In A Twist Cowl
This is the story of a gorgeous yarn and a simple knit… And like all good stories, there’s a twist. Cast on our In A Twist Cowl, and find out what comes next!
It’s happened to all of us at one time or another. You cast on and knit a few rounds, only to figure out you’ve twisted your stitches. Well, this is our moment to embrace that mistake! For this knit, you cast on and (gasp!) make sure your stitches twist once around the needles before joining in the round.
After that, it’s just knits and purls. But in the middle, the plot thickens. Halfway through, you add in a second color, alternating for a few rows before continuing to the end in the new shade.
Our cast of characters? Two beautiful skeins of Campo, 50% GOTS certified organically grown cotton and 50% wool. Made in Italy, the balance of fibers in this yarn makes for a wonderful cowl… Keeping you warm, but not too warm!
We’ve just added eight gorgeous new colors to Campo’s bucolic palette. One new beauty is earthy Clay Rooftop on the right above, and don’t miss lively Fresh Hay in the green and pink sample below.
Even better? This cowl only takes one skein of each color you pick. Beyond our three samples, we have even more palettes paired below. Choose one of ours or pick your own colors… Either way, you’ll be knitting your way to a happy ending in no time at all!
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Gaby Bush.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoInATwistCowl, and #PurlSohoCampo. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- Purl Soho’s Campo, 50% wool and 50% organically grown cotton. Each skein is approximately 120 yards/ 100 grams.
- Color A: 1 skein; approximately 120 total yards required.
- Color B: 1 skein; approximately 120 total yards required.
- US 8 (5 mm), 24-inch circular needles
- A stitch marker
Choose from one of our inspiring palettes, or pick your own! We knit our cowls in Heirloom White + Buona Notte, Fresh Hay + Rosa Rose, and Grotto Blue + Clay Rooftop, shown above, and came up with a few more colorful combos, below!
Weathered Blue + Pink Oleander
Verona Peach + Sandal Brown
Renaissance Blue + Quiet Blue
Eucalyptus Green + Pink Limestone
Corsica Yellow + Alpine Dawn
GAUGE
14 stitches and 28 rounds (14 ridges) = 4 inches in garter stitch
NOTE: You’ll need every bit of your 2 skeins for this cowl. To ensure your color blocks are approximately the same length, we recommend not cutting the yarn for your gauge swatch and re-using it.
SIZE
Finished Dimensions: Approximately 23¼ inches circumference x 12½ inches high
NOTE
GARTER RIDGE
A “garter ridge” equals two rows of garter stitch. It looks like a prominent horizontal ridge and is an easy way to count rows!
PATTERN
With Color A, cast on 81 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Arrange the stitches so that they spin around the needle one time, creating a single twist. Place a marker and join for working in the round, making sure the twist is still intact.
Round 1: Purl to end of round.
Round 2: Knit to end of round.
Continue working garter stitch in the round as established until you have 20 garter ridges (see Note), or at least 10 yards remain, ending with Round 2.
Drop Color A, but do not cut. Join Color B.
Next Round: With Color B, purl to end of round.
Next Round: With Color A, knit to end of round.
Repeat last two rounds 2 more times.
Cut Color A.
With Color B, continue in garter stitch in the round until you have the same number of Color B garter ridges as Color A garter ridges, or at least 4 yards remain, ending with a purl round.
Bind off knitwise.
FINISHING
Weave in all ends and gently wet block as desired.
What do you mean by twisting the yarn around the needle once ..it seems to me that it’s a 360 so you’re back where you started from……help!
Hi Janice,
This is a great question! When you’re setting up for working in the round, you’ll usually want to avoid this twist by making sure all of your stitches are aligned with a base at the bottom and a loop at the top for knitting. You can achieve the twist on purpose by setting up as usual and then twisting one end of your needles (I recommend the side on your left hand needle) a full 360 degrees so the loops go around once and come back around on top.
I hope that helps but if you’re still confused I recommend emailing customerservice@purlsoho.com so we can either prepare a visual or demonstrate that for you!
All the best,
Zha Zha
Is there a certain number of stitches that you’re turning 360 on the left needle?
Hi Quynh,
The twist will actually go throughout all the stitches! To create the twist, you can just twist the first few stitches on your left needle 360 decrees around and then begin knitting. But this will cause the twist to run all the way around your knitting!
All the best,
Lili
Hi, beautiful cowl. But could you explain a little bit more about how to twist the stitches after casting on? Thanks!
Hi Robin,
Thanks for writing in! We’d be happy to describe that in another way for you.
