There are some knitting projects that are satisfying because they’re quick. You cast on, settle into the rhythm of the stitches, and before you know it, you’re weaving in the ends.
And then there are the projects where you don’t mind taking your time.
The Wisteria Lattice Cowl is one of those projects—and this free cowl knitting pattern is a lovely way to settle into some relaxing lace knitting.
I love the combination of cosy worsted-weight yarn and lace in this design. The fabric has enough texture and movement to keep things interesting, while the repeating motif gives you the opportunity to settle into the rhythm of the knitting as you work your way around the cowl.
The cowl is worked seamlessly in the round from the bottom up, with ribbing at both edges and the lace motif worked throughout the body.
There are four sizes to choose from, including a larger size designed to be worn as an infinity-style cowl.
If you’re comfortable working in the round and enjoy a little lace knitting, this could be a lovely project to settle into with a favourite skein of worsted-weight yarn.
Why You’ll Enjoy Knitting this Free Cowl Knitting Pattern
There’s something I particularly enjoy about lace knitting in a cosy yarn weight.
With finer yarns, lace can sometimes feel like a very delicate undertaking. Here, the worsted-weight yarn gives the cowl a little more substance, while the lace motif keeps the fabric from feeling too heavy or plain.
The repeating motif also gives you something to focus on without requiring you to constantly learn something new. Work through the rounds, repeat the motif, and gradually watch the lattice pattern emerge.
And because the cowl is worked seamlessly in the round, there’s no seaming waiting for you at the end. Once you’ve finished the final ribbing and blocking, it’s ready to wear.
Choosing Your Yarn
The Wisteria Lattice Cowl is designed for worsted-weight yarn.
The sample was made using Cloudborn Fibres Superwash Merino Worsted Twist, a 100% merino yarn in Lavender Heather.
You don’t need to use the same yarn, though. A worsted-weight yarn that allows you to achieve the required gauge will work beautifully.
If you’re choosing something from your stash, I’d look for a yarn with enough stitch definition to let the lace motif show clearly. A solid or semi-solid colour would make the lattice particularly easy to see, while a more subtly variegated yarn could give the finished fabric a little extra personality.
As always, if you’re substituting yarn, make a gauge swatch with your chosen yarn before committing to the full project. The pattern gauge is measured after blocking, so make sure you treat your swatch the same way before deciding whether your needle size is right.
Wisteria Lattice Cowl — Free Knitting Pattern
SIZE INFORMATION
1 [2, 3, 4]
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Circumference
18 [22, 24, 60]” / 45.5 [56, 61, 152.5] cm
Select a size from the finished measurements that matches your preferred style. For an “infinity” style cowl, choose Size 4.
Length
All sizes: 16.75” / 42.5 cm
GAUGE
Gauge is crucial in obtaining the correct fit. Changes in gauge will cause a size difference for your finished cowl and affect the yardage requirements for your project.
Pattern motif gauge (body of cowl): 20 stitches by 26 rounds in on larger needles = 4” / 10 cm, after blocking.
YARN REQUIREMENTS
Approx. 270 [329, 359, 898] yd / 247 [301, 328, 821] m worsted weight yarn
SUGGESTED YARN
Cloudborn Fibres – Superwash Merino Worsted Twist
100% Merino
221 yd / 202 m per 3.5 oz / 100 g skein
Colour: Lavender Heather
SUGGESTED NEEDLES
Ribbing: US6 (4 mm) 16 [16, 24, 40]” / 40 [40, 80, 100] cm circular needles, or two sizes smaller than needles used for gauge
Body: US8 (5 mm) 16 [16, 24, 40]” / 40 [40, 80, 100] cm circular needles, or the size required to get gauge
NOTIONS
Tapestry needle, scissors, tape measure, stitch markers (at least 1)
ABBREVIATIONS
- ”: Inch(es).
- *: Repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed.
- Approx.: Approximately.
- BOR: Beginning of round.
- Cm: Centimetre(s).
- Dec: Decrease.
- G: Gram(s).
- Inc: Increase.
- K: Knit.
- K2tog: Insert the right needle into 2 stitches simultaneously and knit the 2 stitches together. (1 st dec)
- M: Metre(s).
- Mm: Millimetre(s).
- Oz: Ounce(s).
- P: Purl.
- Rep: Repeat.
- Ssk: Slip 2 stitches, one at a time, knitwise. Knit the slipped stitches together through the back loops. (1 st dec)
- St(s): Stitch(es).
- Yd: Yard(s).
- Yo: Wrap the working yarn over the right needle, from front to back (counter-clockwise). (1 st inc)
MODIFICATIONS
Want to change the yarn weight? Swatch the pattern motif using a needle size that works for your chosen yarn. Cast on a multiple of 10 stitches to achieve your desired circumference, then work the motif until your cowl reaches your preferred length.
Keep in mind that changing the yarn weight will affect your yardage requirements, and some adjustments may require additional calculations.
PATTERN NOTES
- The cowl is worked in the round from the bottom up unless otherwise stated.
- I made my sample cowl in Size 1.
- The pattern motif is worked throughout the body of the cowl.
- If desired, place stitch markers to indicate pattern repeats (every 10 stitches) for the body of the cowl. These markers will remain in place throughout the pattern—just ensure they are different from your BOR marker.
