Are you looking for an easy knit cowl for beginners that’s still as stunning as those “non-beginner” cowls? Maybe you want to try knitting flat or you’re interested in knitting in stripes simply because you don’t want another single color all-stockinette in the round knit cowl. I get it! And that’s why I designed Red Alder for you!
Exactly How Beginner-Friendly Is This Free Easy Knit Cowl for Beginners?
Super-duper easy! You need to know a total of 2 stitches to knit this cowl. Yup. Just 2—the knit stitch and the knit front back (kfb) stitch, which is just knitting into the same stitch twice.
You can keep this easy knit cowl for beginners as basic as possibly with a standard cast on and bind off, or if you’re feeling a little bold, you can try the i-cord bind off—which uses 2 knit stitches and the slip slip knit (ssk) stitch on repeat!
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Note: The yarn for this pattern was provided for me at no charge by the yarn company. Yarn support allows designers, like me, to continue to provide you with gorgeous patterns while we grow!
If This Knit Cowl Is So Easy, Why Do I Need a Pattern?
The short answer is: math. I’ve worked out stitch by stitch how many stitch you need to cast on, how many repeats you need for each of the 3 sizes, and how to get your end section to exactly match your cast on for a perfect join.
It’s an easy knit cowl for beginners because I’ve done all the work for you! All you have to do is cast on and enjoy!
Knitting in stripes is as easy as knitting without them. You simply drop your main color, pick up your contrasting color, and start knitting the next row.
It’s all been worked out for you that the ugly knitting in stripes transition of colors lands on the back side, aka the wrong side (WS), every time. All you have to do is knit the next row!
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What Yarn Do I Need to Knit This Pattern?
You need a sport weight yarn, which is also known as a size 2 yarn if you’re looking at labels in the store! Sport weight yarn is great because it creates a lightweight fabric, but works up a lot faster than fingering weight (size 1).
I used the incomparable Biscotti La Douce MCN. MCN stands for Merino/Cashmere/Nylon which is quite frankly my favorite yarn blend of all time. It is out-of-this-world soft with a luster and drape you’ll want to drool over. And the nylon gives it strength and keeps all your cashmere from pilling right out of your yarn (Yes, it happens. I have two sweaters that can attest to it).
Biscotti Yarns creates an extensive collection of hand-dyed yarns in New Jersey. They have a stunning array of colors, including their famous self-striping yarn! They have wonderfully saturated colors—I mean look at that green!—that you’ll love!
And don’t forget to share your yarn choices and knit projects with me on Instagram @nurtureknitwear or in my Facebook group Nurtured Knitters.
Red Alder is worked flat from small end to large. After blocking, you’ll sew end A to end a. (Pictured: Lakes of Titan cowl, also free on this website!)
The Free Knitting Pattern for Red Alder
Set Up
With Color A and larger needle, CO 32 sts using the Long-Tail CO. Switch to gauge needle.
Row 1 (WS): K across.
Row 2 (RS): K2, kfb, k across – 33 sts.
Row 3: K across.
Rep Rows 2 & 3 six more times – 39 sts.
Section 1
Attach Color B.
Row 1: K2, kfb, k across – 40 sts.
Row 2: K across.
Rep Rows 1 & 2 one more times – 41 sts. Cut Color B.
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Section 2
Pick up Color A.
Row 1: K2, kfb, k across – 42 sts.
Row 2: K across.
Rep Rows 1 & 2 seven more times – 49 sts.
Body
Rep Sections One & Two 6 (7, 8) times – 109 (119, 129) sts.
Wind Down
Attach Color B.
Rows 1-4: K across. Cut Color B. Pick up Color A.
Rows 5-20: K across.
Rep Rows 1-20 one time and then repeat Rows 1-19 once additional time (you’ll be ready to knit a WS row). BO all sts using the i-cord BO detailed below or using preferred BO.
i-Cord BO
Set up: CO 2 sts using the knitted CO or e-loop CO and return the 2 sts to the lefthand needle.
Repeat: K2, k2tog. Return the 3 sts to the lefthand needle.
Work the Repeat to the end, then knit the 3 stitches together (k3tog).
Finishing
Wet block and pin to measurements. When completely dry, join the CO edge to the straight edge of the Wind Down section — see photo on page 3 to sew A to a — using a whip stitch or seam.
Would you like an ad-free copy of the Red Alder knitting pattern? I’ve got you covered! Grab a copy of this easy knit cowl for beginners on Ravelry & Etsy! It costs just a few dollars and helps me create awesome new patterns just like this one!
Cast On This Free Easy Knit Cowl for Beginners Today!
Do you have any questions about knitting? Are you a little nervous to cast on? Please tell me all about it in the comments!
But let me reassure you, you can do it! I believe in you! This is the perfect project to learn all about knitting or test your new skills. And let me let you in on my favorite knitting secret: Knitting is one of the most forgiving crafts there is. You can always rip back and start again.
So there’s no need to fear. Grab a copy of this easy knit cowl for beginners and cast on today!
