Near + Dear Cowl
In its classic simplicity, the Near + Dear Cowl sets the scene for our new incredibly soft, totally gorgeous, 100% cashmere Nigh DK to take center stage!
Nigh DK’s exquisite fiber comes from Mongolia, where much of the world’s highest grade of cashmere is produced. With its cold, harsh winters, this region compels its resident goats to grow the very soft, downy undercoats that are the amazing source for cashmere!
We want each moment you spend with this yarn to be special, so once Nigh DK is made, we give it an extra wash (actually several!) to make sure it’s soft-as-can-be from the first time you touch it.
The simple shape and stitches of the Near + Dear Cowl highlight the over-the-top beauty of Nigh DK. With four even plies, the yarn’s structure, plus its distinctive cashmere halo, mean that it looks amazing in this ribbed design, knitting into an even fabric with a subtle depth and gentle glow.
Nigh DK is available in a palette of 21 colors, some solid, some heathered, all gorgeous.
Dip into the cool waters, choosing from this collection of blues and neutrals, or explore Nigh DK’s warmer side with colors like Quince Blossom, French Prune, or Golden Ochre.
Whichever color you choose, we are so excited to get this yarn into your hands… We hope you enjoy every stitch!
Yarn lovers, if you adore the yarn used in this project, you’ll love exploring all of our other yarn collections! Discover over 45 thoughtfully designed yarns in nearly every natural fiber and in every spectacular color you can imagine. Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn store, where every skein is created with care and your creativity in mind!
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Laura Ferguson.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Want to print this pattern? On desktop, find the “print” icon in the right margin, and on mobile, scroll to the end of the pattern for it. Use the on-screen instructions to remove anything you don’t want to print!
Materials
- 1 skein of Purl Soho’s Nigh DK, 100% cashmere yarn. Each skein of this light worsted/dk weight yarn is 199 yards/ 55 grams; approximately 199 total yards required. We used Heirloom White, Nickel Gray, Raindrop Blue, Morning Sky, and Harbor Blue.
- US 4 (3.5 mm), 16-inch circular needles
- A stitch marker
GAUGE
28 stitches and 37 rounds = 4 inches in stitch pattern
NOTE: We used almost the entire skein for this cowl. To avoid running out of yarn, be sparing with your tails and check your gauge. Be sure to block your swatch, too… After all, cashmere does tend to relax!
SIZE
Finished Dimensions: Approximately 18 inches circumference x 9½ inches tall
NOTES
STITCH MULTIPLE
This pattern is worked over a multiple of 6 stitches.
PATTERN
Cast on 126 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Place stitch marker and join for working in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.
Round 1: *K5, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Round 1 until piece measures 9½ inches from cast-on edge.
Bind off in pattern.
Weave in the ends and gently wet block.
Learn About Nigh DK + All Our Beautiful Yarns
Cast on for one of our free knitting patterns in Nigh DK, made with the most exquisite, amazingly soft 100% Mongolian cashmere you can imagine! This DK-weight yarn has four even plies and knits into a beautiful, even fabric with a soft halo that floats above the fabric’s surface, a distinctive characteristic of fine cashmere yarns. Cast on with nearly two dozen colors for incredibly special accessories, baby gifts, and even socks! For more inspiration, explore all of our knitting patterns and all of our beautiful yarn!
More Free Knitting Patterns
- Be sure to explore our collection of (mostly free!) Nigh DK knitting patterns and cast on!
More Light Worsted/ DK-Weight Yarns
- Shop our entire collection of light worsted/DK-weight yarns (What does DK-weight yarn mean, really? Our guide to DK yarn will answer your questions and demystify.)
- 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 Fiber
- Shop cashmere yarn (What makes cashmere so special? Learn all about this amazing fiber in our guide to cashmere 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!
How many stitches are cast on?
Hi Marilyn,
For this pattern, you cast on 126 stitches. Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Simply beautiful, yarn and pattern, cant wait to make one. Thank you Purl Soho!
I wonder will this work well in Angora Merino (80% extrafine Merino wool 20% Angora.
Hi Thadis,
Thanks for reaching out. This cowl would be lovely in a merino/Angora blend! I’d just recommend making sure that the yarn you’re considering is the correct weight. We designed this cowl for a DK weight yarn, so it will definitely work for the pattern as written if your yarn is DK as well!
