Free knitting pattern: Ladder Stitch Cowl

Ladder Stitch Cowl (or Scarf), free #knitting pattern by Underground CrafterWhen I discovered knitting slip stitches, I became a much happier person.

This post contains affiliate links. Yarn for the sample was generously provided by Spinrite LP.

That may sound like a bold statement, but it’s true! I always liked the look of knitting color work, but have realized over the years that maintaining tension for stranded knitting some times drives me mad and working with bobbins for intarsia doesn’t seem to go over so well with my cats.

I still love to play around with colors, so slip stitches are the perfect solution. I can make vibrant, colorful projects while using just one color on each row.

Ladder Stitch Cowl (or Scarf), free #knitting pattern by Underground CrafterI made this cowl as a sample of the Ladder Stitch pattern for one of my knitting classes, using the yarn I had left over from the Hearts and Kisses Cowl, a pattern that was published in the February, 2016 issue of I Like Crochet.

Hearts and Kisses Cowl, crochet pattern by Marie Segares/Underground Crafter in February, 2016 issue of I Like Crochet.
The Hearts and Kisses Cowl, published in I Like Crochet.

I  have to say that I really liked the way it turned out. The texture is wonderful, and I love the colors, too. I’ve included instructions for making a scarf, too. And, if you’d like a felted version, you can find a tutorial for felting in the washer and dryer here.

Don’t forget to share a picture on Ravelry or with my Facebook page if you make one!

Add to RavelryIf you want an easy print format, you can buy an ad-free PDF version on Craftsy.

Click to buy the ad-free PDF version of this @ucrafter pattern on Craftsy

Creative Crochet Workshop

ILK 300x250b February 2016 BannersLadder Stitch Cowl (or Scarf)

Knitting Pattern by Underground Crafter

02-easy 50US terms 504-medium 50Use slip stitches to easily create a seemingly complex color and texture pattern while using just one yarn in each row.

 

Finished Size

  • Adult: 7” (18 cm) width x 22.5” (57 cm) circumference (unblocked).

Materials

  • Patons Classic Wool Worsted (100% wool, 3.5 oz/100 g, 210 yd/192 m) – 1 skein each in 77308 Wisteria (CA) and 77404 Orchid (CB), or approximately 100 yd (91.5 m) in each of 2 colors in any medium weight yarn.
  • US 7/4.5 mm knitting needles, or any size needed to obtain gauge.
  • Yarn needle.

Shop for Patons Classic Wool Yarn on Craftsy | Amazon

Gauge

  • 21 sts x 29 rows in pattern = 4” (10 cm) unblocked. Exact gauge is not critical for this project.

Abbreviations Used in This Pattern

  • BO – bind off
  • CA – Color A
  • CB – Color B
  • CO – cast on
  • k – knit
  • p – purl
  • rep – repeat
  • RS – right (front) side
  • sl – slip stitch
  • st(s) – stitch(es)
  • wyib – with yarn in back
  • wyif – with yarn in front
  • * Rep instructions after asterisk as indicated.

Pattern Notes

  • Always slip first stitch of each row knitwise with yarn in back.
  • Always slip all other stitches purlwise with yarn positioned as indicated in the pattern.
  • Cowl is knit flat and then seamed. Instructions for making a scarf instead are included in the directions. Yarn requirements will vary.

Pattern Instructions

Cowl

  • With CA, C0 37 sts (or a multiple of 6 sts, +13).
  • Border Row 1: With CA, sl l 1, k to last st, p1.
  • For cowl, continue to Row 1. For scarf, rep Border Row 1 – 3 times.
  • Row 1: (RS) With CA, sl 1, k5, *sl 1 wyib, k5; rep from * across to last 7 sts, sl 1 wyib, k5, p1.
  • Row 2: With CA, sl 1, k3, p2, *sl 1 wyif, p5; rep from * across to last 7 sts, sl 1 wyif, p2, k3, p1.
  • Row 3: With CB, sl 1, k3, *k5, sl 1 wyib; rep from * across to last 9 sts, k8, p1.
  • Row 4: With CB, sl 1, k3, p5, *sl 1 wyif, p5; rep from * across to last 4 sts, k3, p1.
  • Rep Rows 1-4 until cowl measures approximately 22” (56 cm) long, or until desired length is reached. Fasten off CB.
  • Rep Rows 1 & 2 once more.
  • For cowl, BO in pattern for Border Row 1. Fasten off CA with long yarn tail for seaming.
  • For scarf, rep Border Row 1 – 4 times, BO in pattern for Border Row 1. Fasten off CA.

Finishing

  • Spray block if desired.
  • For cowl, thread yarn tail through yarn needle and seam short edges together on wrong side with whipstitch join. (A photo tutorial for a whipstitch join is available here.) Turn cowl right side out.
  • For cowl and scarf, weave in ends with yarn needle.
© 2016 by Marie Segares (Underground Crafter). This pattern is for personal use only. You may use the pattern to make unlimited items for yourself, for charity, or to give as gifts. You may sell items you personally make by hand from this pattern. Do not violate Marie’s copyright by distributing this pattern or the photos in any form, including but not limited to scanning, photocopying, emailing, or posting on a website or internet discussion group. If you want to share the pattern, point your friends to this link:  http://undergroundcrafter.com/2016/03/30/free-knitting-pattern-ladder-stitch-cowl. Thanks for supporting indie designers!

Don’t forget to share a picture on Ravelry or with my Facebook page if you make one!

Add to RavelryIf you want an easy print format, you can buy an ad-free PDF version on Craftsy.

Click to buy the ad-free PDF version of this @ucrafter pattern on Craftsy

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