Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Divine Drape Cowl

Divine Drape Cowl
Divine Drape Cowl

If this cowl is one thing, it's a summer-to-autumn wardrobe staple that would look great in any color, at virtually any length. And if it's two things, it's also yet another one of my attempts at the absolute perfect cowl design: not too bulky around the back of the neck, but with enough fun in the front to attract some attention. And heck, while we're at it - why not make it THREE things -- or in other words, your next project? ;)

Yarn: Premier Yarns Cotton Fair (52% Cotton, 48% Acrylic; 317 yards [290 meters]/100 grams); #27-09 Lavender - one skein

Divine Drape Cowl
The main stitch pattern. Airy
and pretty, no?
Needles: Straight needles in size US 3, straight needles in size US 4, straight needles in size US 8, and straight needles in size US 5 for provisional cast-on

Notions: Tapestry needle

Gauge: 23 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette on size US 4 needles

So let's make a cowl! Using your size 5 needles and a length of scrap yarn, then, cast on 35 stitches provisionally. Transfer work to your size 4 needles and knit two transition rows, as follows:

Transition Row 1 (wrong side): purl

Transition Row 2: knit

Knit these two transition rows, and then transfer work to your size 3 needles and we'll work a ribbing for a bit, like so:

Ribbing Row 1 (wrong side): p1, * k1, p1; rep from * until you reach the end of the row

Ribbing Row 2: k1, * p1, k1 *

Knit ribbing rows 1 & 2 until piece measures roughly 7.5" and you've just finished a right side row. Transfer work back to your size US 4 needles. Then we'll work a few more transition rows, as follows. You'll need the following notation to continue:

lifted increase (li): insert right-hand needle straight through the middle of the next stitch in the row below, and knit; then knit the stitch on your needle normally

And once you're clear on that, continue like so: 

Transition Row 1 (wrong side): purl

Transition Row 2: knit

Transition Row 3: purl

Transition Row 4: knit

Transition Row 5: purl

Transition Row 6: * li * (70 stitches)

Transition Row 7: purl

Work transition rows 1 - 7. Transfer work to your size US 8 needles, and then we'll begin the main pattern, which is Rick Rib from page 260 of Barbara G. Walker's A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns, and goes like so:

Row 1 (right side): k1, * yo, slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back, k1, pass slipped stitch over (psso); rep from *; end k1

Row 2: p1, * yo, slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front, p1, psso; rep from *; end p1

Knit rows 1 & 2 until piece measures roughly 24" (of course you can also make it longer), and you've just finished a right-side row. Transfer work back to your size 4 needles.  Then we'll work some final transition rows, which you'll find below:

Transition Row 1 (wrong side): purl

Transition Row 2: * k2tog * (35 stitches)

Transition Row 3: purl

Transition Row 4: knit

Knit transition rows 1 - 4. Leave working stitches on one needle, and then transfer your provisional cast-on stitches back to your other size 4 needle. Using the Kitchener stitch, graft. Tuck in ends, and, if desired, block (but I wouldn't stretch out the back ribbing, since having it all folded up nicely is the point!).

Divine Drape Cowl
Divine Drape Cowl
Divine Drape Cowl
Divine Drape Cowl
Divine Drape Cowl
Divine Drape Cowl

73 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thank you thank you! I like the whole necklace-y aspect of this one; glad you like it too! :)

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    2. I started this unusual cowl, but I just can't understand the Transition row Li. I've tried different things..not right! Help! Need to start Xmas presents!

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    3. Hi Judie!

      Here's a tutorial that explains it a bit more (it's the right lifted increase, not the left): http://knotions.com/techniques/how-to-knit-lifted-increases/

      And I don't usually actually lift the stitch onto my needle, but it's the same principle and same stitch! I hope that helps!!! :)

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  2. The drape on this is BEAUTIFUL! You always show the loveliest patterns...thank you for sharing them freely with us.

