User Guide for Attached & Apart: Chios Cowl

The entire User Guide for Chios Cowl can be downloaded as a pdf, or it can be viewed here. Each step in the Pattern Tailor has a link to bring you to each segment of the User Guide that describes the data appropriate to that question.

User Guide: Chios Cowl Pattern Tailor

Hello and welcome to the Chios Cowl User Guide for the Pattern Tailor! This will answer questions that may arise as you work through the Pattern Tailor Customization Window for the Chios Cowl.  

This User Guide to take you through the process, which is way easier than it looks, but hey — it is new to you!

Guidelines:

• There are video links within Section 1 and the Pattern.
• Before the Pattern Tailor customizes your pattern, it will ask for information. This guide breaks down how to answer the questions you are asked in the Pattern Tailor Customization Window. 
• Armed with the information needed, you will enter the data in the Pattern Tailor Customization Window.  As soon as your info is submitted, your download is immediately sent to your downloads file!
• Before you click submit on the Pattern Tailor Customization Window, please be sure to check your answers to each question thoroughly. Only two submissions will be allowed per purchase. 
• To make a second purchase for a different customization option, follow the instructions in your email from Jill Wolcott Knits for a “Second Helping” discount, which allows you to purchase your Second Helping for $2.
• Any questions/concerns/accidentally entered values into your customization window incorrectly? Email jill@jillwolcottknits.com for assistance.  I work between 9:30 am and 6:30 pm weekdays; outside of those times I am usually checking on things, but I may not be able to solve your problem until work hours.
• To check out the Pattern Tailor Customization Window without purchasing, try the Yarn Remainder Finder.

Use Chios Cowl Section 1 to collect  Custom Data for the Pattern Tailor

Step 1:  General Information (in every Pattern Tailor File)

• The Pattern Tailor will start by asking Who is this for? and the Date you want on your pattern.  This is for your reference so use what is meaningful for you.
• The next few questions are about the units to be used throughout and how you’d like those to appear in your Pattern Tailor generated Berkshires Cowl pattern. 
• You will be choosing from:
  • Q3. Yarn Length: Yards or meters
  • Q4. Yarn Weight: Grams or ounces
  • Q5. Body and Cowl Measurements: inches or centimeters
  • Q6. Needle Sizes: US or metric

For all remaining questions in the customization window, answer ONLY with the units you have selected in Q3 through Q6. 

• For example, if you enter that you would like to answer questions in inches in Q5, then answer all remaining questions in the Pattern Tailor Customization Window that call for inches or cm in inches.

Step 2:  Yarn

• Begin by selecting the yarns you would like to use.  You can use any yarn you’d like, from lace weight to super bulky!
• You can use more than one yarn, but the Pattern Tailor doesn’t consider that in this pattern.
• Put in the length and weight of one full skein or ball of your each of your chosen yarns. This info can be found on your yarn label, the manufacturer’s website, YarnSub.com, or Ravelry.com.  Use the units selected.

Step 3:  Needles

Choose your needles based on the fabric you want. I used the same size needles for both the lace weight and the DK weight.  You will use three needle sizes.  You will swatch with the smallest and primary needles.  

• When choosing the diameter of your needle, you can use the needle size recommended by the manufacturer or change it according to your preference:
  • If you use a smaller needle, you will get a denser fabric. 
    • If you use a bigger needle, you will get a more open fabric. 
• Please use only the needle sizes that are compatible with the Pattern Tailor, which are presented here and in the Help on the Pattern Tailor Customization Window. 
• When answering needle size remember to use the same units you selected in Q6.

Step 3a:  Needles

Step 4:  Make a Swatch 

Although it is not strictly necessary to swatch for this Cowl, entering swatch information into the Pattern Tailor will give you much more accurate final dimensions of your Cowl and the Pattern Tailor can estimate how much yarn you will need to knit it.

• As this is a custom pattern that can be knit with any size of yarn or needles, the Pattern Tailor will need to know how many stitches (sts) and rows /rnds you are knitting over 4” / 10 cm from your blocked swatch.
• You can swatch flat rather than in the round (ITR), but it is preferable to work ITR.  Instructions for both in Section 1.
• If you would prefer not to swatch, these questions are Optional and can be skipped. However, the Pattern Tailor will NOT be able to:
  • Approximate the amount of yarn you will need to knit your Chios cowl.
  • Predict accurate final dimensions for your Cowl.
• To estimate your gauge without swatching use the ball band information.
  • Find the stitch gauge give for stockinette stitch from the manufacturer.
  • The row gauge will not be accurate and may not be provided. You will get different room/round gauges for twisted trio rib and the mesh.
• Leave all other questions about swatching blank.

Step 5:  Optional:  Unblocked Gauge

Follow the instructions in Section 1.  Enter the number over 4″ / 10 cm.  Use only .5 if there is a partial stitch. 

Step 6:  Wet Block

Wet block and thoroughly dry your swatch.  I always steam block too, but it is optional. I have found I get a more accurate final gauge to wait at least 24 hours after your final blocking step to take gauge.

Step 7:  Measurements

The Pattern Tailor will ask for your choice of measurements of your Chios Cowl.  Watch this video to see how Jill did her measurements.  If you have a limited quantity of yarn, you will have to choose dimensions conservatively so your stitch numbers and round numbers are possible with what you have. You do have the option of working top down! 

Step 8:  Measure Blocked Gauge

Follow these instructions.  You put in the number over 4″ / 10 cm.  Use only .5 if there is a partial stitch. 

Step 9:  Optional: ITR Swatch Floats

Follow the instructions in Section 1.  This information allows the Pattern Tailor to make an estimation of the portion of the weight of the swatch that is in the floats and can be eliminated from the area of your swatch.   

Step 10:  Optional: Swatch Information for Estimating Yarn

Follow the instructions in Section 1. Yarn consumption in your swatch is used to extrapolate the estimated yarn needed for your Chios Cowl.