- If you find your bind-off edge flares, this is likely a tension issue. Try going down a needle size to keep it neat and tidy.
RESOURCES
For useful resources on knitting cowls, please visit:
https://rhyflowerknits.com/cowls/
PATTERN SUPPORT
Please see our Pattern Support page regarding pattern support for our freebie patterns; https://rhyflowerknits.com/pattern-support/
DIRECTIONS
RIBBING
Using the Old Norwegian Cast-on and your smaller needles, cast on 90 [110, 120, 300] stitches. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a stitch marker to denote the BOR.
Round 1: *P1, k1, p1, k1, p1; rep from * across round.
Continue working Round 1 until the piece measures 1” / 2.5 cm, measured from the cast-on edge.
BODY (PATTERN MOTIF)
Switch to your larger needles.
Round 1: *P1, yo, ssk, k1, p2, k1, k2tog, yo, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 2: *P1, k3, p2, k3, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 3: *P1, k1, yo, ssk, p2, k2tog, yo, k1, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 4: Repeat Round 2.
Round 5: *P1, k2, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k2, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 6: *P1, k8, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 7: *P1, k2, k2tog, yo twice, ssk, k2, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 8: *P1, k4, p1, k3, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 9: *P1, k1, k2tog, yo, p2, yo, ssk, k1, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 10: Repeat Round 2.
Round 11: *P1, k2tog, yo, k1, p2, k1, yo, ssk, p1; rep from * across round.
Round 12: Repeat Round 2.
Round 13: *K2tog, yo, k2, p2, k2, yo, ssk; rep from * across round.
Round 14: *K4, p2, k4; rep from * across round. Remove BOR marker, yo, place new BOR marker. (1 st inc)
Round 15: *Yo, ssk, k2, p2, k2, k2tog, yo; rep from * to last 11 sts, yo, ssk, k2, p2, k2, k2tog, k1. (1 st dec)
Round 16: *P1, k3, p2, k4; rep from * to last 10 sts, p1, k3, p2, k3, p1.
Continue working Rounds 1-16 five more times, or until the piece measures 1” / 2.5 cm less than your desired cowl length, measured from the cast-on edge, ending on either Round 8 or 16 to complete the motif.
RIBBING
Switch to your smaller needles. Work the previous ribbing again, ensuring to work the same number of rounds that you did when getting started.
BINDING OFF
Using a Stretchy Bind-off, bind off all your stitches. Cut the yarn, leaving a 6″ / 15 cm tail. With your tapestry needle, weave in all your ends.
FINISHING
Let your cowl soak in water with a gentle soap or wool wash for 20 minutes. Block the cowl to pattern measurements using either blocking wires or pins. Allow the cowl to air dry completely.
Take on the world with your new hand-knit cowl and fully embrace your cosy self! ♥
Ready for another cowl?
Try one of my cowl patterns
Knit It? Share Your Project!
If you make a Wisteria Lattice Cowl, I’d love to see it!
Consider creating a project page on Ravelry and adding your finished cowl. You can share the yarn and colour you chose, make notes about your project, and add photos so other knitters can see how the pattern looks in different yarns.
And honestly, those project photos are one of my favourite parts of Ravelry. There’s something reassuring about seeing another knitter’s finished project before you cast on—especially when you’re wondering how a particular yarn or colour might work.
Create a Ravelry project for your Wisteria Lattice Cowl →
If you already have a project page, I’d love for you to link it to the pattern so other knitters can find it too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is the Wisteria Lattice Cowl?
The pattern is rated Intermediate and uses working in the round and lacework.
You’ll also encounter techniques such as yarn overs, K2tog and SSK.
If you’re comfortable with those techniques, you’ll have a good foundation for this project.
Can I make the cowl longer?
Yes.
The pattern allows you to continue working the 16-round motif until the cowl reaches your desired length. You’ll want to finish the motif on either Round 8 or Round 16 before moving on to the final ribbing.
Can I make the cowl shorter?
Yes. You can work fewer repeats of the motif to achieve your preferred length, again finishing on either Round 8 or Round 16 before moving on to the ribbing.
Can I use a different yarn weight?
The pattern includes instructions for modifying the cowl for a different yarn weight.
The lace motif is based on a 10-stitch repeat, which provides the basis for adjusting the circumference. You’ll need to swatch with your chosen yarn and needle size and cast on a multiple of 10 stitches.
Keep in mind that changing yarn weight will also change your yardage requirements.
Do I need extra stitch markers?
You need at least one stitch marker for the beginning of the round.
The pattern also allows you to place additional markers between the 10-stitch pattern repeats if you’d find that helpful. These markers remain in place throughout the body of the cowl, so keep your beginning-of-round marker distinct from them.
What should I do if my bind-off edge flares?
The pattern notes that a flaring bind-off edge is likely a tension issue. Try going down a needle size for the bind-off to keep the edge neat and tidy.
Does the cowl need to be blocked?
The pattern includes blocking as part of the finishing process. The finished cowl is soaked for 20 minutes and then blocked to the pattern measurements using blocking wires or pins.
Blocking gives the finished fabric a chance to settle into its final shape and is particularly worthwhile for a lace design.
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