An oversized organic cowl for the unexpected spring cold snap. Ours conveniently fell this weekend.
“a cowl” “a what?” “a cowl.” This seems to be the beginning of every conversation I have when I wear a one. Apparently the term is unique to the knitting world. Either way, I think they’re one of the best accessories ever invented. I usually tell people ‘it’s like the best part of a scarf’. And it’s true – all the neck warming with no loose end to keep track of. And even better, this one’s organic. It knits up in just a few hours and I like the big size and chunky pattern.
Click here for a downloadable .pdf file – Holy Cowl
I had just enough left over to knit a pair of wristlets to match. I’ll get those posted soon. Enjoy!
Where I'm at
Beach Bum Bag
Garter Snake Purse
Head to Headband
Holy Cowl!
Holy Cuffs
Organic Mushrom
Racing Stripes
Silk Bandana Scarf
The Eco Hero
The Kiwi Slouch
The Micro Scarf
The Weekender
mypurlsofwisdom.wordpress.com 
Tif
/ April 19, 2010Gorgeous! Can’t wait to make one.
—Tif
kirsten schueler
/ July 21, 2010if i wanted to make this using straight needles (since i am currently too poor to buy new needles) would it work to just CO 62 and purl rows 2 and 4??
hilary
/ July 24, 2010Exactly. That would work perfectly. The pattern even gives you a one stitch repeat at the ends for seaming. I hope it turns out beautifully.
diane from maine
/ October 13, 2011i made some double pointed needles out of chop sticks, thed work great for poor people like me! all you do is shave down the ends with a blade, carefuly, then sand both ends to desired pointieness !!! try it its so rewarding!
Iliana
/ October 23, 2011That’s a good idea, I made single pointed needles out of some dowels, it was fun and I love my needles.
Edith
/ January 28, 2012Diane, you can run the ends into a pencil sharpener, and that works well.
Pamela
/ March 10, 2013I use that trick too only I put them into a pencil sharpener. Works great.
jessica k
/ March 9, 2011I love this pattern, did it with knitpicks merino style, and would like to do it again with a different yarn and make it a scosh bigger. What would be the stitch increase for this one? Thank you so much!
hilary
/ March 9, 2011Hi Jessica, the repeat for the lace is a six, so just add a multiple of 6 when you cast on. Hope that helps!
Megan
/ March 27, 2011Good morning. This is such a beautiful pattern. I am going to make is with Gedifra Baldini Colori. I am new to knitting and would like to know if when making it with the above yarn if I still hold together? Also, when you have reached 12 inches and after you bind off do you sew the ends together to make the circle? Sorry, but your help and guidence would be much appreciated!
Megan
/ March 27, 2011I have never used stich markers so if anyone has any hints or can advise how I am to use them I would greatly appreciate it! 🙂
hilary
/ March 27, 2011Hi Megan,
Your yarn does have a larger gauge and is meant for larger needles so you probably won’t need to double it. Also, if you use a circular needle, the scarf will knit as a big loop that won’t need to be sewn together. The stitch marker is used on circular needles to mark the end of a row since you’re working in a circle instead of on straight needles where each pass of the needle equals one row. I hope this helps you get started! Knitty.com also has some good tutorials if you need better instructions. Good luck!
Bethany
/ April 9, 2011Hi! I love this pattern, and I love cowls!!! I was just wondering what length of circular needle you used? Is this 29″?
hilary
/ April 10, 2011Hi Bethany, I’m pretty sure I used a 24” circular, but I think anything from 18-28” should work just fine. Enjoy the cowl.
