If I were to taper the top part of the cowl so it hugs my neck better, would you run the decrease over the full 10ish inches, or start at a certain point? I’m hoping for something like the way a close-wrapped scarf stays up closer to my chin, rather than falling down to expose a lot of the neck.
Hi Anna,
Thanks for reaching out! Since we don’t include instructions for working decreases, it may take a bit of trial and error to add them in and get them to work accurately with the cable patterns! Keep in mind that the Open Mock Cable Rib Cowl is worked over a multiple of 5 stitches, the Spiral Rib Cowl is worked over a multiple of 6 stitches and the Open Mock Cable + Spiral Rib Cowl is worked over a multiple of 11 stitches so when adding in decreases you will need to maintain those multiples in order for the pattern to continue to work properly!
If you try this out please let us know how it turns out!
Warmly,
Gianna
I cannot wear wool. Is there another yarn of yours that could be used for these patterns? I love your yarns and your patterns! Thanks so much!
Hi Sue,
Thanks for reaching out and for your kind words! Cygnet is a fingering weight yarn so a few non wool options I would suggest are Cattail Silk or Spectrum Silk! I also suggest working a gauge swatch prior to beginning to insure that you are consistent with the pattern!
Warmly,
Gianna
Thanks so much for your response! Can’t wait to try this pattern in on of the yarns you suggest.
I prefer working with a DK or worsted weight and larger needle… (for older eyes and hands..LOL) .What yarn would you suggest, needle size and number of stitches to cast on?
Hi Risa,
Thanks for reaching out! I think you could certainly adjust the gauge and make this pattern with a heavier weight yarn and larger needles! I would suggest Cashmere Merino Bloom, Understory or Worsted Twist! I would recommend 2 skeins of yarn to complete this cowl. Depending on the yarn you choose, you can select an appropriate needle size and then make a gauge swatch in order to calculate your cast on amount! Be sure to keep in mind that the patterns work over a specific multiple of stitches. The Open Mock Cable Rib Cowl is worked over a multiple of 5 stitches, the Spiral Rib Cowl is worked over a multiple of 6 stitches and the Open Mock Cable + Spiral Rib Cowl is worked over a multiple of 11 stitches.
I also recommend checking out our tutorial All About Gauge, it is an excellent resource to use!
Warmly,
Gianna
Thank you so much for your help and suggestions. The yarns look lovely. Which of these would be the warmest? I’m not sure if the cashmere/merino “Bloom” is warmer than the alpaca/yak/silk “Understory”blend. I am guessing the blends are warmer than the 100% Merino.
Sign me “Cold in Upstate NY”,
Risa
Hi Risa,
I’d say if you’re looking for warmth, I’d recommend the Cashmere Merino Bloom. It’s a little cushier than the Understory, and is wonderfully soft and very warm!
I hope this helps, and please let me know if you have any other questions!
Take care,
Kelsey
Could these be done with 1 skein of Cashmere Bloom using larger needles?
Hi Melissa,
Thanks for reaching out! You could certainly adjust the gauge of this pattern for a larger needle and Cashmere Merino Bloom, however you would need a bit more than one skein so I suggest 2 skeins to completely this cowl!
Warmly,
Gianna
How would you rate the difficulty of this pattern?
Hi Isabelle,
Thanks for reaching out! I would say this is an advanced beginner – intermediate level pattern!
Warmly,
Gianna
Could this be made smaller for a child? Maybe using fewer stitches, spiral rib seems to be multiples of 6 and maybe the combo also?
Thank you
Pattie
Hi Pattie,
Thanks for reaching out! You could certainly adjust the size of the cowl for a child! You can find the stitch multiples in the NOTES section of the pattern! The Open Mock Cable Rib Cowl is worked over a multiple of 5 stitches, the Spiral Rib Cowl is worked over a multiple of 6 stitches and the Open Mock Cable + Spiral Rib Cowl is worked over a multiple of 11 stitches.