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    1. I'm so glad you like it! I thought the drape was especially nice too... and you're very welcome. I aim to please, you know! :)

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  3. This cowl is genius!! I have never seen anything like it. I love it, can hardly wait to cast on. Thank you for sharing all your designs with the world.

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    1. Well I'm very happy to hear that you like it! :) I like the idea of a cowl that looks almost more like a statement necklace than anything. Anyway, let me know if you have any questions! I'm always happy to help!!!

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  4. This is perfect for a small quantity of handspun I recently made with no particular project in mind....

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    1. Oooh... that sounds delightful! Let me know if you have any questions! :)

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  5. Can you please give finished measurements. I understand you can make the drape shorter, but didn't know the width of the back band. Mine is coming out to be about four inches wide.

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    1. Hi there! Yes, the width of the back band is about 4" to begin with and then the piece spreads to more like 22" once you do the increases and start working in the other pattern. Let me know if you have any other questions! :)

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  6. Oh, great, so I'm on the right track then. I'm enjoying the pattern. Thanks.

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  7. Thanks so lovely this drape cowl.

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  8. Question please....when you say "knit 1 and 2 until the piece measures roughly 24 inches" does that include the 7.5 inches of ribbing?

    My total piece is now 24 inches but it sits too tight around my neck without any drape.

    Thank you.

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    1. Yes mine is 24" total but you should of course make yours as long as you want! :)

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  9. Once again you have come up with a beautiful pattern. Many thanks.

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  10. This looks ideal .. without the Bulk at the back !!! Beautiful. . I definitely want to try this & the color is gorgeous!

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    1. So glad you like it!!! Let me know if you have any questions. :)

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  11. is there any chance that you can give instructions to knit this in the round. I don't even care if the back is like the front as I love that light drapy look. thanks so much

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    1. Hi Linda!

      Unfortunately, this is one of those few patterns that doesn't adapt well to the round since it relies on passing the slipped stitches in opposite directions (since the ones on the wrong side will counteract the ones on the right side - am I making any sense here?). So, long story short, I don't this this stitch pattern works if it's not knit flat... sorry to disappoint! :)

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  12. thanks so sorry to hear that as this would have been perfect for where I live in the south. thanks anyway. Linda

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    1. Well you could always knit a rectangle of the pattern and then seam it into a tube... I made a cowl out of this same pattern for my mother that way (before I started my website)! :)

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    2. thanks so much thata a great idea!

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    3. Let me know if you need any help designing a modified pattern! :)

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  13. The cowl is beautiful and your instructions so clear and concise. Thank you so very much for sharing your beautiful work! x

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    1. Glad you like it! And one thing I enjoy about having my own site is that I can write out my directions any way I see fit, without all the abbreviations and space-savers that can make magazine patterns difficult to understand. Plus, I'm always around to help! :)

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  14. Love this pattern. I tried it with a #3 weight yarn and half way through frogged it and will start over when I get the right yarn. I'm sure the lighter yarn will fall more softly: the #3 was just too....too....thick...big....heavy???? Just didn't lay right.

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    1. Yeah, I'm still learning how different yarns respond to different patterns, and I STILL spend a decent amount of time frogging when I design (ack!). Anyway, it's both the smaller yarn and the fiber that makes a difference on this one; you'll want a cotton, silk, bamboo, or something that drapes nicely rather than, like, a wool or an acrylic. :)

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  15. Do not understand how to slip stitch purlwise AFTER a YO. Seems like that just negates the YO

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    1. Hi! You're going to slip the stitch, then work the next stitch, the pass the slipped stitch over the stitch you worked (so even though it seems funny to do it after a yo it will turn out). :) Let me know if you have any other questions!

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  16. This is new to me. When starting use size 5 needle and a length of scrap yarn. Do you cast on 35 stitches and then transfer to size 4. Or what is the piece of scrap yarn for? also what is meant by provisionally and transition row.

