Sunday, July 15, 2012

Textured Step Cowl Recipe



  
This reversible cowl recipe can be worked in your desired yarn and chosen gauge by doing some simple calculations from a gauge swatch.  Circumference, height, and needle size can all be adjusted to suit your personal preference and chosen yarn.

Materials 
  • Artyarns Golden Siam, 420 yards (held double to approximate worsted weight) or your chosen yarn
  • 16 inch circular needle, US size 7 (4.5. 0mm) or size needed to obtain your desired gauge
  • Stitch marker
  • Tapestry needle
Gauge: 3.5 stitches per inch in sample, or adjust to suit
Circumference: 28 inches or adjust to suit
Height: 8 inches or adjust to suit

Preparing to knit
Knit a swatch in pattern stitch that is at least 4x4, or big enough to judge that you are producing a fabric with the drape and density that you desire.  Once you've settled on a yarn and needle that are working for you, determine your gauge in stitches per inch.

Gauge: ____ stitches per inch

Decide on your desired circumference:  ____ inches

To estimate the number of stitches to cast on, multiply your circumference by your gauge.  Estimate: ___ x ___ = ____

Your cast on number needs to be multiple of 6 plus 2 additional stitches.  Subtract 2 from the cast on estimate above, then divide by 6.

___ - 2 = ____

___ / 6 = ____

Did your estimate divide evenly by 6?  If so, great!  If not, add or subtract a few stitches to your estimate until it is a multiple of 6 plus 2.  

Calculated cast on number:  ____ stitches

In the sample shown, the circumference is 28 inches and my gauge was about 3.5 stitches per inch.  28 x 3.5 = 98.  98-2=96.  96/6 = 16.  So my cast on number was 98 stitches.


Pattern

CO calculated cast on number from above (98 stitches in sample shown).

Place marker to note beginning of round. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.

Row 1: *K3,P3*, repeat between * to last 2 stitches, K2
Row 2: K1, *P3,K3*, repeat between * to last stitch, P1
Row 3: P2, *K3,P3*, repeat between * to end of round

Repeat these three rows until piece is 8 inches tall or desired height.

Bind off all stitches. Weave in ends.  Block if desired.

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