When you’re setting up for working in the round, you’ll usually want to avoid this twist by making sure all of your stitches are aligned with a base at the bottom and loops for your stitches at the top for knitting. You can achieve the twist on purpose by setting up as usual and then twisting one end of your needles (I recommend the side on your left hand needle) a full 360 degrees so the loops go around once and come back to top so you can knit them again.
I hope that helps but if you’re still confused I also recommend emailing customerservice@purlsoho.com so we can either prepare a visual or demonstrate that for you!
All the best,
Zha Zha
Hi Robin,
Love this pattern! I just bought 2 skeins of your Season Alpaca. Can I use this instead? Increase needle size? Increase stitches for the gauge?
Thanks,
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for reaching out. You can definitely knit this cowl in Season Alpaca, you will just need to adjust the stitch count so that the cowl comes to the correct size!
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 circumference of the cowl (23 1/4 inches) and cast on the nearest whole number. Then you can essentially follow the pattern as written! The one other thing to keep in mind is that you may need to work more (or fewer) than 20 garter ridges in the first and final sections. You can just knit to about 5.7 inches instead though!
All the best,
Lili
I have ordered the yarn and attempted to print the pattern, as I like a paper copy. Is there a way to print without 18 pages? It would be great if the printable version didn’t include all the color swatches etc. Thank you though for the beautiful patterns!
Hi Barbara,
We’re so glad to hear you’re prepping to make this cowl and would be happy to let you know how to print a tidier version!
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%. You can also hover your mouse over any portions of the pattern you wish to delete, and click the trash can icon that appears. Then, you can click “Print” or “PDF” along the top left of the pattern preview box to print or save the pattern!
I hope that helps, but please let us know if you have any trouble with that!
All the best,
Zha Zha
I would love to make In A Twist Cowl but am allergic to wool. Can you suggest a lighter weight yarn that would work just as well for the spring. I have several skeins of Cattail silk.
Thank you
Dee
Hi Dee,
Thanks for writing in! I would not recommend using Cattail Silk for this pattern, as it’s very inelastic, and it has so much drape that it will fall flat around your neck. Instead, I’d recommend Tulip Cotton as a non-wool option. This yarn is worsted weight, so it has enough body to stand up all the way.
If you’re open to trying a merino wool yarn though, then I’d recommend Plenty. Merino fibers are so fine that they bend to the touch, rather than sticking up and scratching. Most people who are sensitive to normal wool do not have the same reaction to merino wool!
All the best,
Lili
I have leftover Posy I want to try this cowl with. It will be thinner, but the fiber content is also warmer so hoping it will be as beautiful as the Campo!
I would love to see a tutorial on that twist- I’m sure it’s easier than I think but I would have done a180 turn on the stitches themselves until I read the other comment reply about turning the needle 360. Currently I’m working on gauge using Purl Soho Posy as alternate yarn since I have some leftover of this. Maybe size 7 instead of 8 needles? Looking forward to the results!
Hi Katherine,
Thanks for reaching out! I’m glad to hear that our comment section helped you clarify the instructions. While we don’t have a tutorial for twisting your cast-on stitches, I did actually make an unofficial one that I’d be happy to send to you or anyone else who’d like the extra guidance. If you’d like to take a look at this, please send an email to customerservice@purlsoho.com, and we’ll attach the PDF!
And trying different needle sizes is always a good strategy when swatching! I have a feeling that you won’t be able to get gauge with Posy, since it’s so much thinner than Campo, but here’s how you can make this pattern with any weight yarn:
First, you’ll need to figure out a new cast-on number so that the cowl comes to the correct circumference. To figure this our, 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 of the cowl (23 1/4 inches) and cast on the nearest whole number. Then you can essentially follow the pattern as written! The one other thing to keep in mind is that you may need to work more (or fewer) than 20 garter ridges in the first and final sections. You can just knit to about 5.7 inches instead though!
All the best,
Lili
Is this the same as mobius knitting? I think we are basically twisting the stitches up to get the desired look, but please correct if I am wrong.
Aside, fantastic pattern as always!
Hi Chermia,
That’s a great question! While this technique may sometimes be referred to as Möbius knitting, the cowl is technically not a Möbius strip. A true Möbius strip only has a half twist, while this cowl features a full twist. But you’re correct! In order to achieve the twisted look, all you need to do is complete a full twist (360 degrees) with your stitches and then just begin knitting.
All the best,
Lili
Hello. After the 20 garter ridges it looks from the picture as if you would repeat the last 2 rows 3 more times?
Hi Diane,
Thanks for reaching out, and that’s a great observation! The pattern is correct as written, but the reason you’re noticing that extra stripe is because it’s created by the first round after you cut Color A. This round is identical to the first Next Round (the one where you purl with Color B), so it creates the same effect. Hope this helps clarify things!
