Bird Seed Cowl by Marly Bird!

The Bird Seed Cowl is a QUICK KNIT! 

I designed this cowl while I was attending a book signing for Diana Gabaldon. When I went to the event I knew I had some time to kill and figured I would start on a new project. So, I grabbed some Red Heart Boutique Treasures yarn and a pair of size 9 needles and away I went. At first I thought about doing a simple ribbed piece because I find that knitting ribbing is really soothing, but something unexpected happened. Read on to find out how the Bird Seed Cowl came into existence…

This FREE PATTERN is one I designed exclusively for Red Heart, and I totally LOVE it!

Well, apparently I was distracted while I was casting on because I cast on a stitch too short of my multiple of 4 needed. But I didn’t realize that until I had knit a couple rows. At that point I figured oh well, just keep going…so I did. As the fabric started to take shape I really LOVED the look of the stitch pattern I was getting!

It looked like I was doing a k1, p1 ribbing separated by seed stitch columns. And it was so SQUISHY! As it grew, I noticed the color changes in the cowl and fell in love with those too! I found myself knitting faster so I could see how the next color change would look! Needless to say, I finished this cowl rather quickly because I couldn’t wait to see the end product.

WARNING: This stitch pattern and this yarn are addictive! Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Now, as I was working on the cowl I had a few things I did to help me make sure I maintained the stitch pattern. Yes, it is only a two-row repeat BUT if you are going to travel with your knitting like I do, then these tips will help you along the way 🙂 All you need to do is grab your materials, download the pattern from RedHeart.com or follow the instructions below, click on the video, and watch the video.

 

Bird Seed Cowl and Stitch Pattern

Materials used in the video

Gauge: 18 sts = 4” [10 cm]; 22 rows = 4” [10 cm] in stitch pattern. CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size needle to obtain the gauge.

Notes:

Cowl is worked on circular needles to accommodate the number of stitches, do not join. Use two different colored stitch markers to differentiate Right Side from Wrong Side. In the video I also used a removable stitch marker to help you know Right Side from Wrong Side.

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BIRD SEED COWL PATTERN (used in video)

Stitch Pattern Multiple: 4 sts +3.

(worked straight)

Swatch used in video: CO 19 sts.

Sample cowl used in video: CO 35 sts.

Sample cowl on pattern: CO 59 sts.

Row 1 (Right Side): K3, place marker, *p2, k2; repeat from * to end of row.

Row 2 (Wrong Side): K1, p2, place marker; *k2, p2; repeat from * to end of row.

Repeat Rows 1-2 until piece measures 25” [63 cm] or desired length from cast on edge.

Next Row: Bind off all sts.

How to bind off LOOSELY

In the video I demonstrate how to do this loosely. Follow the instructions below for whichever side of the fabric is facing you as you are binding off.

Bind off (Right Side)

Step 1: K2, insert left hand needle in the front legs of the two stitches just worked on the right hand needle, k2tog, 1 stitch remains on the right hand needle.

Step 2: K1, insert needle in the front legs of the two stitches on the right hand needle, k2tog, 1 stitch remains on the right hand needle.

Step 3: P1, (remember to move yarn from the front to the back after the purl) insert needle in the front legs of the two stitches on the right hand needle, k2tog, 1 stitch remains on the right hand needle.

Step 4: P1, (remember to move yarn from the front to the back after the purl) insert needle in the front legs of the two stitches on the right hand needle, k2tog, 1 stitch remains on the right hand needle.

Step 5: K1, insert needle in the front legs of the two stitches on the right hand needle, k2tog, 1 stitch remains on the right hand needle.

Repeat steps 2 – 5 until all stitches are bound off.

Bind off (Wrong Side)

Step 1: K1, p1, (remember to move yarn from the front to the back after the purl) insert left hand needle in the front legs of the two stitches just worked on the right hand needle, k2tog, 1 stitch remains on the right hand needle.

Step 2: P1, (remember to move yarn from the front to the back after the purl) insert needle in the front legs of the two stitches on the right hand needle, k2tog, 1 stitch remains on the right hand needle.

Step 3: K1, insert needle in the front legs of the two stitches on the right hand needle, k2tog, 1 stitch remains on the right hand needle.

Step 4: K1, insert needle in the front legs of the two stitches on the right hand needle, k2tog, 1 stitch remains on the right hand needle.

Step 5: P1, (remember to move yarn from the front to the back after the purl) insert needle in the front legs of the two stitches on the right hand needle, k2tog, 1 stitch remains on the right hand needle.

Repeat steps 2 – 5 until all stitches are bound off.

Finishing

With yarn needle, neatly sew cast on edge to bound off edge. I suggest lining up the knit ridges along the way to make it look almost seamless on the right side. Weave in the tails

Queue it up and Favorite the Bird Seed Cowl on Ravelry

If you like the Bird Seed Cowl and think you might be interested in something a little more complex,

you should try the Covet This Lacy Cowl. It is also a free pattern at RedHeart.com