Last year, I taught myself to arm knit over March Break. It was such a quick skill to learn, and if you haven’t picked it up already, you really should! I created several wrap around infinity scarves for family members that were so beautiful, and one for myself as well. But this year, I haven’t worn mine at all. I have totally been into wearing a cowl – I love that it can cover up my nose when it’s a bit nippier out. So I decided to try arm knitting one for myself!
Supplies Needed for Arm Knit Cowl Scarf
To make this cowl, you will follow the same process as arm knitting the scarf, with a few small exceptions. Here’s what you need to get started… you better get some paper for the long list…
- 1 skein super bulky yarn (size 6) – the color I used was Loops & Threads Opus in Bermuda, which I bought at Michaels. It was on clearance though, so it may not still be around. Here are a few close colors that I also madly love: Lion Brand Homespun Quick & Thick Yarn in Lagoon, and Red Heart Boutique Dash in Meadow.
- Your arms.
Have everything? Great – let’s start with the first step of this Arm Knit Cowl:
Find the middle of your ball of yarn. If you are making two cowls the same color, you can use the ends from two balls and put them together, cut after the first scarf, and use the remaining yarn for the second scarf. However, if you only plan to make one, you can get away with just one ball by “folding” the yarn in half. Find the middle, smooth to the end, and roll back up with the loop on the outside.
Use this to make your slip knot, which should be big enough to go over your wrist. Each stitch will actually be two strands of wool, since you have doubled it up. Leave a tail of about 2-2.5″ (it will depend on how tight you cast your stitches). Cast on 7-8 stitches, depending on how tall you want your cowl. I did 7 but meant to do 8, so both work. If you aren’t sure how to cast on your stitches, consult the video from my last arm knitting post.
Tips for Arm Knitting a Cowl Scarf
After casting on your stitches, start knitting. I tried to keep the stitches as tight as possible on my wrist because I didn’t want the scarf to be too holey. Keep knitting stitches until your scarf is long enough – this varies, because some people like it looser and some people prefer it a little snugger. I used my entire ball of yarn to make mine, and it was slightly too long, so that should give you an idea. I just kept putting it on my neck after each row and decided to stop or keep going.
Once your knitting is done, all you have to do is cast off and tie the two ends together – also explained in the last post.
Isn’t it adorable? I am madly in love with the colors in this cowl – and now my daughter is begging me to teach her as well. She picked out this grey and neon mix yarn – so very her! I’ll be sure to post pictures on instagram when she’s done, so be sure to follow along if you want to see!
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