The Free Pattern

See "The Details" tab for size, yarn, needle, and gauge information.

GLOSSARY: K = knit; K1b = knit 1 below (insert right needle from front to back into center of stitch below stitch on left needle; knit this stitch, allowing stitch on needle to drop off and making sure new stitch has caught both the stitch on the needle and the one below); P = purl; P1B = purl 1 below (insert right needle from back to front into center of stitch below stitch on left needle; purl this stitch, allowing stitch on needle to drop off and making sure new stitch has caught both the stitch on the needle and the one below); St(s) = stitch(es).

Cast on: Holding 2 strands together, using cable cast-on method, loosely cast on 52 sts. Place marker to designate beginning of round; join in the round, being careful not to twist.

Pattern stitch:
Set-up round: *K1, P1*; repeat to end of round.

Round 1: *K1B, P1*; repeat between * * to end of round.

Round 2: *K1, P1B*; repeat between * * to end of round.

Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until cowl measures approx 7½"/19cm from cast-on edge, or desired depth, and you have enough yarn to bind off.

Tips: If you pick up your knitting and can’t remember which round you were on, look at the stitch below the first stitch on the left needle. If it is a single strand, work into that stitch (that is, K1B or P1B). If it is a double strand, work normally into the stitch on the needle (that is, K1 or P1).

Because this stitch can be tricky to fix in case of mistakes, you may wish to run a lifeline through your stitches every few inches: Thread a darning needle with a smooth strong yarn and run it through all stitches on the needle (not the marker). If you make a mistake, you can unravel to this line and slip your needle back into the stitches following the lifeline.

Bind off loosely in pattern (working each st exactly as set in pattern stitch), matching tension of cast-on edge as closely as possible. Fasten off.

Finishing: Weave in ends as invisibly as possible. Steam or wet block as desired.