Warmly,
Gianna
Thank you for indicating the needle size in mm. It’d be great to see all your patterns include the metric needle size.
Where is the printer friendly version??? I like your patterns and have collected some of them, but to print them takes a ream of paper and a lot of ink. How about a picture and the instructions??
Hi Juanita,
Thanks for reaching out! If you’re on a desktop version of the site, you will find a “print” icon in the right column just below the “Save To Favorites” button. 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 this helps!
Gianna
These are lovely. I like the appearance of rib on the back which would make it OK as a flat scarf. I’d like to do that with any one of them but am not sure how to adapt to working RS/WS rather than a spiral on the RS. Any tips please?
Hi Maggie,
Thanks for reaching out! At this time we only offer instructions for the Mock Cable Rib flat!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
The RT tutorial mentions if you are knitting in the round to do a purl wise RT. Should I do PRT or a KRT?
Hi Judy,
Thanks for reaching out! For this pattern since you are working it in the round only over the right side of the fabric you will be working knitwise!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hello
These cowls are made in the round, so how to make a gauge for this pattern (I assume that the gauge is not made in the round)? Also, I find it difficult to work in the round, is it easy to transpose this to a flat pattern?
Thank you
Hi Carla,
Thanks for reaching out! We actually like to swatch in the round for projects like these! I recommend checking out our Swatching for Circular Gauge tutorial! At this time we only offer the Mock Cable Rib pattern flat. However, thank you for expressing your interest I will be sure to pass this along!
Warmly,
Gianna
To make a flat swatch do we do alternate knit right twist and put right twist.
How do we make a flat swatch?
Thanks for your help!😁👍🏻
Hi Sue,
Thanks for writing in! Since these patterns are written in the round, I would suggest checking out our Swatching For Circular Gauge tutorial! It will walk you through the easy process to accurately check your gauge!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Hi, This is so gorgeous! However, I really have no need and nobody for a cowl. Are there directions for knitting flat?
Hi Sandra,
Thanks for reaching out! At this time we only have instructions for how to work the Mock Cable Rib pattern flat, you can find the tutorial for that here: Mock Cable Rib!
Warmly,
Gianna
Thanks for your reply! Stay safe!
This cute, which pattern is the easiest?
Hi Cynthia,
Thanks for reaching out! I would say the Mock Cable Rib option will probably be the easiest! We also offer a great tutorial to see how this stitch is worked!
Warmly,
Gianna
I have several skeins of Baby Yak Lace in Desert
Do you think these would work for one of these cowls?
Hi Gwen,
Thanks for reaching out! The Baby Yak Lace is much thinner than the Cygnet, so I’d recommend doubling it and knitting up a gauge swatch before you start the project to see if you like the look of it in pattern. The Baby Yak is such a lovely yarn and I think that with the right gauge, it would be a great fit for these cowls!
I hope this helps, but please let me know if you have any other questions!
Take care,
Kelsey
Hi, I saw this message a little late to get the discount on the yarn
I have a white hair, fair skin and blue eyes and would probably brder light blue.. let me know. And does the printed pattern com e with the order?
Alice Shearer
Hi Alice,
Thanks for reaching out! The pattern is free on our website here, but you can always request a printed copy to be included with your order! Just make a note in the Special Instructions field on the checkout page requesting a printed copy, and our fulfillment team will make sure to send one along with your yarn.
I hope this helps, and please let me know if you have any other questions!
Take care,
Kelsey
This is a gorgeous pattern! I love the softness and drape of this yarn, but size two needles scare me. Chuckle. I see your recommendations above to use Cashmere Merino Bloom, which is a great idea. How about Season Alpaca? Would it show the stitch definition well? Flax Down? I’d love to hear your thoughts – you all are so very talented and artistic!
Warm regards, Lisa
Hi Lisa!
Thanks for reaching out! I understand that those size US2 needles can be daunting (but on the bright side, it’s only a cowl and not a sweater! If you wanted to dive in to those US2’s, it’s a smaller project to tackle!).
