Sometimes the really simple things are the best. I recently cast on this seed stitch cowl, and I love the way it's working up! Seed stitch cowls are very easy to make. This one is in the round, which makes it even easier, and it requires only one 100g* ball of yarn!
I'm about half way through the project right now - I've been alternating between this and two hats on the train ride to and from work - and it seems like it will be just right when it's done.
This project is great for a beginner! You just need to know how to knit and purl - working in the round is fairly easy, and there are plenty of YouTube tutorials to help you start off right. At the bottom of this post I have my own little video for seed stitch in the round!
Details
This particular cowl is knit up with some heavenly yarn, which makes it extra nice to work on, and will make it even nicer to wear! If you haven't tried the really nice stuff yet, you should treat yourself to this yarn!
I am using Cascade Yarns Eco Highland Duo, which is 50% baby alpaca, and 50% merino wool, which means it is super soft!! A bit of warning though - if you aren't used to winding a hank of yarn (this does not come in a ball or skein), I would suggest asking the clerk to wind it or take special care when winding, as this will get knotted up pretty easy - I had a mess on my hands because I tried to just set it in my lap and wind while I watched a movie... I now fluff up my two throw pillows and set the yarn around those when I wind.
I am using 5mm 16" circular needles, but you could use slightly longer ones, as this particular cowl is working up to be about 28" around (14" flat).
If you haven't worked in Seed Stitch before (also known as Moss Stitch), it is very simple - you k1, p1, all the way. The next row, instead of lining up the knits and purls the way you would for a single-rib stitch, you stager them, so you knit into the purls and purl into the knits. Visually (imagining that knits and purls are x's and o's) it would look like this:
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Easy! And if your aren't 100% confident that you get it, or you just want to see how it's done, keep scrolling down.
Method
100g* of worsted/aran weight yarn (approx. 200 yards). I am using Cascade Yarns, Eco Highland Duo.
5mm 16" circular needles (I like bamboo)
1 stitch marker
Cast on 102 stitches.
Being careful not to twist your cast-on, place your stitch marker and begin with the seed stitch pattern:
R1 *k1, p1* Repeat * - * until you reach the stitch marker. Next round.
R2 *p1, k1* Repeat * - * until you reach the stitch marker. Next round.
Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until you have just enough yarn left to cast off.
Cast off. Weave in the ends.
Finished cowl should measure about 14" x 14" flat (28" around).
If you like, soak and block your cowl.
Here is a mini video tutorial on the seed stitch - also great for getting a look at the cowl!
* 100g of this particular yarn will get you a little less than 200 yards. If you use a different wool, look for similar weight and yardage for a similar result. Thinner or thicker yarn can lead to a different sized cowl.
Enjoy!
Stephanie
P.S. sorry for my slightly froggy voice in the video - allergies!
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