Cable Knit Cowl Pattern {FREE!}
Looking for a cable knit cowl pattern? Love knitted cowls? How about knitting a cable knit cowl for cozy and unique style? I love to add texture to my accessories, especially during fall and winter. Soft knitted cowls come to the rescue to add both warmth & interest!
Today I have a FREE knit cowl pattern for you with a cable stitch pattern that is easy to master. Plus, you can use simple crochet skills to add the sturdy edging.
Keep reading to learn how to knit a cowl using a classic cable stitch pattern on the front. Use your favorite yarn color for the cowl, then a leather label for even more cozy appeal. Add this to your list of favorite yarn projects this season.
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Knitting Cowl Pattern Free
The idea behind this knit cowl pattern is to work in the round from bottom to top. The Right Side has a knit cable stitch pattern, while the top & bottom edging will be crocheted. You will use BASIC KNIT STITCHES, as well as a special cable stitch pattern for the main knit cowl pattern.
The following is a list of supplies you would need to create one knit cowl. Use similar yarn (size 4, Medium weight yarn) and the same knitting needle size to make your own.
Supplies
- 1 skein of Lion Brand Heartland (200 yds per skein)
- size 10 (6mm) needles, circular, to hold 120 sts
- size I (5.5mm) crochet hook (to add edging)
- cable needle
- optional leather label
Lion Brand Heartland Yarn
Cable Needle
Leather Labels
Circular Knitting Needles (various sizes)
Bright Hooks (various sizes)
Knitting Notions
Knitting Abbreviations
approx – approximately
BO – bind off
CO – cast on
K – knit
sm – stitch marker
sts – stitches
Rep – repeat
RS – Right Side
WS – Wrong Side
Special Knit Stitches in pattern:
c4b (Cable 4 Back): Slip next 2 sts from left needle to cable needle, place cable needle in back of work, knit next 2 sts from left needle, then knit the 2 sts from cable needle.
c4f (Cable 4 Front): Slip next 2 sts onto a cable needle and hold at front, knit next 2 sts from left-hand needle, then knit the 2 sts from the cable needle.
Crochet Abbreviations
ch – chain
sc – single crochet
sk – skip
sl st – slip stitch
PATTERN INFORMATION
The FREE cowl pattern is provided below, but you can also get the ad-free, printable pdf pattern for the cable cowl in the pattern shop! The pdf has some helpful photos included.
(The pattern is also available in the ETSY SHOP)
How to Knit a Cowl
Can a beginner knit a cowl?
Yes! Especially with a repetitive easy stitch pattern using basic knit stitches and simple techniques! This pattern has an Intermediate skill level, but an advanced beginner can give it a try. The special cable stitch is simple to master, and the overall pattern is very repetitive. You can choose to use simple knit ribbing for the top & bottom edging, or crochet the edging as written.
Save this Knitted Cowl Pattern to your list of knitting projects to make!
Here I will walk you through each step of this cozy cowl, using your favorite Worsted Weight Yarn color.
Finished Measurements:
- Measurements are for finished cowl with crochet edging
Width : 7.5 inches
Circumference : 27 inches
Gauge: 4″ (10cm) square = approx 18 sts by 20 rounds in knit pattern, (not critical)
FREE Knitting Cowl Pattern
NOTES –
You will be knitting the cowl in rounds, bottom up. You will finish by crocheting edging to top & bottom of cowl.
Follow the instructions below in the order indicated.
Cowl Pattern
With size 10 (6mm)* circular needles, CO 120 sts with size 4 yarn.
Stitch count will remain the same for all knit rounds.
Carefully join sts for Round 1, being careful not to twist stitches.
Use a sm (stitch marker) to keep track of rounds.
(*NOTE: If you prefer to work the bottom & top edging in knit ribbing instead of working crochet edging, then begin by casting on & working 4 rounds of (k1, p1) ribbing first using smaller sized (5 mm or 5.5 mm) needles. Then switch to size 10 (6 mm) needles to work the next rounds.)
Rounds 1-2: Knit around.
Round 3: *k2, c4b; rep from * around.
Rounds 4-6: Knit around.
Round 7: *C4f, k2; rep from * around.
Round 8: Knit around.
Rep Rows 1-8 two more times, then rep Rounds 1-4 only.
(*NOTE: If you worked the bottom edging in knit ribbing, then finish here by also working 4 rounds of (k1, p1) ribbing using the smaller sized needles. )
Bind off.
Add Edging
If you did not work a knit ribbing edging already, then you will add crochet edging to the top & bottom of cowl as follows:
With RS facing, use yarn and size I (5.5mm) crochet hook to work half of the sts at the top (BO off edge) of the cowl as instructed below.
The decrease in sts and the crochet rounds will help prevent the cowl from curling.
Join yarn to first BO st at beginning of last round at the top of cowl.
Use sm to keep track of 1st st in each round.
(Ch 1 does not count as a st)
Round 1 (RS): Ch 1, *sc in next st, sk next st; rep from * around. Join with sl st to first sc. Turn.
Round 2 (WS): Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st to first sc. Turn.
Rounds 3-4: Rep Round 2.
Fasten off.
Likewise, with RS facing, you will use yarn and size I (5.5mm) crochet hook to work half of the sts at the bottom (CO off edge) of the cowl:
Join yarn to first CO st at beginning of first round at the bottom of cowl.
Work crochet Rounds 1-4 as above and fasten off.
Blocking/Finishing
Weave in all loose ends to WS.
Block cowl if desired.
Add a leather label if desired.
Important Tips for Knitting your Cowl
Some things to keep in mind as you work the cable cowl knit pattern are:
- Use a stitch marker to keep track of each round.
- When working in the round, RS is always facing.
- Customize:
- Feel free to add or subtract rounds (in multiples of 2) to adjust the width of your cowl (ensure enough yarn and use the 8-round pattern)
- Replace the crochet edging with several rounds of (k1, p1) ribbing at top & bottom of cowl if you prefer to knit the edging.
Cable Knit Cowl
The soft hand knit cowl makes a beautiful acessory in the colder months, and fits right in with a cozy, Hygge aesthetic. The cable stitch design of this cowl is timeless, and with the lovely stitches – you’re bound to get compliments from making this beautiful knit pattern!
Don’t forget that this knitting cowl pattern is also available in an ad-free digital pdf pattern. The pdf has a few helpful photos. Grab the COWL KNIT PATTERN pattern in my shop.
Love cowl knit patterns? Check out these other FREE knit projects…
Did you enjoy this free knitting pattern? I think it’s also a perfect idea to make as a gift for a friend who loves handmade acessories. The cozy yarn cowl works up easily and quickly and will become one of your favorite small knitting projects.
Check out all of my FREE KNIT PATTERNS HERE.
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