I think the Season Alpaca would be a wonderful choice for this cowl. It’s one of my favorite yarns, both for it’s incredible softness and for it’s stitch definition! The Flax Down would be a nice choice as well in terms of warmth and texture, but I think if you’re looking for optimal stitch clarity I’d go with the Season Alpaca or Cashmere Merino Bloom.
I hope this helps you with your decisions!
Take care and Happy Knitting!
Kelsey
Thank you so much for your quick response! How about Cashmere Tend? I have some for the Mistake Rib cowl… and have made one. I thought the lovely soft, defined yarn might work for this one. Would you recommend size 8 needles? Are four skeins enough? Thanks! Lisa
Hi Lisa,
The Cashmere Tend would certainly make for a dreamy soft cowl! I think with four skeins, you should have enough but it’s a little tricky to tell because the Tend is so much thicker than the Cygnet that the cowl is designed for. You might end up needing to adjust the pattern and reduce the number of repeats so that your final project isn’t too large.
I’d recommend knitting up a gauge swatch in the Tend and seeing what needle size works best to achieve the look you want. I’d start with a US8 and adjust in needed. From there, you can determine how many pattern repeats you’ll need to reach the proper circumference of the cowl.
I hope this helps!
Warmly,
Kelsey
Hi quick question..
nice rhythm to pattern..I inadvertently twisted it about 4 rows ago, quite close to start of cowl..
I can ladder down or what about leaving the twist? Don’t cowls sometimes have a twist in the pattern and then it sits snugly? Or am I imagining this..Appreciate your help!, many thanks
Hi Robyn,
Thanks for reaching out! Do you mean you twisted the stitches when joining in the round? If so then unfortunately I would suggest starting over and being extra careful not to twist the stitches when you join the work. A twist in the work will inevitably make it harder to knit when the work gets longer.
Warmly,
Gianna
I’m really enjoying working this pattern in Cygnet. I see you have a new yarn – Simply Camel – that looks as if it would work for this pattern without any gauge adjustments. Would you recommend that yarn for this project? I love your yarns, projects, tutorials! Knitting has helped get me through the pandemic.
Hi Laura,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes, I think the Simply Camel would work wonderfully for this pattern! If you’re unsure, you could always knit up a little swatch to make sure that your gauge with the Simply Camel matches the gauge recommended in the pattern.
Take care and Happy Knitting!
Kelsey
Hi,
I made the first one (mock cable) and it is totally gorgeous. I used 2 ply jade sapphire and only 140 stitches to make it a bit tighter and it is fabulous. I am making the second one and am almost done (this time 6 ply jade sapphire and 120 stitches) and it turned out to have diagonal ribs. I followed the pattern exactly and it looks very nice by it is definitely diagonal ribs and I can’t figure out why. thanks!
Hi Jane,
Thanks for reaching out! I am so glad to hear that your first cowl turned out so well! Hmm, I am not sure what could have happened there! Please send a photo of your work to our email [email protected] and we can troubleshoot further!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi,
I’m trying to do the open mock cable and spiral rib cowl. Are these patterns written for knitting in the round? I noticed the RT tutorial video suggests purling the RT when knitting in the round, which made me worry these patterns were meant to be adjusted for knitting in the round. In other words, I’m wondering if I should be reversing the right side pattern rows since we’re only knitting on the wrong side in the round. If we’re meant to be altering the pattern for knitting in the round, can someone provide the altered pattern directly to me? I’m not sure I’m experienced enough to avoid a mistake in transcribing it.
Thanks!
Samantha
Hi Samantha,
Thanks for reaching out! These cowl patterns are written for working in the round and do not need to be altered! The video tutorial is a bit older and was made for a previous pattern that was worked flat, however we included it as a resource with this pattern to demonstrate how the stitch is worked!
