Like the 4ply version, this cowl is a simple and fun project to do with our Lucky Dip Yarnlings - it uses 10 of them which you can get from THIS page on our website.
The DK version is just that bit more cosy than the 4ply version and I've found myself using both cowls just as much, depending on the weather! It is - as you might expect - very quick to make if you want a little 'breather' project in between big projects; and it will be easier on the hands if you have arthritis/carpal tunnel/RSI etc. ☺️
While I was knitting the 4ply version it was so much fun that I knew I had to make other versions. The first was to be a DK version as we already have plenty of DK Yarnlings also available. I am also planning a crochet version so look out for that hopefully coming in the new year.
It's a great way to use various yarn bases all together too; I've got all sorts in the cowl that's pictured, including Oakworth DK (polwarth wool), Whitfell DK (discontinued now, but it's pure baby alpaca), Hayton DK (merino/cashmere/nylon), Bowland DK (pure BFL), Brimham DK (merino/nylon), and of course Milburn DK (BFL/silk). 😍
The pattern is written up below but if you want to print it please feel free to download the PDF version of it from HERE. There is a YouTube video about the 4ply project and showing the clasped weft join on the ECY channel HERE.
Pattern information
Main colour: Eden Cottage Yarns Milburn DK™ (85% superwash British Bluefaced Leicester / 15% silk; 100m / 109yds per 50g ball)
Colourway: Compost; 1 x 50g ball
Contrast colours: Eden Cottage Yarns 10 DK Yarnling™ Lucky Dip Pack (100g) (various random types / approx. 21-25 yds per 10g ball)
Quantity: 10 x Yarnlings™
Needles and Accessories
4.5mm / US 7 40cm circular needles (or the size needed to obtain the correct gauge).
Stitch marker
Size
One size
Finished circumference: 50cm / 19.75 inches
Finished depth: 43cm / 17 inches
Gauge
This is a loose gauge which creates a nice drapey fabric, which goes well with the more tubular shape of this cowl (compared to the 4ply one). You might want to try 5mm needles if you are a tight-ish knitter.
19.5 sts and 27 rows to 10cm (4in) over stocking stitch in the round on 4.5mm (US 7) needles after blocking
Abbreviations
K Knit
MC Main colour
P Purl
PM Place marker
Rep Repeat
st(s) Stitch(es)
Pattern
Bottom hem:
Cast on 92 sts, PM to mark the beginning of the round.
Rnds 1-9: Pick a random Yarnling out and work 9-ish rounds in 2 x 2 rib (K2, P2 to end).
Body:
Rnds 10-11: **Using the MC work 2 rounds in stocking stitch (K to end).
Rnds 12-21: Pick the next random Yarnling out and work 10-ish rounds in stocking stitch. **
Repeat rounds 10-21 until you have one Yarnling left.
Work rounds 10-11 again.
Top hem:
Using the final Yarnling work 9-ish rounds in 2 x 2 rib (K2, P2 to end).
Cast off loosely.
Tips and Notes
- Use a clasped weft join when bringing in each new colour; using the folded previous colour for 3 sts before the marker, and using the folded new colour for 3 sts after the marker. A video demonstrating this and talking about the 4ply version of this project (using the same techniques) is available on the Eden Cottage Yarns YouTube channel.
- If your gauge is different to mine, you might get more or fewer rounds out of each Yarnling. Also being various yarn types some Yarnlings will have marginally more or less yards/metres in them. If in doubt weigh your yarn before a round, then again afterwards to determine how much each round uses and how many rounds you can do.
- Don’t worry if your stripes are not completely uniform. Knitting is unique, plus this is a fun and whimsical project and no-one else is going to know if you did 9 or 10 rounds in a stripe.
Finishing
Snip ends off leaving a small amount sticking out (or weave them in if you didn’t use the clasped weft join), wash and gently block. Once blocked then cut the ends to the quick.