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    1. Hi! This pattern uses a provisional cast-on, which is a way to cast on with live stitches so that you can finish your piece without a seam, but with grafting instead. Here's some good information: http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall05/FEATfall05TT.html As you can see, that's why you need the scrap yarn (to hold your live stitches), and many people perform a provisional cast-on with a larger needle size, which is why you need to transfer your stitches (as you get more familiar with this technique you may decide not to use larger needles but this is the traditional advice). As far as the transition row goes, that's just how I usually label my rows that are not part of a main or an edging pattern - I could just as easily call them something else, but that's my chosen terminology.

      Long story short, you will probably be trying some new techniques with this pattern, but I encourage you to give it a shot and ask more questions if need be. Good luck! :)

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  17. I just found this pattern and have a green variegated sock yarn that should work beautifully. My question is about the gauge. I knit a swatch and the gauge was perfect with 8 needles (I knit rather tightly). When you posted the gauge of 23 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette, which needles were you referring to? Which size do you recommend that I use for the neck and then the body of the cowl?? Thanks for your pattern and also for your willingness to help.

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    1. Hi there!!!

      Yes, it sounds like you do knit tightly! :) And, first off - I fixed the gauge up there, because I should have said the needle size, and always try to on patterns like this where I'm using larger-than-gauge needles. Anyway, the gauge is for size 4 needles, and then you want to use large enough ones to give an airy look when you get to the mesh pattern. Of course the gauge of the mesh isn't terribly important, but you could try a few different needle sizes to make sure you like the look of it!

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  18. Hi Gretchen! Thank you for sharing such a lovely pattern! I'm so in love with this! Is it possible to use a heavier weight yarn for this pattern?

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    1. Absolutely! You could either just make it as written and have a larger cowl or modify the stitch count to preserve the size. You also have a choice as to whether you want to work it in larger gauge needles (as I did) or work it with gauge needles for a tighter look! :)

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  19. is this really a easy pattern lol, i would love to give this ago but i've only been knitting for 18 months and i usually work in DK or Aron so it would be new all around, so tell the truth before i buy the yarn would i be able to make it. thanks xx

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    1. Hi there!

      Okay, here's the scoop: the most complicated thing in this pattern is the provisional cast-on (not because it's necessarily hard, but it can be fussy so you may not be 100% pleased with your results on your first go). No matter how badly it goes, however, it won't have a big impact on your finished result. And the next most complicated thing is probably just the mesh pattern - some people struggle with the yarn overs, and don't find that kind of a pattern fun to work. If you have any experience with that kind of knitting you may already know how you find it, or you could always try to knit *just* the stitch pattern with scrap yarn and see how it goes (or in other words, these two rows: Row 1 (right side): k1, * yo, slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back, k1, pass slipped stitch over (psso); rep from *; end k1

      Row 2: p1, * yo, slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front, p1, psso; rep from *; end p1).

      All of that being said, no - this isn't a particularly difficult pattern, and you can use DK weight yarn very successfully. I always encourage people to try new things, also, and with 18 months of knitting under your belt you should be able to give it a go! :)

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    2. thanks for the quick reply and the info, i think i will get the yarn tomorrow but play around with scrap until i'm happy, i would love to make it for my PA for Christmas, as without her i would never get out off the house.
      again many thanks
      jd

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    3. Sounds like a very thoughtful gift! And please, let me know if you have any questions!!! :)

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    4. ok another daft question will this yarn workhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Marriner-Mercerised-Cotton-Double-Viola/dp/B00IVMYI7A/ref=pd_sbs_201_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=5C7V7A8G5C92FDW75M9H

      sorry to keep asking but i don't get out much and am on a very limited money so don't want to get the wrong stuff
      many thanks
      jd xx


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    5. Yes, that's a good choice. :) The fact that it's a mercerized cotton will probably make it a bit stiffer and shinier than my version, but I can imagine that that will be very pretty, and possibly a bit fancier-looking too.