And 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.
I hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Can I purchase the pattern only?
Hi Linda,
We’re offering this pattern for free, and you can find it in this post!
All the best,
Lili
Will this work with regular worsted or would the stitches be too tight?
Thank you for these simple but beautiful patterns!
Hi Shelley,
You can absolutely use a worsted weight yarn for this pattern, you would just need to adjust the number of stitches you cast on so that it 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 (18 inches) and cast on the nearest multiple of 6. Then you can follow the pattern as written!
All the best,
Lili
Hello
I would like to knit the near and dear cowl with
the cashmere merino bloom
just confirming this is possible
also which hat would go well with this
thanks
Hi Blanche,
Cashmere Merino Bloom would be a great choice for this pattern, since it’s a DK weight yarn just like Nigh! As always though, 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.
As for a hat, I’d recommend either the Wide Ribbed Hat, the Lovely Ribbed Hat, or the Classic Ribbed Hat. All of these would match the ribbing as a design feature!
All the best,
Lili
Hi lili
You mentioned using the wide ribbed hat Jake created. I knit that hat and loved it. I’m knitting this cowl in Night color Morning Sky. The wide ribbed hat uses size 7 needles 16 inches. The night uses size 4. How would I use the Night for hat?
Hi Cheryl,
In order to use Nigh for the Wide Ribbed Hat, you will need to adjust your stitch count, since Nigh is a much lighter weight yarn than the original yarn that hat was designed in. To figure out your cast-on number with Nigh, 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 finished circumference of the size you’re planning on making and cast on the nearest multiple of 4. Then you can follow the pattern as written!
All the best,
Lili
What about using a provisional cast on, doubling the length and Kitchener stitch bind off for a tube-like cowl. Do you think it’ll keep its height or just fall flat around the neck with this modification? What would you suggest?
Hi Rebecca,
That’s a great idea! I think having the double layer of knit fabric will actually make the cowl sturdier and stand even straighter up around the neck. Let us know how it turns out if you try this!
All the best,
Lili
This pattern looks lovely. I have saved up a stash of Purl Soho’s cashmere merino bloom, Pure Camel and Posy. Which of those would
Be the best substitute for Nigh in this pattern? Thanks in advance for your advice.
Hi Melissa,
Thanks for reaching out! Both of those yarns are thinner than Nigh, but the great thing about this cowl is that it can be adapted to any yarn weight. All you’d need to do is modify the number of stitches you cast on at the beginning to make sure the cowl comes out 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 width that you would like and cast on the nearest multiple of 6 stitches. Then you can follow the pattern as written!
All the best,
Lili
How many inches does the cowl stretch to? Does one size fit all?
Hi Ana,
Thanks for reaching out! I’d say that this cowl can stretch up to about 24 inches, in order to fit over most heads. It should fit most people, but if you want to change the sizing, then you can adjust the stitch count. Just multiply your desired circumference by the number of stitches per inch (7 stitches) and then cast on the nearest multiple of 6 stitches. Then you can follow the pattern as written!
All the best,
Lili
Could you tell me how to print the pattern, just the pattern, without all the extra info and comment section? I would like to have it printed by the time my yarn arrives this week. Thank you.
Hi Wil,
Thanks for reaching out! 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!
Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
I have been knitting & crocheting since I was 14, and I have my 80th bday coming up. Yet, THIS IS THE BEST pattern EVER! My friend and I and a grnd-ddaughter and daughter-in-law have just begun wearing these. (We were then in the 1950’s !) This is the perfect pattern. I’ll make many of them. Thank you SO MUCH !!
Am i crazy?- Just knit two swatches and the stitches are not small enough with US 4 or US 3 needles. Does going down to a US 2 needle. I think after blocking the swatches they grew a little
Hi Katie,
Thanks for reaching out. I think swatching with size US 2 needles is the best option at this point! Blocking can definitely affect the gauge, so I’m glad to hear that you did that before measuring.
