Note: making modifications may change the yardage needed for your pattern.

At Pacific Knit Co., we believe that knitters should feel empowered to modify their projects in any way that feels right for them. We love the freedom that Doodles offer, but know that some knitters are more comfortable with more guidance.

Modifications covered in this post:

• Adjusting the height of your cowl
• Adjusting the circumference of your cowl
  
• Alternate cuff/edge options

Quick note before we get too far: While these modifications can be used for almost any standard cowl pattern, the instructions given here refer most directly to the construction of Pacific Knit Co.'s Base Doodle Standard Cowl. 

Remember: When making modifications, ensure that your new stitch count remains divisible by 24 or 12. See note at the end about rounding to the nearest multiple of 24 or 12 or read about Doodle Repeats. 

Want to learn general tips for substituting yarn weight? Read our full post about Changing Yarn Weight & Gauge.

Helpful calculations for making modifications

Adjusting the Height of a Standard Cowl

The height of a standard cowl is very flexible, because it is simply determined by how many rounds you knit. To adjust the finished height, cast on as-written, and then just knit for as long (or as short) as you like!

Note: make sure to include the height of the ribbing in your calculations.

If you are knitting plain, this can be as easy as just measuring/trying on your project as you go. If you are knitting colorwork, and want to know a more exact round count so you can plan out your charts, keep reading:

To calculate round count for desired height of the body of the cowl (minus ribbing):

• STEP 1: Find your [rnds per inch]

• STEP 2: To find out how many rounds you need to knit for the desired body height, use the following:

  • [desired height in inches] x [rnds per inch] = NUMBER OF ROUNDS

• For example, if I want the body of my cowl to be 15 in tall, and my swatch is 6 rnds per inch:

• [15 in] x [6 rows per in] = knit 90 rounds

Calculate your Doodle Rounds: 

If you change how long you want to knit your project, you can still figure out how many Doodle Rounds to plan for when designing your Doodle Master Chart. Check out Doodle Math: Row Gauge & Chart Height for more information.

 

Adjusting the Circumference of a Standard Cowl

The finished circumference of a standard cowl is determined by the number of cast-on stitches as this will determine how big around it is.

To calculate stitch count for desired circumference:

Step 1: Find your [sts per inch] by the formula at the top of the page.

Step 2: To find out how many stitches to cast on for your desired size, use the following:

[desired circumference] x [sts per inch] = NUMBER OF CAST-ON STS

For example, if I want my cowl to be 24 inches around, at 6 stitches per inch:

[24 inches] x [6 sts per inch] = cast on 144 sts

Check your Stitch Repeat: If you are using Doodle Charts to knit in colorwork, ensure that your new stitch count remains divisible by 24 or 12. See note below about rounding to the nearest multiple of 24 or 12 or read about Doodle Chart Repeats. 

Alternate Cuff/Edge Options

Want to try a different style of cuff/edge? After casting on, try replacing the simple ribbing with one of the styles below (worked to desired brim height):

• 1 x 1 Twisted Ribbing: *k1tbl, p1, repeat to end 

• 2x2 Ribbing: *k2, p2, repeat to end

• Corrugated Ribbing: *k1 MC, p1 CC, repeat to end. (note that this specific ribbing is less stretchy, so you won't need as much negative ease for this style)

Then work the remainder of the pattern as written. 

Other Modification Options

Many cowl patterns accommodate a lot of mix-and-match options. You can choose a different edging type to replace the ribbing on a standard cowl. You can add texture, or stripes, or even shaping. And of course, our Standard Cowl pattern is perfect for adding colorwork!

There really are almost endless options to make your knitting project your own. Don't be afraid to play around with different techniques and modifications to create something truly unique!

Checking Stitch Counts for Doodle Repeat Sizing

While you can definitely knit our Base Doodle Patterns in plain stockinette, if you are using Doodle Charts to knit in colorwork, you'll want to ensure that your new stitch count remains divisible by 24 or 12.

For example, if I wanted a cowl that was 23 inches around at pattern gauge:

• [23 inches] x [6 sts per inch] = cast on 138 sts

In this example, 138 is NOT divisible by 12 or 24.

To make the stitch count work for Doodle Charts, we can either go down to 132 stitches (divisible by 12) or go up to 144 (divisible by 24).

Bonus step: Recheck your sizing. If you adjusted your size to accommodate 12 or 24st repeats, re-check your sizing by using the inverse of formula above:

• [cast on st count] / [sts per inch] = [finished circumference]

• For example, if we chose to round down to 132 sts:

• [132 sts] / [6 sts per inch] = 22 in finished circumference

If that size works for you, then you're all set! Cast on the new amount and work the pattern as written. If that's not quite right, go ahead and repeat the math with the next closest option divisible by 12 or 24.

Happy Doodling!

Want more info? The complete PDF pattern for our Base Doodle Standard Cowl (including detailed techniques, modification options and blank colorwork charts) is available to purchase on our website and on Ravelry.

Want to add colorwork? Take a look at our full library of Doodle Colorwork Charts (dozens of themes to choose from as either digital downloads or physical card decks).

 

Blog co-written by Jamie Lomax and Grey Lundy