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| Photos above © stitchnerd |
Looking for a simple but eye-catching free cowl knitting pattern? That Nice Stitch by Susan Ashcroft is a clever accessory pattern that uses an easy slipped-stitch texture to create a fabric that looks interesting on both sides.
The design was created especially to show off variegated yarns, which can sometimes be difficult to match with the right knitting pattern. The result is a lightweight, textured cowl that can be adjusted in length and adapted to different yarn weights.
That Nice Stitch Pattern at a Glance
Pattern: That Nice Stitch
Designer: Susan Ashcroft
Published by: Stitchnerd Designs
Craft: Knitting
Category: Cowl
Technique: Slipped-stitch texture
Suggested Needle Size: US 6 / 4.0 mm
Gauge: 22 stitches = 4 inches
Yardage: Approximately 219–437 yards (200–400 m)
Size: Length is easy to adjust
Pattern Availability: Free
About That Nice Stitch
That Nice Stitch is a cowl pattern designed by Susan Ashcroft of Stitchnerd Designs. The pattern grew from a request from the designer's mother, who wanted a cowl made with the same attractive stitch texture Susan had used in another design.
The finished fabric has a subtle woven-looking texture created with slipped stitches. One of the most appealing features of the pattern is that both sides of the fabric look attractive, making it particularly well suited to a cowl that naturally twists and folds while being worn.
A Great Pattern for Variegated Yarn
Variegated yarns can be beautiful in the skein but sometimes difficult to pair with complicated stitch patterns. That Nice Stitch was designed specifically to make the most of those changing colors.
The slipped-stitch texture adds visual interest without competing too strongly with the color changes in the yarn. This makes the pattern an appealing option for hand-dyed, multicolored, and other variegated yarns.
Yarn and Yardage
The original version was made using sock-style yarn, with the designer suggesting yarns such as Malabrigo Sock and Malabrigo Arroyo.
The published yardage range is approximately:
219–437 yards (200–400 meters)
The exact amount you need will depend on your yarn choice and how long or wide you decide to make the cowl.
Needles and Gauge
The pattern lists US 6 / 4.0 mm needles and a published gauge of:
22 stitches = 4 inches
If you substitute a different yarn weight, your gauge and finished measurements will change. Check the designer's original notes before choosing yarn and needles.
Adjustable Length and Size
One of the useful features of this pattern is its flexibility. The length can be adjusted, so you can make a shorter single-loop cowl or a longer version that can be wrapped around the neck more than once.
The original sample was designed as a relatively slim double-loop accessory, but the pattern also includes guidance for adapting the project to different yarn weights and finished sizes.
Skills Used in This Pattern
That Nice Stitch uses a relatively simple textured knitting technique, but the complete cowl also introduces a few useful finishing skills.
- Slipped stitches
- Working a repeating texture pattern
- Provisional cast-on
- Grafting / Kitchener stitch
The stitch pattern itself is described by the designer as easy to knit. The finishing techniques help create a continuous-looking cowl with an attractive result on both sides.
Why This Pattern Has Stayed Popular
That Nice Stitch combines several qualities knitters often look for in an accessory: a memorable texture, simple repetitive knitting, flexible sizing, and the ability to showcase colorful yarn.
It is also a practical project when you have a special skein of variegated yarn and want the yarn itself to remain the focus of the finished piece.
Is That Nice Stitch Free?
Yes. That Nice Stitch by Susan Ashcroft is currently available as a free Ravelry download.
The pattern and knitting instructions remain the copyrighted work of Susan Ashcroft. Amazing Knitting does not reproduce the pattern instructions here.
Get the Free That Nice Stitch Pattern
Visit the designer's original Ravelry page to download the pattern and view the complete instructions, sizing guidance, yarn information, and any updates.
Get the Free That Nice Stitch Pattern →
Pattern credit: That Nice Stitch was designed by Susan Ashcroft and published through Stitchnerd Designs. Pattern availability and technical details are controlled by the designer and may change over time.
More Knitting Stitch and Cowl Inspiration
If you enjoy textured knitting, explore more knitting stitch patterns and free cowl knitting patterns from the Amazing Knitting archive.
Before You Start
Check the original pattern page before choosing your yarn so you can confirm the latest yarn suggestions, gauge, finishing instructions, and pattern updates.