purlJam

# SIDEWAYS TEXTURED COWL

A beautifully simple cowl knitted from side to side, featuring four distinct texture bands that create visual interest while remaining perfect for beginners. The sideways construction creates horizontal stripes of texture when worn, and the combination of garter stitch, stocking stitch, and seed stitch provides an ideal introduction to different knitting techniques.

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:** Approximately 200 metres (220 yards) of worsted weight yarn
- Sample shown in a single colour for texture clarity, but stripes or colour changes would work beautifully

**Needles:** 5.0 mm (UK 6, US 8) needles, or size needed to obtain tension

**Notions:** 
- Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends
- Stitch markers (optional, helpful for keeping track of pattern sections)

## TENSION

18 stitches and 24 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) in stocking stitch

**Tension is important for this project** to ensure the cowl is the right size when worn.

Take time to check your tension before beginning. If you have more stitches per 10 cm, use larger needles. If you have fewer stitches, use smaller needles.

## FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

**Height (worn):** 25 cm (10 inches)
**Circumference:** 90 cm (35 inches)

This creates a generous single-loop cowl that sits comfortably around the neck.

## ABBREVIATIONS

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

## PATTERN NOTES

1. **Construction:** This cowl is knitted flat from side to side. You cast on for the height and knit until you reach the desired circumference, then seam the short ends together.

2. **Texture Sections:** The pattern includes four texture bands:
   - Section 1: Garter stitch (knit every row)
   - Section 2: Stocking stitch (knit RS rows, purl WS rows)
   - Section 3: Seed stitch (alternating k1, p1)
   - Section 4: Garter stitch (knit every row)

3. **Reading the Pattern:** Each section tells you which row you're starting on and which row you'll finish on, making it easy to track your progress.

4. **Maintaining Even Tension:** Different stitch patterns can pull in differently. Try to maintain consistent tension throughout. Garter stitch naturally has more width than stocking stitch, which is normal.

5. **First and Last Stitches:** Knit the first and last stitch of every row. This creates a neat edge that makes seaming easier.

## INSTRUCTIONS

**Cast On**
Cast on 45 sts using your preferred cast-on method. A long-tail cast-on works well.

### Section 1: Garter Stitch (Rows 1-54)
Row 1 (RS): Knit all sts.
Row 2 (WS): Knit all sts.

Repeat these 2 rows until you have completed 54 rows total.
[CHECK: You should have knitted 27 garter ridges]

### Section 2: Stocking Stitch (Rows 55-108)
Row 55 (RS): Knit all sts.
Row 56 (WS): Purl all sts.

Repeat these 2 rows until you have completed 54 rows in this section (ending on Row 108 overall).
[CHECK: Stitch count should still be 45 sts]

### Section 3: Seed Stitch (Rows 109-162)
Row 109 (RS): K1 (edge st), *k1, p1; repeat from * to last 2 sts, k2 (last st is edge st).
Row 110 (WS): K1 (edge st), *p1, k1; repeat from * to last 2 sts, p1, k1 (edge st).

Repeat these 2 rows until you have completed 54 rows in this section (ending on Row 162 overall).

**Seed Stitch Note:** The knits and purls should alternate, creating a bumpy texture. On each row, you knit the purls and purl the knits from the previous row.
[CHECK: Stitch count should still be 45 sts]

### Section 4: Garter Stitch (Rows 163-216)
Row 163 (RS): Knit all sts.
Row 164 (WS): Knit all sts.

Repeat these 2 rows until you have completed 54 rows in this section (ending on Row 216 overall).
[CHECK: You should have 27 garter ridges in this section, and 45 sts remain]

**Cast Off**
Cast off all sts knitwise, leaving a tail of approximately 50 cm (20 inches) for seaming.

**Mathematical Verification:**
- Total rows: 54 + 54 + 54 + 54 = 216 rows ✓
- At 24 rows per 10 cm: 216 ÷ 24 × 10 = 90 cm length ✓
- Stitch count throughout: 45 sts ✓
- At 18 sts per 10 cm: 45 ÷ 18 × 10 = 25 cm height ✓

## FINISHING

### Blocking
Gently steam block or wet block the flat piece to measurements. Pin out to approximately 25 cm × 90 cm, being careful not to over-stretch the garter stitch sections. Allow to dry completely.

### Seaming
With RS facing out, fold the cowl so that the cast-on edge meets the cast-off edge. Using the long tail from casting off (or a fresh length of yarn) and a tapestry needle, seam the short ends together using mattress stitch or whip stitch.

**Mattress Stitch Instructions for Beginners:**
1. Place the two edges side by side with RS facing up
2. Thread your tapestry needle with the yarn tail
3. Insert needle under the first stitch of one edge, then under the corresponding stitch on the other edge
4. Continue working back and forth, pulling gently every few stitches to close the seam
5. The seam should be nearly invisible on the RS

### Weaving in Ends
Weave in all ends on the WS using a tapestry needle, working through several stitches in a zigzag pattern to secure. Trim excess yarn.

### Final Blocking (Optional)
After seaming, you may wish to lightly steam the seam area to help it blend with the rest of the cowl.

## WEARING YOUR COWL

This cowl is designed to be worn as a single loop around the neck. The four texture bands create visual interest, and you can adjust which section sits at the front. The generous circumference allows it to be worn loose for a casual look, or doubled over in very cold weather.

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**Pattern Notes:**
- To make the cowl longer (for double wrapping), knit additional rows before casting off. For a 130 cm circumference, knit to 312 rows (78 rows per section).
- For a narrower cowl, cast on 36 sts (will give approximately 20 cm height).
- For a wider cowl, cast on 54 sts (will give approximately 30 cm height).

**Design:** Custom Pattern
**Difficulty:** Beginner
**Skill Requirements:** Cast on, knit, purl, cast off, basic seaming

© Pattern for personal use. Please do not reproduce for commercial purposes.