      Anyway, let me know if you have any other questions! :)

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  20. I would like to make a short, quick version of this so it is more necklace than cowl, please. Would a shimmering or mixed fibre yarn with acrylic on larger needles work? A fashion yarn. Smaller needles and thin yarn makes my fingers ache. I am below average in height so it would probably also suit a youngster - teenager. Thank you for any advice as there never is enough time to knit all one would make easily and wear. With many thanks, Carol.

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    1. Hi Carol!

      I definitely think this would work well with a fashion yarn. :) If you're working with more of a worsted weight yarn you could begin by casting on a few fewer stitches - maybe 29 or 31 (of even fewer if you want a really narrow piece - just make sure to cast on an odd number). You'll want to work your ribbing on your gauge sized needles long enough to fit around the back of your neck - in the pattern, it's about 7" long, feel free to measure yourself to figure out how long yours should be! Then, of course, gauge your needles up for the main pattern, probably to a US 10 or thereabouts (again, I'm assuming worsted in this case, you'll have to tell me if your gauge is different). Continue in the main pattern until the piece is nearly your desired length, and then work the final rows when you're ready! :)

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  21. Como puedo traducir a español ese tejido

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    1. Hola!

      Lo siento, pero mi español no está muy bien. Encontré una lista de términos para tejer en español, tal vez eso pueda ayudar.

      https://www.garnstudio.com/glossary.php?langf=en&langt=es

      Además, empecé con un "provisional cast on", y no se como decir eso en español, pero encontré un video en español:

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx99QaDHWQU

      Pienso que es posible encontrar videos para todos los otros términos también, y estoy feliz de ayudar cuando puedo. :)

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  22. I would love to knit this cowl but am confused. What is meant by "transition row?" Is it one way of saying Row 1, Row 2 etc? I have looked high and low for that term and cannot find a good description.

    Thank you!

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    1. Hi! It's just the two rows you have to knit before beginning the main pattern... I usually use that description ("transition row") when I have just a few rows that don't fit under any other heading (as in, they're not ribbings, or main pattern rows, or whatnot). Let me know if you have any other questions! :)

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  23. I would love to make this cowl but without the ribs part. What would just the Lacy part be??
    Thanks
    Dianne

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    1. Hi! If you want to do that, just cast on 70 stitches and only work the two rows I give after the ribbing and transition rows (the pattern is called Rick Rib). :)

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  24. Just made one - it looks gorgeous! Thank you for sharing this pattern!

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    1. Wonderful! I'm so glad it turned out well for you. :)

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  25. I'm a leftie. Any suggestions to switch up the pattern?

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    1. Hi there! I'm not left handed so I have no experience, but I did find a YouTube video that might help. :)

      https://youtu.be/fBuaYA13t2A

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  26. Just happen to come across this gorgeous looking cowl pattern and can't wait to knit it up. Reading the instructions and looking at the photo showing the drape detail, it sort of gives it a narrow hairpin lace look. I'm thinking I may have to play with some novelty yarns for a fun & funky look.

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    1. So glad you like the pattern! Let me know if you have any questions. :)

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  27. Being an English born person now living in Tasmania I have never seen or heard of a transition row, can you explain exactly how one knits these rows.

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    1. When I say "transition row" all I mean is a row between two other sections... You knit it by following the instructions given and then moving on to the next part! :)

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  28. Hello. I just saw this and would love to make one. Do you have a video that people can watch - from start to finish?

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    1. Hi! Unfortunately I don't and I'm not knitting anymore due to injuries so I can't make one. Apologies!

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  29. what weight is the yarn

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  30. is that a #2 fine?

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  31. thanks I bought that but it seemed much finer than your pictures

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    1. Yeah each category contains a lot of variation... This pattern isn't very gauge dependent though so it should be fine!

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