Bethany
/ April 13, 2011Thanks!!!
marcie steinberg
/ August 1, 2011where is the pattern for this great cowl?
hilary
/ August 2, 2011You should be able to click on the gray link called ‘Holy Cowl’ and print out a .pdf. Let me know if it doesn’t work!
marcie steinberg
/ August 2, 2011i swear hillary i must be nuts.. i absolutely cant find it… lol… tell me where do you live?
marcie steinberg
/ August 2, 2011ok i am nuts,, i found it LOLOL thanks so much.. i dont like circular needles so i might make it on regular needles…what size would you use and how many stitches would you use? thanks marcie
hilary
/ August 3, 2011Hi Marcie, so glad you found it! Making it on straight needles should be no problem, I’d just use the same size needles and cast on 26 stitches. (or any multiple of 6 + 2 ) Just knit it like a scarf till it seems long enough and sew up the seams. Just remember to purl every other row!
marcie steinberg
/ August 3, 2011this is so funny, i was reading your email and looking at the pattern at the same time and on the pattern it says k every other row… i have never seen such a little pattern have such attention LOLOL
Mette Bakholm Scott
/ August 8, 2011This is really nice looking! I am going to make this for autumn 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
Caitlin Kavanaugh
/ October 5, 2011Hi Hilary,
Thank you for sharing this beautiful pattern! I’m actually with the knitting website, AllFreeKnitting.com and we would love to feature this (and your other patterns on our site). We link out to a variety of patterns from all over the web and promote them (including small pictures) in our newsletters.
Would it be all right with you if we start featuring your amazing patterns?
Thanks so much,
Caitlin
Editor, AllFreeKnitting
hilary
/ October 6, 2011Thanks Caitlin, I’d be honored to be featured on your site. Thanks for asking!
Liz Anderson
/ October 12, 2011Yup! I found you via AllFreeKnitting. This is a beautiful piece that may just find it’s way under several Christmas Trees this year. Thank you for providing the pattern.
Lorraine
/ October 13, 2011Very pretty-can not wait to make one
Debra
/ October 13, 2011I just found this pattern on AllFreeKnitting.com. It is beautiful!! I commented there as well, but I would like to know how many stitches I would need to cast on to make it big enough to wrap around your neck twice. How long is it in the pattern?
Sandy B
/ October 13, 2011October 13, 2011
Good Evening Hilary…
As everyone has commented, your Four Row Holey Cowl is really beautiful. Now as to the length of the cord you used – I believe you mentioned you used 24″ – well to me it seems it appears to be longer and possibly 32″ or even 40″ with it hanging as it does on the person in the photo wearing it… I would like it to be long so I could wrap it around my Neck a few times…
I am wondering how many stitches I would need to knit a longer one – will check your Pattern.
Thanks for sharing with us all.
I am presently knitting a Cowl that called for 24″ cord but I chose to knit in 32″ and wished I had actually chosen 40″ – so it can be a tad deceiving.. I like the variety of ways we can wear our Cowls… long or wrapped around our necks to wear when it is really cold and snowy as it does across Canada especially up on the Ski Mtns..
Thanks so much, now I need to read the Pattern for the Number of Stitches to Cast on and also how many stitches I will need for a longer Cowl…
Sisan
/ October 14, 2011Thanks for a wonderful pattern. I was wondering can you make this on a circular knitting loom?
hilary
/ October 18, 2011You know, I’ve never used a circular loom so I honestly couldn’t say. I’d love to learn to use one soon,so let me know how yours turns out!
cindy
/ October 16, 2011This is wonderful!! I can’t wait to make a bunch of them for family, friends and myself. Look forward to seeing the wristlets.
judy
/ October 19, 2011Hi: I purchased the lion brand nature’s choice organic cotton in mustard color with a nubby texture. Should I use it doubled as in the instructions? The colors in the nubby are much prettier than the regular thin yarn. Thanks so much for the help. I can’t wait. It’s for my grandaughter.
judy
/ October 19, 2011I’m not too good on the computer. I hope to receive a reply to my query above. Judy
Angela
/ October 23, 2011I just finished making the “Holey Cowl”. I used worsted yarn doubled and a size 13 needle but it does not drape down anywhere near as long as yours! I don’t think 62 stitches is correct. It seems there should be more stitches. HELP! Love the pattern and would love to make one that will look like the picture.
