Friday, November 23, 2012

Escarpment Cowl

 
Cuddle up in this snuggly, cozy cowl. It knits up in no time using a bulky fisherman’s rib
and looks great with any outfit. The fabric is stretchy and mushy making it extra comfy.
 
This cowl is knit flat using a provisional cast on - the ends are then grafted together. Stitches are slipped at the sides making a soft edge and clean lines. This cowl has one size and has a slightly visible seam.


Craft: Knitting
Skill Level: Rookie-Apprentice-Virtuoso-Genius
Skills: knit, purl, K1b (instructions given), provisional cast on, three needle bind off or grafting (Kitchener stitch)

Sizes: one size
Finished Measurements: approx. 12" wide and 30" folded in half lying flat (60" long)
Gauge: not crucial; approx. 11 sts and 16 rows = 4" (but it is very stretchy)
Yarn: 250 g (8.8 oz.), 325 yds (315 m) bulky (12 ply) weight wool
Suggested Brand: 2.5 skeins  Berocco Vintage Chunky
(50% Acrylic, 40% Wool, 10% Nylon)

Needles: 8 mm (US 11) straight or circular needles (+ extra needle for three needle BO)
Other Materials: scrap yarn for provisional cast on; extra 8 mm needle of any kind; large crochet hook or darning needle to weave in ends


Stiches:
K1b = Knit one below
Insert your needle one row below the next st. It should look like a purl is facing you on the next st - insert your needle under this purl. When you move the stitch off the left needle, you should see the stitch "drop" to the next row and then sit there. This helps opens up the fabric.


Instructions:

See below for Rookie Version.

With scrap yarn, CO 30 sts with provisional method.
 

Cut scrap yarn. Attach main yarn.
 

Row 1: Knit.
Row 2: Sl 1 kwise, knit to last st, purl.
 

Row 3: Slip 1 kwise, *K1, K1b*, rep from * to * to last st, P1.

Rep Row 3 only until your cowl measures 152 cm/60" from CO.


Undo sts from provisional CO and place on your spare 8 mm needle. Make sure the cowl is lying flat with no twists, folded in half.
 

You can either loosely graft/Kitchener stitch the sts together or use a three-needle bind off; for a less visible seam, try grafting in rib. Weave in ends.

Rookie Version:
Cast on 30 sts with regular backwards loop method and main yarn.
Knit the scarf as written above.
Bind off loosely and sew ends together