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| I Dream of Beaches Cowl |
A reader recently asked me if I had any true infinity style cowls, and I had to say no. And while this cowl isn't technically an infinity cowl either, you could totally make it that way! I even provide instructions! Whether you create a Möbius strip with this thing or not, however, it's a nice, completely seamless lightweight cowl that will suit either the winter or the spring that will eventually come. So whenever you wear it, you can dream of beaches...
Yarn: Berroco Fuji (38% Silk, 25% Cotton, 22% Rayon, 15% Nylon; 125 yards [115 meters]/50 grams); #9203 Sandy - 2 skeins
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| The back. Seamless, I tell ya! |
Gauge: 20 stitches = 4 inches on size 7 needles
So let's get started! As I mentioned, this piece is perfectly seamless, which means we'll be starting with a provisional cast on. Using your size 10 needle, then, cast on 30 stitches provisionally. Transfer stitches to your size 7 needle, and then proceed as follows with some set up rows, as you'll find below. Oh, and here's the notation we'll need:
front cross (fc): slip 4 stitches to cn and hold in front; k4; k4 from cn
Set-up Row 1 and all odd rows (wrong side): k2, p26, k2
Set-up Row 2: knit
Set-up Row 4: k2, fc, k1, fc, k1, fc, k2
Set-up Rows 6, 8, & 10: knit
Set-up Row 12: k2, fc, k1, fc, k1, fc, k2
Set-up Rows 14 & 16: knit
Set-up Row 17: k2, p26, k2
Knit set-up rows 1 - 17, and then it's time to switch to our size 10 needles and begin our main pattern, which goes as follows:
Row 1: k2, * k2tog, yo, k2; rep from *
Knit this row until piece measures roughly 48" in length. If you'd like to connect the ends WITHOUT a twist (so not a true Möbius strip design), end after knitting a right side row. If you'd like to connect the ends WITH a twist, end after knitting a wrong side row. Switch to your size 7 needle and knit the following ending row:
End Row 1 (wrong side): k2, p26, k2
Transfer provisional stitches to a size 7 needle and then, with your two sets of live stitches and from the right side of the work, graft piece together using the Kitchener stitch (you can block the piece before you do this, if desired). Tuck in ends.
Very nice!
ReplyDeleteThank you!!!
DeleteI have been knitting for 70 years, but I never saw "fc" in a pattern and don't know what it means.
DeleteHello there! You're right, that is a special term that I defined above, and not necessarily a standard knitting term. :) Here it is again: "front cross (fc): slip 4 stitches to cn and hold in front; k4; k4 from cn." Your cn is, of course, your cable needle.
DeleteThank you. Now I get it.
ReplyDeleteI'm always happy to help! :)
DeleteHi Gretchen!
ReplyDeleteI adore so many of your patterns, especially this one, the stitch pattern is lovely. I would really,really like to knit it in the round without the cable section and have been playing around trying to "turn" the pattern. Would so appreciate any suggestions you might have as I would like it to still be about 48" circumference and while I am a decent knitter, I am not a designer.
Thanks for any help you might offer and especially thanks for your generosity in sharing so many great patterns.
Best,
Janet
Hi Janet!
DeleteOf course I can help you with this! Basically, you're going to want to cast on a multiple of four stitches, join in round, and then proceed as follows, for your pattern:
Row 1: * k2tog, yo, k2; rep from *
Row 2: * yo, p2tog, p2 *
As far as the number of stitches you'll want to cast on, well, I was pretty close to gauge on this pattern, which would mean casting on 240 stitches. Of course the only way you can totally control size is by gauging it, so it's your choice whether you want to bother or just hope for the best! And if you want 48" maximum, I would cast on a few less stitches, since lace patterns often stretch a bit. :)
Thank you so much, Gretchen! I knew you'd know the answer and I so appreciate your guidance and your rapid response...wow! Swatching soon and, if I can figure out how, I will send you a pic when completed. Just not very techno-savvy :)
DeleteAll the best,
Janet
Great to hear! Let me know if there are any problems or issues, and I'll try to help again. :) Also, you will probably have to email the picture. It's ballstothewallsknits@gmail.com.
DeleteI like the pattern stitch. I want to make my daughter who wears a knitted scarf all year round this pattern scarf but want it a straight scarf. How can I adjust the pattern to be a straight scarf?
ReplyDeleteHi there!
DeleteThis stitch pattern is exceedingly easy, since it's the same for both the right and wrong sides of the fabric. To do it, you'll need to cast on a multiple of 4 +2 (I cast on 30, or 4*7 + 2) and then work the following pattern row on both sides of the fabric:
Row 1: k2, * k2tog, yo, k2; rep from *
You can add an edging to the ends (garter or something) but I don't think it's necessary! :)
Good morning!
ReplyDeleteI have a question about your I Dream of Beaches pattern. After you finish the first 17 rows it says to knit set-up rows 1-17 again...but you ended on a purl row or odd numbered row (17) and start again another odd numbered row (1). This "flips" your wrong and right side doesn't it? Seems like there should be a row 18 which would be a knit row. Can you please clarify.
Thanks for your help.
Laurie
Hi Laurie!
DeleteJust knit them once, and then move on; I'm simply recapping the instructions after the rows. And please, let me know if you have any more questions! :)
Love your patterns! I have a 100 yds of American Scenic Worsted that was given to me and my daughter in law would like cowl. Is it possible to make a skinny cowl with this pattern? If so, any suggestions on the needle size and if I can use this stitch pattern or one of your others. Thanks so much for sharing. Karen
ReplyDeleteHi Karen!
DeleteI think this pattern is actually a really good choice - you can go ahead and work it as written, other than the fact that you'll move from the main pattern to the end row when you have about two yards of yarn left rather than when you reach 48". Let me know if you have any other questions!