Hat Cowl – Free Knitting Pattern

Knit in the Round: This free knitting pattern I designed is a versatile piece that can be worn as a hat or a cowl. I’ve made it using acrylic yarn as well as wool yarn; details will follow. Please like, share, comment, and share your finished work by tagging #tywhatcowl @theyarnyway on social media.

Skill level: Intermediate, or for those wanting to learn how to knit in the round on double-pointed needles, do a twisted purl stitch, make holes, and cast on in the middle of your work. New skills!

DOWNLOAD THE FREE KNITTING PATTERN AS A PDF HERE

 

2 yarn options:

• 1 skein of Lion Brand Heartland yarn. Shown here in Redwood. 4-oz skein is 251 yards/230m. 100% Acrylic 4-ply medium “worsted” weight yarn.

OR

• 
1+ skeins of KnitPicks Swish™ DK. Shown here in Lost Lake Heather. 50g 123 yards. 100% Superwash Merino Wool.

Needles & notions:

• size 8 double-pointed needles
• size 6 double-pointed needles
• 2 single-hole plastic cord stops
• darning needle
• scissors
• measuring tape

Gauge:

18 sts x 24 rows = 4×4 inch square on size 6 needles.

Measurements:

One size fits most adults. The finished piece measures 9” wide by 9-10” high and is laid flat.

Abbreviations:

K: Knit
sts: stitches
TP: Twisted Purl (With yarn in front, insert the right knitting needle through the back loop of the next stitch on the left needle, then complete as a purl stitch.)
CO: Cast on in the middle of a row. Video demo: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8s7G1K8d_KE
sl2 k1 p2sso: Slip 2 stitches, knit 1 stitch, pass 2 slipped stitches over the knitted stitch. (Decrease by 2.)

directions:

Use size 8 US needles to cast on. (The larger size allows for a looser beginning so it stretches comfortably.
Cast on 84 sts. (multiples of 7 sts)
Switch to smaller double-pointed needles. Distribute 21 stitches per needle and join in the round, being careful not to twist.
Row 1 & 2: *TP1, K6, TP1, K6 TP1, K6* Repeat this for remaining 3 needles.
Row 3: *TP1, K2, sl2 k1 p2sso, K1* Repeat this around all needles.
Row 4: *TP1, K2, CO 2 sts, K2* repeat around all needles. 84 sts.
Rows 5 & 6: *TP1, K6, TP1, K6 TP1, K6* Repeat this for remaining 3 needles.
Continue knitting every row around until the piece measures 9-10” from the beginning.
Last 6 rows: *TP1, K6, TP1, K6 TP1, K6* Repeat this for the remaining 3 needles.
Cast off by knitting the knit stitches and purling the TP1 stitches – loosely. Weave in ends.

Cord stop drawstring:

Cut 4 strands of yarn 36” long each.
Thread all 4 strands through large needle.
Thread the needle through the Cord Stop (You must push the button of the stop to open the hole).
Tie a double knot at the end so that the yarn won’t go through the Cord Stop.
Take the needle off the 4 strands. Divide the strands by two. Thread 2 strands through the needle. Weave in and out of the first 6 holes.
Do the same for the other 2 strands, through the remaining 6 holes.
Now thread all 4 strands together and pull them through the second Cord Stop.
Stretch the cowl and make sure there is enough give to pull over your head.
Make a double knot just after the second Cord Stop.
Try it on and make any adjustments. Trim the ends about 1 inch in length.