So to clarify, if you would like to knit one of these cowls, you will be working in the round and you will follow the pattern as written, there is no need for any alterations!
I hope this clears things up!
Warmly,
Gianna
Thank you! Very helpful! I’m interested in trying this with the Burnish yarn. I noticed it’s a slightly smaller gauge yarn than Cygnet. Do you have suggestions for altering the number of stitches I cast on so the down comes out about the same size?
Hi Samantha,
I am happy to help! Burnish is actually ever so slightly thicker than Cygnet, but I think it would look beautiful with this cowl! I would recommend starting out by working a gauge swatch with the recommended US 2 needles we use in the pattern (since they are both fingering weight yarns, this should be fine!) You can then compare your gauge to the gauge of the pattern to determine if the gauge is consistent or if you need to go up to a US 3 needle.
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
Currently I am making the open mock cable + spiral rib cowl. It is absolutely gorgeous. I would like to make it longer, using season alpaca or cashmere merino bloom. Do you have suggestions for needle size, skeins, as well as number of stitches to cast on?
Thank you.
Hi Susan,
Thanks for reaching out! I am so glad to hear that you are enjoying this pattern! For Season Alpaca I would suggest using a US 3 – 5 and for Cashmere Merino Bloom I would suggest using a US 5 – 7 needle. The amount of yarn you will need depends on how much longer you plan on making the cowl, and to calculate the cast on you should start by making a gauge swatch and counting your stitches per inch to determine how many stitches you will need. Our tutorial All About Gauge is an excellent resource to use when re-gauging a pattern!
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
I am working on the Open Mock Cable (the first cowl) but am confused because the linked tutorial for Open Mock Cableshows a right twist, but the pattern has psso and yo but no right twist. If I want to
Hi Titi,
Thanks for writing in! Although the tutorial is the same stitch as the Open Mock Cable Cowl, the technique is a bit different, the tutorial works the stitch flat and for the cowl you are working in the Round! So even though they look the same the instructions are a bit different depending on the way you are using the stitch.
I hope this clears things up!
Gianna
Hi! I was wondering what you’d recommend is your preferred way to join two skeins of Cygnet? I typically felt my strands, but the cashmere seems too lovely and the strands too smooth to try this (I think it’d leave a strange looking bump in the cable pattern). Thank you!
Hi Sere,
Thanks for writing in! I would recommend checking out our Adding a Ball of Yarn tutorial, it is the method we use when making our samples! Just be sure to keep long enough tails on the new tail and old tail to ensure you can properly weave in your ends!
Happy knitting!
Gianna
I would like to make the open mock cable + spiral rib pattern as a scarf. How do I convert the pattern?
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for reaching out! At this time we only have instructions for how to work the Mock Cable Rib pattern flat, you can find the tutorial for that here: Mock Cable Rib! However, thank you for expressing your interest in working the open mock cable + spiral rib pattern flat, I will certainly pass this along to the rest of the team!
Warmly,
Gianna
❤
Can you explain PSSO as used in this pattern. Do you slip one and knit one and pass the slip stitch over?
Hi Francine,
Thanks for reaching out! How to work the PSSO is to use the left needle to lift the slipped stitch (third stitch on right needle) over first two stitches and off the needle as if to bind off, this will result in 1 stitch decreased!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Hi! I am about to cast on in fingering, and was checking the pattern in my beloved and well-used More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts, and noticed that the needle size and CO are different (and the gauge, of course). Can you tell me why the adjustment? I assume this version makes a tighter weave (and uses more yarn)? Thanks! Can’t wait to get knitting…
Hi Jen,
Thanks for reaching out! We made these adjustments based on the yarn we chose to use, our lovely Cygnet! Cygnet is on the thinner side for a fingering weight yarn, so when we decided to re-launch these cowls, we changed the size of the needles, cast on, and overall gauge to better support this yarn!
I hope this clears things up, happy knitting!
Gianna
Hello,
Would this pattern work well and look well switching colors part way up?
