How to Substitute Yarn in Simple Cowls – 3 FREE Knit Patterns!

How to Substitute Yarn in Simple Cowls – 3 FREE Knitting Patterns!

I am often asked about yarn substitution for patterns. Sometimes its quite easy, and other times it is more difficult. Here is an example of when it is easy.

I took a simple knit cowl I designed in sport weight yarn and converted the gauge to make it in a worsted weight yarn.

The original cowl was knit with Be So Sporty Yarn on a US5 (3.75mm) 16″ circular knitting needles. The gauge is 5 stitches per inch. For a 20″ circumference cowl, the number of cast on stitches is as follows: 5 x 20 = 100

In order to convert the pattern for a different type of yarn (yarn substitution), you need to do a gauge swatch. I cast on 16 stitches and worked several rows with worsted weight yarn (Be So Bold) and US8 (5mm) circular knitting needles. I measured the width of the swatch to be 4″ wide. I divided the number of stitches by the width in inches to get my gauge: 16 / 4 = 4 stitches per inch. For a 20″ circumference cowl, the number of cast on stitches is as follows: 4 x 20 = 80

Here is a video demonstrating how I did the conversion and how to knit this pretty lace patterned, worsted weight cowl. Below the video are the written instructions for both patterns.

 

Beginner Sporty Knit Cowl Free Pattern
by Kristin Omdahl
Materials:
(1) hank Kristin Omdahl Yarns Be So Sporty; #2 sport weight yarn; color Crushed Berries
US5 (3.75mm) 16″ circular knitting needles
Yarn needle
Stitch marker (optional)
Scissors

 

CO 100 sts, join in a round, being careful to not twist stitches. — 100 sts
Round 1: PM (place marker), knit around. — 100 sts
Round 2: SM (slip marker), purl around. — 100 sts
Round 3: SM, knit around. — 100 sts
Rep round 3 until you have approximately 10″ from cast on edge.
Next 8 rounds: rep rounds 2 and 3 four times.
BO as follows: k1, *yo, k1. Insert left hand needle into yo and first st, pick up and over second stitch and off needles (1 st bound off). Rep from * around. Pick up and knit first st at beg of round. BO last st. Fasten off. Weave in loose ends.

 

Beginner Bold Knit Cowl Free Pattern
by Kristin Omdahl
Materials:
(1) hank Kristin Omdahl Yarns Be So Bold; #4 medium, worsted weight yarn; color Sophia’s Serengeti Sunrise
NOTE: Be So Brave Yarn is a great worsted weight American Merino Wool substitution for this pattern and Be So Tender is a great worsted weight 100% organic cotton substitution for this pattern as well
US8 (5mm) 16″ circular knitting needles
Yarn needle
Stitch marker (optional)
Scissors

CO 80 sts, join in a round, being careful to not twist stitches. — 80 sts
Round 1: PM (place marker), knit around. — 80 sts
Round 2: SM (slip marker), purl around. — 80 sts
Round 3: SM, knit around. — 80 sts
Rep round 3 until you have approximately 10″ from cast on edge.
Next 8 rounds: rep rounds 2 and 3 four times.
BO as follows: k1, *yo, k1. Insert left hand needle into yo and first st, pick up and over second stitch and off needles (1 st bound off). Rep from * around. Pick up and knit first st at beg of round. BO last st. Fasten off. Weave in loose ends.

Beginner Lace Bold Knit Cowl Free Pattern by Kristin Omdahl
Materials:
(1) hank Kristin Omdahl Yarns Be So Bold; 162 yds per 4oz; 100% bamboo; color Sophia’s Serengeti Sunrise
NOTE: Be So Brave Yarn is a great worsted weight American Merino Wool substitution for this pattern
US8 (5mm) 16″ circular knitting needles
Yarn needle
Stitch marker (optional)
Scissors

Instructions:
CO 72 sts, join in a round, being careful to not twist stitches. — 72 sts
Round 1: PM (place marker), knit around. — 72 sts
Round 2: SM (slip marker), purl around. — 72 sts
Rounds 3 – 8: rep rounds 1 – 2 three more times.
Round 9: SM, *yo, k2tog, k2. Rep from * around. — 72 sts
Round 10: SM, knit around. — 72 sts
Round 11: SM, *k2, yo, k2tog. Rep from * around. — 72 sts
Round 12: rep round 10.
Rounds 13 – 44: rep rounds 9 – 12 eight more times, or until you have approx. 9″ of knitting complete.
Rounds 45 – 52: rep rounds 1 – 2 four more times.
BO as follows: k1, *yo, k1. Insert left hand needle into yo and first st, pick up and over second stitch and off needles (1 st bound off). Rep from * around. Pick up and knit first st at beg of round. BO last st. Fasten off. Weave in loose ends.

 

Kristin Omdahl patterns are for your personal use only and not to be used to create items for commercial gain. All Kristin Omdahl patterns are licensed for single use and remain the intellectual property of Kristin Omdahl. This pattern may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise.
©Copyright 2016, All Rights Reserved

Thank you for choosing to knit and crochet Kristin Omdahl patterns! I know that you have thousands of choices for buying yarn and body care products. I want you to know what makes MY products special, and feel good about shopping the Kristin Omdahl brand.
Kristin Omdahl products have a heart! That’s right, a portion of every sale supports the charity I established: Project Kristin Cares.
I am a survivor of domestic violence, a hugely hidden problem in our society. You, or someone you know, has been affected by it, or is still suffering now. Statistics show that 1 in 3 women, and 1 in 4 men have been victims of domestic violence during their lifetimes.
But because it is so rarely discussed, I always felt like I was alone. One of the worst parts for me was that feeling of loneliness and having a dirty secret that had to be hidden.
Through my charity, Project Kristin Cares, we can make a difference in the lives of people who have been affected by domestic violence. I want to share the message that victims are not at fault, not alone and should not be embarrassed to share their stories.
Kristin Omdahl products are beautiful, thoughtful and valuable. But even more importantly, every time you purchase a product from my company, a portion of the sale supports Project Kristin Cares. Please help me knock out domestic violence, one sale at a time.

xoxo, Kristin

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I would love to see your creations. Just as much fun as making these myself is the satisfaction I get from seeing my designs come to life and other crochet fans wearing them too. There are now 2 ways you can share what you have done!

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I look forward to seeing what you create!

xoxo,
Kristin