All the best,
Lili
I would like to make this cowl in a lighter weight yarn, the luxurious Cashmere Merino Bloom. Would you please tell me how many yards I would need of each color and how many stitches to cast on.
Thank you for your help.
Hi Joan,
Thanks for writing in, and that’s a great idea! You should be able to complete the cowl with just 2 skeins of Cashmere Merino Bloom, one in each color.
And 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 circumference of the cowl (23 1/4 inches) and cast on the nearest whole number. Then you can essentially follow the pattern as written! The one other thing to keep in mind is that you may need to work more (or fewer) than 20 garter ridges in the first and final sections. You can just knit to about 5.7 inches instead though!
All the best,
Lili
I love this pattern. I just made one using three colors of leftover Partridge yarn. Since I was using three colors I did 12 garter ridges of each color, but other than that I followed the pattern exactly—same needle size and number of cast-on stitches.
I would love to make this cowl. Do you have a comparable cotton yarn that could be used? I can’t wear wool of any kind.
Hi Bethany,
Thanks for writing in! I’d recommend using Tulip Cotton, which is 100% cotton and is also a heavy worsted weight yarn. It’ll work great for the pattern, but 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!
All the best,
Lili
Can I substitute PLENTY for CAMPO. I find it is a bit softer to the touch.
Hi Karen,
Plenty would be a great choice for this pattern, since it’s also a heavy worsted weight yarn! 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!
All the best,
Lili
By the way, I cast on 81 stitches of PLENTY on size 8 24″, and the stitches are “stretched” suggesting it won’t be the same gauge as CAMPO. How many stitches shall I add?
Thank you I read instructions from Lili to Katherine B above!
Hi Karen,
Because the finished circumference of this cowl is slightly less than 24 inches, the stitches should look a bit stretched around 24-inch needles at first, even with Campo! In order to get an accurate sense of your gauge with Plenty, I’d recommend making a swatch first. You should be able to match the gauge of the project (though you may need to use differently-sized needles), but if not, here’s how you can adjust the pattern for a slightly different gauge:
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 of the cowl (23 1/4 inches) and cast on the nearest whole number. Since I doubt the gauge will be very far off, you can then follow the pattern as written!
All the best,
Lili
once you twist and finish row 1, how do you knit/purl the following row and maintain the twist?
Hi Betty,
After you’ve twisted the cast-on, the twist will remain in tact throughout the rest of the cowl! You can continue knitting as normal, and the knit fabric that gets produced will automatically have a twist running through it.
All the best,
Lili
Lovely pattern! I’m working on it, and think I’ve managed to make two twists instead of one. Will this be a big problem, structurally or aesthetically (enough to start over again)? Thank you!
Hi Alice,
Thanks for writing in! The pattern will technically still work with 2 full twists, but I think it would be better to start over and make just 1 full twist. With 2 twists, the cowl will be much more densely packed (imaging wringing out a wet towel–the more you twist the towel, the more compact it gets). I don’t think this would be the best look for this accessory, since it would cover less of your neck and therefore be less warm!
All the best,
Lili
I have some leftover wool cotton that uses size 7 needles. I was told I could go up to size 8. I cast on 81 stitches on the 8 24 inch circular needles, but finding it hard to stretch to Purl the first row. Why 24 inch and not 16 inch?
My friend was kind enough to get me the Nine-Note Bundle in Begonia, so I can do the Arpeggio cowl. So excited, I have the Stanwood 10oz ball winder and swift coming tomorrow. Now I can roll up my hanks/skeins I have from you. I sill have two simple pleasures kits to roll up.
Hi Cheryl,
Have you made a gauge swatch with the new yarn yet? It’s possible that it’s still got a smaller gauge, even on size 8 needles, meaning that the overall circumference is smaller, causing the stretching. I’d recommend swatching with even larger needles to ensure you achieve 14 stitches and 28 rounds (14 ridges) = 4 inches in garter stitch. That way, the stitches should all fit around the 24-inch needles without much stretching! But you could absolutely use 16-inch needles as well.
And that’s exciting to hear that you have another fun project lined up!
All the best,
Lili
Hi Lili
I got it to stretch ok, and just finished it. I’m wet blocking it to stretch it. Cause I noticed in your photos it’s wrapped around twice. When I tried it on before wet blocking it wouldn’t wrap around twice. I have enough yarn left to make a version of the simple pleasures hat to match. I have two simple pleasures hat kits from you. So with my new ball winder I can wind up the yarn. If the cowl does wrap around twice in your photos, I hope my wet blocking stretching it will work. When it’s dry I’ll take a selfie and put on my Ravelry page.
