Large Sophie Hood

Easy Ribbed Hood–Cowl Hybrid

A cozy, beginner-friendly Sophie-style hood worked entirely in stretchy k2p2 ribbing. Wear it scrunched at the neck as a deep cowl or pull it up to cover the head; the top opening frames the face. Seamless, in-the-round construction from the bottom edge up. Worsted weight makes it warm and quick.

Skill Level: Beginner
Size: Large (one size fits most adults)
Finished Measurements (unstretched, after blocking):

• Circumference: 24" (61 cm) — stretches to approx. 28–30" (71–76 cm)
• Height: 20" (51 cm)

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) wool or wool-blend, approx. 400 yd (366 m).
  Example: 2 skeins Cascade 220 (100% wool; 220 yd / 100 g) or equivalent.
• Needles: US 8 (5 mm) 16" (40 cm) circular needle; spare needle or DPNs optional for bind-off.
  Adjust needle size if needed to obtain gauge.
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors.

Gauge

20 sts and 28 rnds = 4" (10 cm) in k2p2 ribbing, slightly stretched, after blocking.
Take time to check gauge.

Abbreviations (US)

• CO: cast on
• k: knit
• p: purl
• rnd(s): round(s)
• st(s): stitch(es)
• BO: bind off
• pm: place marker
• sm: slip marker

Pattern Notes

• Worked in the round. Join carefully, ensuring stitches are not twisted.
• The entire piece is k2, p2 rib. The fabric is naturally reversible and very stretchy.
• No shaping—length alone creates the hood function.
• Inline counts are validated: (starting sts → action → new total ✓).

Instructions

Cast On / Bottom Edge
Using long-tail or cable cast-on for elasticity, CO 120 sts. Pm and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.
(120 sts ✓ — multiple of 4 for k2p2)

Set-up Round
*K2, p2; repeat from * to end of rnd.

Body (Neck + Hood)
Continue in established k2p2 rib (*k2, p2; repeat from * to end) until piece measures 20" (51 cm) from cast-on edge.
(Approximately 140 rnds: 20" × 7 rnds per inch = 140 ✓)
Stitch count remains 120 sts throughout. (120 → no change → 120 ✓)

Bind Off / Face Edge
BO all sts loosely in rib pattern (k the knits, p the purls) to preserve stretch.
(120 sts bound off ✓)

Finishing

• Weave in all ends securely on the wrong side using tapestry needle.
• Block gently: soak in lukewarm water with wool wash, roll in towel to remove excess water, and lay flat to dry to finished measurements (24" circumference × 20" height). Do not stretch aggressively—rib will bounce back.
• Optional: Add a pompom or tassels to one side of the face edge for a playful Sophie touch, or thread a length of contrasting I-cord or ribbon through the face-edge stitches as a simple drawstring.

Wearing

Pull the tube over your head. The cast-on edge sits at the base of the neck / top of shoulders; scrunch for cowl mode. To wear as a hood, slide the fabric up so the bind-off edge frames your face and the extra length covers the head and neck. The deep rib hugs gently without pressure.

Customization Ideas (optional)

• For extra slouch, work to 22–24" height (add 14–28 rnds).
• Stripe with a second worsted color every 2–4".
• Use a larger needle (US 9 / 5.5 mm) for a looser, drapier fabric (re-check gauge and adjust CO if circumference changes).

Enjoy your warm, versatile Large Sophie Hood!