Easy Moss Stitch Cowl

If you are looking for an alternative stitch then moss stitch gives a really nice look and is easy to do.  This is my first piece made using moss stitch which is why the item is very simple.  I've called this a cowl and not a snood as its slightly oversized for a snood and is a bit stretchy.

Moss stitch (if you don't already know) is using alternative knit and purl stitches on each row - to make this easier to follow for my first attempt, I cast on an odd number of stitches which meant that each row starts and ends the same way.  By doing this, it actually gives it neat edges too.  You can make this in any weight yarn and with needles of your choice.

Here is how I did it:

Using DK yarn and 4.5mm needles

Cast on 41 stitches

Moss stitch (knit 1, purl 1) starting with a knit stitch and you should end the row also on a knit stitch.

Repeat above until the piece measures 13 inches long (or however long you want it to be)

Leave a long tail to sew up the seam

Sew in the loose end from your cast on side

Honestly - there are a few imperfections so there was a 'wrong' side for me which is now the 'inside' of the cowl but I sewed my seam the wrong way so it is on the outside.  However, I quite like how rustic its made the piece look so I'm happy with it.

I've practised moss stitch previously but I wrote the instructions down wrong as it did not come out looking like this - even though I've been knitted for 4 years I'm still learning which is why I created this blog.