Fuzzy Cloud Cowl — Knit & Crochet Versions
A soft, cloudlike cowl made for fuzzy eyelash or mohair-blend yarn. Designed to celebrate the halo of fuzzy yarn while staying wearable and simple. Includes both knit and crochet instructions, three sizes, full materials and needle/hook conversion tables, and tips for working with fuzzy yarn.
Finished sizes
- Small: Circumference 18 in (46 cm); Height 8 in (20 cm) — child/teen
- Medium: Circumference 24 in (61 cm); Height 10 in (25 cm) — average adult
- Large: Circumference 30 in (76 cm); Height 12 in (30 cm) — slouch/oversized
Yarn
Fuzzy eyelash or mohair-blend yarn, recommended for bulky/aran to chunky weight. Example specification used to calculate quantities:
- 1 skein = 50 g / 120 yd (110 m) approximate
Amounts:
- Small: 1 skein — 50 g / 120 yd (110 m)
- Medium: 2 skeins — 100 g / 240 yd (220 m)
- Large: 3 skeins — 150 g / 360 yd (330 m)
Note: yardage varies widely between brands of fuzzy yarn. If your skeins are lighter weight (mohair lace held with thicker strand), treat as paired yarn and adjust yardage. When in doubt, buy an extra skein.
Needles and Hooks (US, UK old, Metric)
- Knitting (in-the-round): US 10 (6.0 mm) circular 16 or 24 in (40 or 60 cm) length for Medium; smaller circumference or tighter gauge use US 10.5 (6.5 mm). Conversions: US 10 = UK 4 = 6.0 mm; US 10.5 = UK 3 = 6.5 mm; US 11 = UK 1 = 8.0 mm.
- Alternate needles: If you prefer a looser drape, use US 11 (8.0 mm) / UK 1 (8.0 mm).
- Crochet hook: US K-10.5 (6.5 mm) or US L-11 (8.0 mm). Conversions: US K-10.5 = UK 4 = 6.5 mm; US L-11 = UK 2 = 8.0 mm.
Gauge
Because fuzzy yarn obscures stitches, gauge is approximate. Swatch in the stitch pattern you plan to use and measure blocked.
- Knit stockinette in the round on US 10 (6.0 mm): about 14 sts x 20 rnds = 4 in (10 cm)
- Crochet half-double crochet rib on 6.5 mm: about 12 sts x 8 rows = 4 in (10 cm)
Notions
- Tapestry needle (blunt) with large eye, metal recommended for piercing fuzzy fabric
- Stitch marker
- Scissors
- Optional cable needle for provisional cast-on or circular needles with flexible cable
Abbreviations
Knit
- CO = cast on
- k = knit
- p = purl
- k2tog = knit two together
- yo = yarn over
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd = round
Crochet
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- dc = double crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(es)
Construction overview
Worked in the round from cast-on/beginning edge up. Both versions use a stretchy 1x1 or 2x2 rib at top and bottom to help the fuzzy fabric hold shape and give a soft edge. Body uses a simple stitch pattern for structure so halo can show.
Knit Version—in the round
Gauge and recommended needles above. Medium instructions given first; adjustments for Small and Large in parentheses.
Cast on and join
- CO 72 (96, 120) sts using a stretchy cast-on; place marker and join to work in the round, taking care not to twist.
Lower rib (brim)
- Rnds 1-12: *k1, p1* around for a tall, squishy rib. If you prefer a looser edge use k2, p2 rib for fewer rows.
Body
- Rnds: Work seed stitch variant to give texture that shows through halo:
Rnd 1: *k2, p2* around.
Rnd 2: *p2, k2* around.
Repeat Rnd 1 and Rnd 2 for 20 (24, 28) rounds or until body height measures: 4.5 in (6 in, 7 in) from lower edge for S/M/L respectively. Alternatively, work until total height (including both ribs) is desired measurement minus top rib.
Top rib and bind off
- Work 12 rounds of *k1, p1* rib (same height as lower rib).
- Bind off very loosely in pattern: if necessary, use a larger needle or perform a stretchy bind-off to avoid tightness at the cowl opening.
Finishing
- Weave in ends by threading the fuzzy yarn through a tapestry needle and gently nudging into the halo. Try to bury ends on the purl bumps or wrong side, trimming any tails flush with the fabric but leaving a bit of halo to mask the cut.
- Lightly steam-block if desired: hold a steam iron about 1-2 inches above fabric and pat into shape; do not press or flatten the halo.
Crochet Version—in the round
Medium instructions; change stitch counts for Small and Large as given in parentheses below.
Foundation and join
- Ch 64 (84, 104) and join with sl st to first ch to form a loop, careful not to twist. Or make a short chain and work hdc in a circle for a neater join.
Lower rib (crochet reversible rib)
- Rnds 1-8: Working in the back loops only, hdc in each st around, join with sl st. This creates a stretchy reversible rib that mirrors knit 1x1.
Body
- Switch to both loops and work alternating rows of front-post/back-post half double crochet to create a subtle ribbed texture that stands up under the halo.
Rnd A: *hdc, fp-hdc around next st, bp-hdc around next st* repeat to end.
Repeat Rnd A for 16 (20, 24) rounds or to desired height.
Top rib and finish
- Work 8 rounds in back loops only hdc to match the lower rib.
- Finish with a loose row of slip stitches or a stretchy single crochet bind-off. Weave in ends with tapestry needle and tidy edges.
Notes and techniques for fuzzy yarn
- Counting stitches: fuzzy yarn hides stitch detail. Use removable stitch markers every 8 or 12 stitches to help count and to mark beginning of round. For short swatches, tie a contrasting scrap yarn through one stitch to find it later.
- Working slowly: fuzzy yarn can catch on your hands or needles. Work at a relaxed pace and avoid ripping back more than a few rows; frogging is difficult. Use a lifeline with smooth scrap yarn if you think you may need to rip.
- Joining joins and seaming: prefer seamless in-the-round construction. If you must seam, mattress stitch looks neat but the halo will hide most imperfections.
- Weaving in ends: thread tail through tapestry needle and insert needle once or twice into adjacent rows, then trim. The halo will conceal the tail end. If extra security is desired, leave a 2-3 in tail and knot on the inside before burying.
Care
- Hand wash cold with gentle detergent for mohair/mohair blends. Avoid agitation and wringing.
- Reshape and dry flat away from direct heat and sunlight.
- Many mohair-eyelash blends should not be machine dried or ironed.
Troubleshooting
- Fabric too stiff: switch to a larger needle/hook by one size or add a soft underlying strand (e.g., a thin silk or merino lace held together) to soften and add drape.
- Fabric too loose: use a smaller needle/hook and take care with bind-off to keep edge neat.
- Stitches disappear while working: work in good light, use contrast stitch marker for beginning of round, and occasionally run a row of scrap yarn between rounds to mark progress.
Customization ideas
- Make brim narrower or wider by adding/subtracting 4-8 cast-on stitches and working fewer/extra rib rounds.
- Try pairing a fuzzy mohair with a strong solid strand held together for color depth and added stability.
- Make a double-layer cowl by knitting two tubes and seaming them together for extra warmth.
Stitch counts quick reference
- Small: CO 72 (or chain 64)
- Medium: CO 96 (or chain 84)
- Large: CO 120 (or chain 104)
Need more help or want a downloadable PDF? Visit https://purljam.verde.uk or contact support at team@verde.uk. Share your makes with #purljam on socials.
Enjoy your Fuzzy Cloud Cowl — soft, warm, and delightfully haloed!
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