hilary
/ October 31, 2011Hi Angela,
So sorry your cowl didn’t end up long enough. I know I did use 62 stitches for my version, but the heavy nubby cotton does make it heavier and drape longer. I’m also fairly petite so the cowl may just look longer in scale. But, if you’re up for making another one, the lace pattern uses a multiple of 6 stitches. So, if you wanted to make it longer, you might try adding 6 or 12 stitches when you cast on and see how it comes out. Good luck to you!
Kathy Guzzi Guzzo Anderson
/ October 30, 2011I am trying your pattern but I must be doing something wrong. I’ve started twice now. I seem to come out with a different count of stitches after finishing the first row. You said it’s a 6 stitch repeat but I see 7. Repeating the 7 stitches 8 times equals 56 and then adding the last 7 stitches, I come out with 63 stitches. THis throws you off and the row doesn’t end like the pattern says. Am I doing something wrong?
thanks.
hilary
/ October 31, 2011Hi Kathy, I think I understand your question, let’s see if this helps.
The first and last stitches on the row are place holders, so the total pattern repeat is a multiple of 6 (60 in this case) stitches plus 2. In this cowl the basic lace pattern [ yo, k3tog, yo, k3] just moves back and forth 3 stitches each row by starting the row with either 1 or 4 stitches before starting the lace. Like any lace pattern, you should end up with the same number of stitches each row since the lace pattern starts by adding one stitch (by doing the yarn over); decreasing 2 stitches (knitting 3 together), then adding one stitch (yo). So in the course of the lace pattern you decrease two, and add two leaving you with the same number at the end of the row. If that sounds confusing and you’re a visual person like me, try drawing out the pattern by making tick marks for each stitch then marking them as knit together and adding circles for the yarn overs to show new stitches. That usually seems to work for me. Good Luck to you!
Connie
/ November 9, 2011I’m anxious to try this pattern in a cotton to use as a cover on my shoulders when I wear a sundress in the summer. Will this be wide enough to do that? Do you think I should add more stitches?
When on vacation this summer, I needed bigger needles to do a project. I was at the lake and wanted to start right away. I went to the garage and got an old fiberglass fishing pole, cut it up, ground down the ends and made needles about size 15!
Sue
/ November 9, 2011Hilary….I love your Holy Cowl and plan to knit it…..,do I understand correctly that I use two strands of yarn for the entire cowl? I have two skeins of the required yarn…it’s very thick so just wanted to understand the directions exactly.
Thanks so much for such a fun patter….Sue
judy
/ November 14, 2011Since I didn’t receive a reply to my earlier questions, I tried on my own. I’m not using circular needles, but 13 and cast on of 20 stitiches. the pattern is beautiful, but I find it a bit heavy ( I used the organic cotton and used it double). I guess the length depends on the wearer’s body. I had to buy additional yarn. I didn’t pearl the 2nd & 4th rows,, but I knitted them. Why the pearl? Thanks for all your comments and help.
Kari
/ November 21, 2011Made one using the exact yarn, needles and instructions. Turned out beautiful! Thank you for the pattern!
Kristen
/ December 6, 2011Thanks for posting these patterns! I’m hoping to try one really soon!
Angelle
/ December 7, 2011Hilary,
This is beautiful!!! I cannot wait to get started. After reading through everyone’s comments I want to make sure I understand this…If i want to make it longer (wrap twice) I would add stitches in counts of 6?
Thanks for posting the pattern!!!
hilary
/ December 7, 2011You’ve got it! The pattern repeat is a multiple of 6 (60) in this case, plus 2 extra for the start/finish of the row. If you wanted to double it, you’d cast on 122. Best of luck!
