User Guide for Berkshires Cowl

The entire User Guide for Berkshires 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: Berkshires Cowl Pattern Tailor

Hello and welcome to the Berkshires 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 Berkshires 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 the Accelerator and Section 1 (same in both places).
• 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 them 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.
• 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 the Berkshires Cowl Accelerator to collect  Custom Data for the Pattern Tailor

Step 1:  General Information 

• 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!
• Designate the yarns C1 and C2.  C1 is used for the bottom and top trims too.
• 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 heavier of your two yarns if they are different weights.  You will use three consecutive needle sizes.  You will swatch with the middle-size needle.  

• 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.
• 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 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 likely need to do more rows than the ball band number.  Slip stitches tend to make stitches narrower and rows shorter.
  • Enter those numbers (in 4” / 10 cm) where asked.  Leave all other questions about swatching blank.

Step 5:  Optional:  Unblocked Gauge

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

Step 6:  Wet Block

Follow the instructions in the Accelerator.  I always steam block too, but it is optional.

Step 7:  Measurements

The Pattern Tailor will ask for your choice of measurements of your Berkshires Cowl.  Watch  Video 4 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. 

• Enter a measurement for the middle circumference.  The cowl will be larger below this section, and smaller above it. 
• Enter a depth/length measurement between the bottom and top trim.  
• Enter a preferred depth for the rolled Reverse Stockinette for the bottom trim.

Step 8:  Measure Blocked Gauge

Follow the instructions in the Accelerator.  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 the Accelerator.  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 the Accelerator. Yarn consumption in your swatch is used to extrapolate the estimated yarn needed for your Berkshires Cowl.