🧶 How to Knit a Shawl Collar on a The Dude Big Lebrowski Cardigan (2), by Crochet and Knit with Feride Erbaşar on YouTube. 21 min 2 s.
- Video length
- 21 min 2 s
- Time to do it
- 4 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Finish the cardigan body and button bands first, then block it lightly so the front edges lie flat before you pick up any stitches.
With the circular needle, pick up stitches up the right front edge, around the back neck, and down the left front. Aim for about 3 stitches for every 4 rows.
Slip a marker at each shoulder so you can see exactly where the back neck section starts and ends.
Knit the first row across all the stitches in the same pattern as your button band, usually 1x1 rib or garter stitch.
Work short rows: knit from the right front toward the back neck, wrap and turn a few stitches before the end, then add 2 or 3 more stitches on each following row.
Repeat the short rows on the left side until the collar is about 8 to 10 cm wide at the back neck and narrows toward the front points.
Bind off loosely in pattern, then sew the two short ends of the collar to the front bands with a tapestry needle.
Steam or wet block the collar, pressing it gently into shape so it folds over cleanly when worn open.
Tips and common mistakes
Pick up stitches through the bump just inside the edge rather than the very edge, so the band does not pull away.
Use a circular needle one size smaller than the body needle to keep the collar firm and stop it stretching.
Wrap the stitch before each turn to stop small holes forming at the short row points.
Try the cardigan on before binding off, since the collar should meet in the middle when the front is closed.
Questions
How many stitches should I pick up?
About 3 stitches for every 4 rows along the front edges, and one stitch in each stitch across the back neck. Count them in sections so the two fronts match.
How wide should a shawl collar be?
Around 8 to 10 cm at the back neck, tapering to a narrower point at each front edge. Wider collars need more short rows.
Can I knit the collar without short rows?
You can, but it will stand up at the neck instead of folding over. The short rows add the extra width at the back that lets the collar lie flat.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