Robin
/ December 15, 2011Hilary – In the pattern where it says – cast on 62 stitches with yarn held double – could I use the mobieus cast on. Total stiches should be 124 correct.
hilary
/ December 15, 2011Hi Robin, I have to admit I’m not really familiar with the mobieus cast on. I’ll have to put it on my New Year’s Resolution list of things to learn next year. Best of luck!
Robin
/ December 15, 2011Sometimes I read more into directions than I need to – but where it says double the yarn – you take both skeins of yarn and cast on – correct.
hilary
/ December 15, 2011You’ve got it! Just hold both of them together for the entire cowl so it’s doubly chunky.
Connie
/ December 15, 2011I sent a request for information some time ago but have not seen an answer.
I want to enlarge this cowl so it can be worn over my shoulders with a sundress.
Any suggestions on enlarging it for that purpose.
hilary
/ December 20, 2011Connie, the lace pattern is a repeat of 6 stitches. So, if you want to add some extra width, cast on additional stitches in multiples of six. The cowl is oversized and will probably fit over your shoulders as written, but I’d definitely make it longer to fit down over the shoulders. Maybe aim to make yours 20-24″ long before casting off. Best of luck!
Robin
/ December 17, 2011Hilary – I do not have a 13″ circular needle – I have an 11″ needle. Should I increase the number of stitches.
Thanks for all your help.
Robin
hilary
/ December 20, 2011Robin,
A size 11 needle will definitely mean you end up with a bit smaller cowl, but the Holy Cowl is generously sized anyway so it’s really your call. If you want to make sure it’s still nice and slouchy, go ahead and add 6 stitches. Happy Knitting!
Deb
/ January 6, 2012Hi, Hilary:
I haven’t knit in about 30 years. Back when I was knitting, most patterns called for 4-ply yarn. Is that what your yarn is? Where do I get this yarn? Our town only has a Michael’s and a Jo-Anns? I love the patterns and would like to make them for my three daughers-in-law next year for Christmas.
hilary
/ January 6, 2012Hi Deb,
This yarn is a worsted weight yarn made by Lion Brand Yarn. I know that it is sold at Michaels and JoAnns so it’s great for a starting (or re-starting) knitter. Best of luck dusting off your needles.
Emily
/ January 16, 2012How long would you say your finished cowl was?
Emily
/ January 16, 2012Sorry, I guess the better question would be how big was the circumference?
Gerry
/ January 28, 2012What is the pattern for knitting. Please send it to me
hilary
/ January 30, 2012Hi Gerry,
If if doesn’t work when you click on the .pdf file, I’ve added a jpeg of the pattern you can click and print. Happy Knitting!
BRENDA HEAD
/ January 29, 2012tHE PATTERN FOR THE HOLY COWL IS NOT COMING UP FOR ME i JUST KEEP GETTING THE BLOGS WHEN i HITTHE PATTERN KEY HELP!
BRENDA HEAD
/ January 29, 2012STILL CANNOT GET THE PATTERN TO COME UP!
hilary
/ January 30, 2012Brenda,
I added a jpeg file of the pattern that hopefully you can click and print if the .pdf file doesn’t work. Sorry for the difficulty!
apriljoy
/ February 1, 2012Hilary, I am about 20 rows into this pattern and I absolutely LOVE it!! thank you for sharing and I will definitely check out the rest of your blog. I found this pattern on allfreeknitting. I am using the lion brand thick and quick yarn instead and it’s turning out really good. Thanks again!
hilary
/ February 2, 2012Hi April,
So glad you’re enjoying it. I’ve made a couple of these with Thick and Quick and they turned out great. I hope you love wearing it. Happy Knitting!
Patricia
/ February 2, 2012Patsy,
I too have dusted off my needles. I love the Picture of the Holy Cowl, I am sorry to say
I did not see the measurments. width the lenght I think you said was 12″. I does look longer but I think you said you were a small frame. so it look longer on you.. I am making this for my G-daughter she is tall and large bosomed girl. So. I need to 36″ long is it about 12″ Wide?
