purlJam

# COZY SEED STITCH COWL

A perfect beginner project! This simple cowl introduces you to basic knitting techniques while creating a cozy, textured accessory. The seed stitch pattern creates a squishy, reversible fabric that looks great from every angle, and the project works up quickly in worsted weight yarn.

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: Worsted weight yarn, approximately 200 yards
- Sample shown uses a soft wool or wool-blend worsted weight yarn

**Needles**: US 8 (5 mm) straight needles, or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions**: 
- Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends
- Scissors

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## GAUGE

**18 sts × 24 rows = 4 inches** in seed stitch, blocked

*Gauge is somewhat flexible for this project, but significant differences will affect yardage and finished size.*

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## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

- **Height**: 9 inches
- **Circumference**: Approximately 26 inches (after seaming)

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- **k** = knit
- **p** = purl
- **st(s)** = stitch(es)
- **RS** = right side
- **WS** = wrong side

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## PATTERN NOTES

- This cowl is worked flat as a rectangle, then seamed to create a circular cowl
- Seed stitch is fully reversible - there's no wrong side!
- Seed stitch pattern: On odd number of stitches, every row is worked *k1, p1; rep from * to last st, k1
- The pattern is very forgiving - if you lose your place, just knit the purl stitches and purl the knit stitches as they face you
- Slip first stitch of every row purlwise for a neat edge that makes seaming easier

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### BORDER

**Cast on 41 sts** using the long-tail cast-on method (or your preferred cast-on).

**Setup Row (WS)**: Sl1 purlwise, *k2, p2; rep from * to last 4 sts, k2, p1, k1.

**Row 1 (RS)**: Sl1 purlwise, *p2, k2; rep from * to last 4 sts, p2, k2.

**Row 2 (WS)**: Sl1 purlwise, *k2, p2; rep from * to last 4 sts, k2, p1, k1.

Repeat Rows 1-2 two more times (6 border rows total, including setup row).

*Math check: 6 rows ÷ 24 rows per 4" × 4 = 1" of ribbing ✓*

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### BODY

**Row 1 (RS)**: Sl1 purlwise, *k1, p1; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.

**Row 2 (WS)**: Sl1 purlwise, *k1, p1; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.

Repeat Rows 1-2 until piece measures approximately 25.5 inches from cast-on edge, or until you have approximately 25 yards of yarn remaining. End having just completed Row 2 (WS).

*Note: Every row is the same! You're creating seed stitch by always knitting the purl stitches and purling the knit stitches.*

*Pattern continues to maintain 41 sts throughout ✓*

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### TOP BORDER

**Row 1 (RS)**: Sl1 purlwise, *p2, k2; rep from * to last 4 sts, p2, k2.

**Row 2 (WS)**: Sl1 purlwise, *k2, p2; rep from * to last 4 sts, k2, p1, k1.

Repeat Rows 1-2 two more times (6 border rows total).

**Bind off** in pattern on next RS row: Work in rib pattern as established while binding off all 41 sts loosely.

*Math check: 6 rows of top border matches 6 rows of bottom border ✓*

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## FINISHING

1. **Weave in ends** from cast-on and bind-off, leaving the side edges free for seaming.

2. **Block** the flat rectangle lightly by soaking in cool water, gently pressing out excess water in a towel, and laying flat to dry. Pin to measurements if desired.

3. **Seam** the two short ends together to form a circle:
   - Thread tapestry needle with a 20" length of yarn
   - Hold the two short edges together with RS facing out
   - Using mattress stitch, join the edges by picking up the bars between the first and second stitches on each side
   - Work from bottom to top, pulling gently every few stitches to close the seam
   - Secure yarn and weave in ends

4. **Final steam** (optional): Lightly steam the seam to help it blend with the fabric.

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## WEARING YOUR COWL

Loop around your neck once for a cozy, close-fitting style. The seed stitch creates a plush, textured fabric that's warm without being bulky.

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## SKILL BUILDING

This pattern teaches:
- **Cast-on** and **bind-off** techniques
- **Knit** and **purl** stitches
- **Seed stitch** pattern (alternating k and p)
- **2×2 rib** pattern
- **Reading your knitting** (recognizing knit vs purl stitches)
- **Mattress stitch** seaming

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## VARIATIONS

- **Longer cowl**: Cast on 50+ stitches for a taller cowl that can loop twice
- **Color**: Add stripes by changing colors every 10-20 rows
- **Different stitch patterns**: Substitute garter stitch (knit every row) or stockinette for a different look

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**Congratulations on completing your cowl!** You've mastered essential knitting skills that will serve you well in future projects.