Hi Cheryl,
Actually, this cowl only wraps around your neck once! The twist in it may look like it’s wrapping around twice, but because it’s only 23 1/4 inches in circumference, it will only wrap once.
All the best,
Lili
Hi Lili
Cowl came out great in my yarn. My friend Steven was nice enough to order me the Campo in Grotto Blue + Clay Rooftop, so I can make it in correct yarn. Which color did you guys cast on with? The blue or clay. He also got me 3 skeins of Lovebird in Candy Shop, and 1 skein of your new cashmere Night. I rolled up the yarn tonight. I’m still working on the Arpeggio cowl with Nine Note.
Hi Cheryl,
This pattern is actually symmetrical, so it will come out exactly the same no matter which color you begin with! I believe we used Grotto Blue as Color A and Clay Rooftop for Color B in our sample, so we cast on with Grotto Blue.
All the best,
Lili
Thank you as always for your great patterns. What do you think about using a DK weight yarn for this? I received some DK wool/possum (yes possum!) blend yarn as a gift from my sister when she vacationed in Australia.
Hi Stacey,
Thanks for reaching out! You can absolutely use a DK weight yarn for this pattern–and possum sounds like an extra special fiber! You will just need to adjust the stitch count so that the cowl comes to the correct size.
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 of the cowl (23 1/4 inches) and cast on the nearest whole number. Then you can essentially follow the pattern as written! The one other thing to keep in mind is that you will need to work more than 20 garter ridges in the first and final sections. You can just knit to about 5.7 inches instead though!
All the best,
Lili
Regarding the twisted cowl knitted with Campo yarn. The instructions tell you to twist the stitches once around the needle (for which I have requested a visual demonstration) Would it not work to to knit the cowl and then twist it around and then join the seams. Would this work??? Or would it look odd?
Hi Jean,
That is a great question! You could indeed knit the cowl flat and then twist the fabric to seam. The cowl was designed to knit in the round so instead of knitting and purling rounds, you would just knit each row. This will give you the garter stitch fabric for your cowl. One thing to keep in mind is that the seam might be visible if you decide to alter the pattern to be knit flat. We sent you an email with the visual as requested, but feel free to let us know if you still have any other questions!
All the best,
Gavriella
I have completed several of Purl Soho’s projects throughout the year. I have saved them to give as gifts this Christmas. It has been a good and rewarding year of improving my knitting skills with Purl Soho’s beautiful yarns, great patterns, and excellent customer service assistance. I want to say that this Twisted Cowl was one of my absolute favorite patterns. I made mine using Heirloom White and Buona Notte. It came out beautifully, and for me the Campo yarn was a dream to work with. Thank you Purl Soho. Please stay just as you are for a long, long time. All my best, Phyllis
Hi Phyllis,
Thank you so much for your kind words and support of Purl Soho over the years! We always appreciate feedback and your comments mean so much to our team.
We hope you keep finding patterns you love through our designs and through stitches.
Happy making,
Gavriella
I thought I followed the instructions correctly when it came to the twist, but lo and behold, I’ve just ended up with a normal tube shaped cowl. The twist doesn’t seem to appear in the photos where you show off the colors (this is what my scarf looks like). Should there be a twist in the scarf itself, or is it just in how you fashion it when wearing it that gives it the appearance of the twist it has in the photos on the model?
Hi Julie,
It sounds like your cast-on didn’t actually get twisted successfully, or that it got untwisted before you began knitting! There should be a full twist in the cowl itself, and I’m afraid that you will need to redo your knitting in order to achieve the twist. Let me know if you’d like any assistance as you do that though!
All the best,
Lili
Hello,
I am unable to figure out the twist, despite reading the many comments/suggestions above. Would it be possible for you to please send me a copy of the ‘informal video” that demonstrates how to twist?
Also, do you twist and then join in the round? Or join in the round, and then twist?
Thanking you in advance
Hi Ella,
Thank you for reaching out! We have sent you an email with the tutorial to the email provided. I hope it helps but please let us know if you have any more questions!
Happy making,
Gavriella
Greetings.
The instructions seem very clear to me–including for getting the initial twist. But working in bulky yarn, I found that the garter seam where purl rows meet knit rows was very pronounced. Do you have a recommendation for making this seam tidier or eliminating it (maybe helical knitting) or for creating jogless stripes in garter stitch? Thank you!
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for writing in! Unfortunately, we do not have a current tutorial on this technique but I have seen some really great tutorials that cover jogless garter stitch in the round on YouTube using helix knitting! Please let us know if you have any other questions!
Happy knitting,
Gavriella