She too likes to wrap her cowl around twice. Help me with the math. Please.
Thank you so much for your pattern and any help you will give me…
Adrienne Moucheraud
/ March 9, 2012you’ve carefully explained how to increase the # of stitches but i simply do not possess the math/logic gene- so please tell me if i want to increast the lenght by 1/3 what do i do- am going to try this beauty this week-end and it would take me all that time to (incorrectly) figure the math- thanks for the lovely pattern and sorry to be so dopey!adrienne
Johann Mitchell
/ March 11, 2012I’m on Knitting Paradise, which is forums. Someone on there asked about this cowl. She cast on 62 stitches, and like someone else, got something so small she can’t get her head through it.
The stitch repeat is 6 stitches, but I counted 16 repeats THAT I CAN SEE. That doesn’t include repeats behind your neck, hidden by your hair, or right at the front where it bunches up and I can’t see the repeats. I estimated that there were about 10 more repeats, and noticed that 162 stitches cast on gives exactly 27 repeats, which is about what I estimated. In any case, the photo shows more than ten repeats.
Is it possible that there should have been a one before the sixty two?
amccain
/ May 14, 2012Hilary,
I am finishing this cowl. When you measure it, are you measuring end to end, or around the neck to the outer edge? This is my first work done in the round.
Thank you.
Knitting Patterns Free
/ July 18, 2012May I just say what a comfort to discover somebody who genuinely knows what they’re talking about online. You actually understand how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More and more people need to check this out and understand this side of your story. I was surprised that you are not more popular given that you surely have the gift.
Ivy
/ August 31, 2012Help me!! I’m making mine with straight needles, and doesnt look anything like it’s supposed too. I’m not ending up with 7 or 4 at the ends either
Bonnie
/ November 1, 2012What a gorgeous pattern- I’m going to knit it this weekend ! Thanks for sharing.
Roselyn Babcock
/ November 29, 2012I have started knitting this pattern for the cowl and it is more than 12″ long doesn’t look anything like the picture–how wide should it be??? doing it on straight needles so how long do I make it???
Crystal
/ January 14, 2013Hilary,
I will be knitting this on straight needles, if I purl the first and third row instead of knit them , is it going to curl in like a stockinette stitch?
Thanks
kjherstin
/ January 18, 2013Thank you for sharing this pattern.
kjherstin
/ January 18, 2013So you knit with 2 strands of each yarn at the same time?
Sandy
/ January 19, 2013So I can use straight needles to make this beautiful cowl, the part I am confused about is why do I have to purl instead of knit? I hate purling
Nancy
/ January 20, 2013I am using straight needles. Impossible to knit 3 tog, very hard.
Calliope
/ February 6, 2013Hello Hilary,
Thanks for such an awesome pattern!! I’m knitting it up on straight needles right now, and am anxious to finish it. 🙂 Would you mind if I linked this post to my blog, when I post pictures of the finished product?
~Calliope
Susan
/ April 11, 2013Stunning pattern. Will have to knit one to wear very soon. Have so many lovely projects in my head all I need is oodles of time. I saw this on All Free Knitting. Thank you very much.
pat
/ April 12, 2013can i substitute using bulky yarn,
Marlene Hunter
/ August 15, 2013I find it impossible to knit 3 tog. How do I adjust the pattern and knit 2 tog instead.
Thank you so much. I love the looks of the cowl.
Dee McCartney
/ September 7, 2013love your pattern and just wondering if I have this right, I want to make this into a shawl, wrap for my sister, so thinking a size 6 circular needle, 180 or 114 stitches plus 2 and purl the knit rows, is this correct….plus making a cowl, but 120 plus 2….please get back to me. thank you so much for this great pattern….
Dee
Rachel
/ November 13, 2013Love this! Is it alright to pin it for later?