Thank you
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for reaching out! I think you could certainly work this pattern with two colors shifting part way!
If you do so, please let us know how it turns out!
Gianna
Would you use the spray method of blocking for this cowl? Should I pin and keep turning it over to dry? I am using your Cygnet yarn.
Hi Lynn,
Thanks for your questions! Spray blocking would work great for this cowl and yarn. It might take a few hours or overnight, but the cowl will definitely dry once you’ve pinned it so I don’t think you have to turn it over. I hope this helps! Have a great rest of your day!
All the best,
Cat
Are there any other colors in the Cygnet yarn besides these different grays?
Hi Maria,
Thanks for reaching out. Cygnet is an undyed yarn, so all the colors we offer are the natural colors of the alpacas the yarn comes from! If you’d be more interested in a yarn with more color options, I’d be happy to give you some suggestions for something else that would work with this pattern!
All the best,
Lili
I love the pattern and enjoy working these stitches. I have several skeins of Good Wool and would like to use that yarn. Can you help we with the needle size and the number of stitches to cast on. I was thinking 150 stitches using #6 needle. I will be making the open mock cable cowl Thank you.
Hi Camille,
Thanks for reaching out with your question. This cowl would be lovely knit up in Good Wool, and I’d be happy to help you alter the pattern to suit a different gauge!
To start, you can knit a gauge swatch in pattern using Good Wool. The recommended needle size for this yarn is between a US 4-6, so feel free to experiment with these sizes until you get a fabric density that you like. From here, you can measure how many stitches per inch you are getting in the open mock cable pattern, and multiply that by the desired circumference of the cowl (20½”). Since the Open Mock Cable Rib Cowl is worked over a multiple of 5 stitches, you will want to round this number to the nearest multiple of 5 to get your cast-on number.
I hope this helps, and please let me know if you have any questions!
All the best,
Carly
Thank you Carly.
You’re very welcome, Camille!
Happy knitting!
Carly
In 2013 I bought the recommended yarn from your New York shop and knitted the 2 cable version from your book borrowed from the Auckland Public Libraries, New Zealand. It’s an excellent cowl pattern for the light and comfortable yarn.
Thank you so much, Janice! We are so glad to hear you enjoyed knitting your cowl, and we can’t wait to see what you knit next!
All the best,
Margaret
Hi, I just started on the Open Mock + Spiral Rib Cowl pattern and in Round 2: *K3, p2, (RT [see notes]) 2 times, is the 2 times referring to just the RT? or starting from K3, p2, RT?
Also another question, for round 3 “Slip 1, since you end in purl from round 2 do you slip 1 purlwise? Thanks!
Hi Hannah,
Yes, you will slip this stitch purlwise! A good rule of thumb is that if a pattern doesn’t specify “knitwise” or “purlwise” for a slipped stitch, the default is always purlwise!
All the best,
Lili
Hi Hannah,
Thanks for checking! Yes, “2 times” refers only to the RT. Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Casting off in pattern, I assume you knit when you get to the RT? Thanks
Hi Sophie,
Thanks for writing in! For these patterns, you will bind off following the stitch pattern for Round 1. That means that the stitches that you worked a RT with on Round 4 will indeed line up with the knit stitches in the bind-off!
All the best,
Lili
Thank you so much Lili!
Hi, I’m a new knitter and I wondered if one of these patterns are easier than the others? Could I use season Alpaca which is 100% baby alpaca in dove gray or mulberry merino , 80%extra fine merino wool , 20% mulberry silk in toasted charcoal for this cowl?
Thanks, Carol
Hi Carol,
Thanks for writing in! I’d say that both the Open Mock Cable Rib pattern and the Spiral Rib Pattern are about the same level of difficulty. I’d recommend sticking to one or the other (instead of doing the version that combines both)! If you run into any stopping points as you knit, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re always happy to help explain things!