Alternatively, if you’re happy with the texture and density of the knit fabric with one of the larger needle sizes, you can totally knit the cowl at that larger gauge! All you’d need to do is adjust the stitch count so that the cowl comes to the correct dimensions. To figure out your cast-on number, just multiply the number of stitches you are getting per inch by the circumference of the cowl (18 inches) and cast on the nearest multiple of 6. Then you can follow the pattern as written!
All the best,
Lili
Hi! I am lazy. 😉 I don’t want to swatch. (I’ll swatch for a sweater but not much else.) But I made 1 cowl in a size 4 and want to experiment with a 2nd cowl on size 5 needles. Is there an approximate formula to use for the # of stitches to cast on when moving between different needle sizes?
Thank you!
P.S. This Nigh yarn is amazing!! So soft and cozy. Love knitting with it.
Hello,
Thanks for reaching out! I’m afraid that the only way to adjust the needle size/cast-on would be to make a gauge swatch. That’s because different needles will create a different gauge, and every knitter has a slightly different natural tension, resulting in a unique gauge. Here’s how to adjust your cast-on for a different size needle:
To figure out your new cast-on number, you will want to first knit a gauge swatch in pattern with your new needles. 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 6. Then you can follow the pattern as written and end up with the perfectly sized cowl!
I hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
I AM 92 YEARS AND DUE TO SIGHT AND HAND PROBLEMS, I CAN NOW ONLY KNIT ON SIZE 10 NEEDLES.
CAN THIS LOVELY PIECE BE MADE USING THE CASHMERE?
THANK YOU.
Hi Madeleine,
Thanks for reaching out! I would recommend holding 2 strands of Nigh at once in order to be able to knit with it on size 10 needles. Since this will enlarge the gauge significantly, you will also need to change the number of stitches you cast on 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 with the yarn doubled on size 10 needles (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 6 stitches. Then you can follow the pattern as written!
All the best,
Lili
Hi, Are there any other patterns for this specific yarn? sweaters, vests , etc. Thanks
Hi Jill,
Thanks for reaching out! You can find all the other patterns we’ve designed for Nigh DK right here. We haven’t designed any sweaters or vests for this yarn yet, but you can easily use it for most patterns designed in a DK weight yarn. Here’s a link to all of our garment patterns for DK weight.
As always though, 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
I would like to knit this for my 7 year old daughter. Can you give me some guidance as to how many stitches to cast on or how I can modify this pattern to knit a child size cowl? Thank you!!
Hi TJ,
I’d be happy to give you some guidance on modifying the size of this cowl! The circumference of the original design is 18 inches, so I’d say reducing that to about 15 or 16 inches would be a good fit (and leave some room to grow!). Based on the gauge of the pattern (28 stitches and 37 rounds = 4 inches in stitch pattern), you would need to cast on 108 stitches for that measurement. Then, you can just keep knitting in pattern until the cowl is as tall as desired!
All the best,
Lili
I am having some trouble casting on with the 16 inch circular needles. It was suggested to me that I start with straight needles, kit a few rows then begin knitting on the circular needles. I would then stick the gap.
What do you think?
Thank you. I bought the cashmere yarn to make 4 of these for my granddaughters.
Hi Lucy,
I’m so sorry to hear that you’re having trouble casting on with the circular needles! Yes, you can definitely start on straight needles and seam up the gap at the end. Just make sure to keep knitting in the 5 x 1 ribbing pattern while you’re knitting flat, since it will be a bit different from knitting that stitch pattern in the round!
All the best,
Lili
I would like to knit this for my husband in a worsted weight yarn. Can you make a suggestion on yarn and how many stitches to cast on or how I can modify this pattern to knit ? Thank you in advance.
Hi CRB,
Thanks for reaching out! I think this cowl would turn out lovely in Yonder or Plenty.
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 6 stitches. Then you can follow the pattern as written!
All the best,
Lili
Hi, I am about to cast off this cowl, what type of cast off do you think works best with this pattern? I am new to knitting and this is my first time casting off a cowl or any piece of clothing item.
Thank you,
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer,
Congrats on being so close to finishing the cowl! We recommend binding off in pattern. That means just knitting and purling in the 5 x 1 ribbing, as you’ve been doing throughout the pattern so far, but also binding off each stitch as you go.
Al the best,
Lili
I have made two of these in cashmere merino bloom. The cast-on edge curls up even after blocking. Any suggestions?