And you can absolutely use either Season Alpaca or Mulberry Merino for this pattern. As always, we recommend knitting a gauge swatch before casting on your project, especially when you are substituting yarns. You may need to size up or down your needles in order to get the correct gauge! If you would like to learn more about this, we have a handy tutorial called All About Gauge, which you can find right here.
Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Hello,
I would like to make your lovely Open Mock Cable cowl. Since I live in the Netherlands, I searched for substitutions of Cygnet in yarns. They don’t recognize Purl Soho or any of your yarns, and I am wondering why that is, because you are still selling your yarns.
Hi Elsje,
I’m sorry that you haven’t been able to find substitutes for our yarn online! I’d be happy to help you figure anything out though. Cygnet is a fingering weight yarn, so many other fingering weight yarns will also work for this pattern! It’s made of a mix of alpaca and cashmere fiber, so if you wanted something with a similar texture, I’d recommend keeping an eye out for those fibers, or something similarly soft, like merino wool or yak. If you have any specific yarns you’re interested in as a substitute, feel free to let me know! I can take a look and see if they’ll be a good match to Cygnet.
All the best,
Lili
I would love to knit with Cynet! Would this yarn work for the Mistake Rib cowl and if so what needle size, etc? Many thanks for your wonderful tutorials, videos, patterns and yarns!
Hi Katie,
Cygnet is a great choice for the Mistake Rib Cowl! We recommend using sizes US 2 or 3 with this yarn, and here’s how you can modify the Mistake Rib Cowl to work with Cygnet:
To figure out your cast-on number, you will want to first knit a gauge swatch in pattern (if this is daunting, we have a wonderful tutorial called All About Gauge). Once you know how many stitches you are getting per inch, you can multiply that number by the width that you would like and cast on the nearest multiple of 4 stitches. Then you can follow the pattern as written!
All the best,
Lili
I love many of your patterns, including this one. Is there a way to print the pattern without all of the pictures? I don’t need to see so many pictures of the item I’m knitting and don’t want to waste printer ink or paper. Thanks for any suggestions you might have.
Hi MJ,
Thanks for reaching out. Here’s how we’d recommend printing any of our free patterns: If you’re on your computer, you’ll find a “print” icon in the right column just below the “Save To Favorites” button. If you’re on a mobile version of the site, you will find the “print” icon below the pattern and above the comments.
Click on this button, and a window will pop up where you can delete whichever parts of the pattern you don’t want to print. When you hover over any image or a text block, it will be highlighted in yellow and a “trash” icon will appear. Just click on this icon to delete anything that’s not necessary to the pattern! For example, you may decide to shorten the pattern by omitting certain images or the list of materials. Then, just click on the “Print” button in the upper left-hand corner of the pop-up window!
All the best,
Lili
THANK YOU LILI and MJ for this solution!
I got it and I’m ready to go now :))
Have a wonderful + warm winter
x x x x Teri
I have one skein of NighDK. I made the diamond hat pattern (lovely & warm) & bought an extra skein for the gloves, but now I’m wondering if I could use it for this cowl, tho it is DK weight & not fingering. I could reduce by one repeat & size up to a #3 needle…? To get gauge, I used a #3 instead of #4 for the hat.
Hi Channie,
You can absolutely use Nigh DK for any of the Soft As A Cloud Cowls! You’ll just need to change the number of stitches you cast on to account for the difference in thickness between those two yarns.
To figure out your cast-on number, you will want to first knit a gauge swatch in pattern. Once you know how many stitches you are getting per inch, you can multiply that number by the circumference you’d like and cast on the nearest number that matches the stitch multiple of the version you’re planning to knit. For reference, these are the stitch multiples for each Soft As A Cloud Cowl:
– Open Mock Cable Rib Cowl is worked over a multiple of 5 stitches.
– Spiral Rib Cowl is worked over a multiple of 6 stitches.
– Open Mock Cable + Spiral Rib Cowl is worked over a multiple of 11 stitches.
Then you can follow the pattern as written!
All the best,
Lili