Hi Cheryl,
We’re so sorry to hear that your project didn’t quite turn out as expected! I’m surprised to hear that your cast-on edge is curling since this pattern is worked in ribbing all the way through. Would you mind sending a photo of your work to [email protected]? That way I’ll be able to better visualize what’s going on and find a solution!
All the best,
Lili
Im having the same issue, though I haven’t blocked it yet.
Hi Lou,
I would recommend blocking your cowl then! Please let me know if you’re still experiencing a lot of curling afterwards though. It would be very helpful if you could send a photo of your work to [email protected] if the curling persists after blocking.
All the best,
Lili
Hi:)
I love this pattern!
I want to make it as a long scarf, not a cowl – is this possible?
I’m new to knitting, so I apologize if this is a silly question😬
If it is possible, is there any way to get instructions on how to do it…ie – how much yarn, needle size, etc…
Thank you!!
Hi Bev,
Thanks for writing in, and that’s a great idea! You can totally knit a similar looking scarf. All you’ll need to do is work in 5 x 1 ribbing until the scarf is as long as you’d like. I think that 4 or 5 skeins of Nigh DK would be a good amount for a standard scarf, and we recommend using sizes US 4, 5, or 6 needles with this yarn!
All the best,
Lili
Hello Purl Soho,
I was wondering if your Knitting Yarn (100 % merino wool) would also work well for the Near and Dear Cowl. Would the Knitting Yarn “stand up” for the cowl? I don’t want a floppy cowl :). I realize the Nigh DK and Knitting Yarn have slightly different stitch counts per inch, so I assume I would probably have to knit a swatch to get the right gauge. Thank you and I love all of Purl Soho’s beautiful yarns!
Hi E,
Thanks for writing in! Knitting Yarn will definitely give the cowl a bit more structure, so it would be a great choice for what you have in mind. As long as you find a needle size you can achieve the gauge with, the pattern will work as written! Or, you could opt to change the stitch count and knit it at a different gauge. Either way works!
All the best,
Lili
I just made this cowl for my husband. It turned out beautifully. Now my ten year old wants his own. How should i think about sizing down for a child’s neck? Thanks
Hi Rebekah,
Yay, that’s so great! This pattern is super easy to modify for different sizes, as you would just need to cast on fewer stitches to make it smaller (or more to make it larger). Just be sure to cast on a multiple of 6 stitches, since that’s the stitch multiple for the pattern!
All the best,
Lili
Hi. I am at 9” with this cowl. The yarn is absolutely a DREAM to work with! Am knitting on gauge but am now playing yarn chicken and worried that I might run out and not have enough to bind off if I keep knitting to 9 and 1/2” which I had hoped to get to. Do you happen to know how many inches of yarn are needed for the bind off? If I know this then I can calculate if I need to stop and bind off now or if I can knit a bit more. I will for sure be making this lovely pattern with this gorgeous yarn again but will be much more careful with the length of yarn that I accidentally wasted when casting on. Thank you in advance!
Hi Sandy,
Thanks for writing in! Here’s one way you can determine how much yarn you need to bind off: First, weigh your cowl (just the cowl + needles, not any additional yarn from the skein) on a kitchen scale in grams. Then, knit one more round and weigh the cowl again. Next, subtract the first measurement from the second to determine the difference, which will be the amount of yarn per round. Finally, you can figure out how many yards that equates to using a ratio (Nigh DK comes with 199 yards per 55g skein). Let me know if you need any assistance with the math!
All the best,
Lili
Thank you Lily! I don’t actually have a scale so if I cannot find one to borrow, then might have to just cut the risk element and end where I am. I do not want to run out in the middle of binding off! I will be much more careful to keep a shorter cast on tail with my next cowl and will see how much yarn is left when I finish this one. This yarn is amazing to work with and this pattern is super fun to make and a lovely gift. Thank you to Purl Soho!
You’re very welcome! I also wanted to let you know that if you do run out of yarn on your bind-of round, it’s easily fixable. All you’ll need to do is undo the bind-off that you’ve already done, as well as the previous round. Then, you can bind-off starting from there instead! You can even put in a lifeline two rounds below the bind-off round to make it easier to undo without fear of dropping stitches.
All the best,
Lili