Willow Cowl
A gorgeous whisper of wool around your neck is the perfect winter-into-spring thing! When just a sweater is the only outerwear you need, popping on our Willow Cowl means you are dressed and ready to go outside.
Like branches of delicate willow leaves, this all-over stitch pattern is a quiet nod to the coming season. You can work it with or without a cable stitch holder, since it’s just one stitch that goes on hold and never even gets knit, just slipped!
Our 100% pure Line Weight merino is the perfect heft for this floaty piece: feather light and soft as down. And at nearly 500 yards per skein, you’ll only need two!
We love the fineness and subtlety of our Willow Cowl, but we love the cozy practicality, too, because spring lingers on the winter side for longer than you may think!
Yarn lovers, if you adore the yarn used in this project, you’ll love exploring all of our other yarn collections! Discover over 45 thoughtfully designed yarns in nearly every natural fiber and in every spectacular color you can imagine. Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn store, where every skein is created with care and your creativity in mind!
Designed for Purl Soho by Nicole Milano.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoWillowCowl, and #PurlSohoLineWeight. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 2 skeins of Purl Soho’s Line Weight, 100% merino wool yarn. Each skein of this fingering weight yarn is 494 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 961 yards required. We used the color Wheat Flour.
- US 4 (3.5 mm), 32- or 40-inch circular needles
- A stitch marker
- Optional: Cable stitch holder (see Notes)
Gauge
Unblocked: 32 stitches and 38 rounds = 4 inches in stitch pattern
Blocked: 28 stitches and 36 rounds = 4 inches in stitch pattern
Size
Finished Dimensions, Unblocked: 12½ inches wide x 54 inches in circumference
Finished Dimensions, Blocked: 11 inches wide x 61 inches in circumference
Notes
Instead of slipping the stitch to a cable stitch holder, Line Weight is clingy enough to just slip the stitch off the needle and let it float in front of your work while you knit the next two stitches, then pick up the waiting stitch to slip it onto the right needle.
Stitch pattern repeat is worked over a multiple of 4 stitches.
Pattern
Using a Long Tail Cast On, cast on 432 stitches.
Place a stitch marker and join for working in the round, being careful to not twist the stitches.
Rounds 1-3: Knit to end of round.
Round 4: *Slip 1 purlwise to cable stitch holder and hold in front of work (see Notes), k2, slip stitch from cable stitch holder to right-hand needle, k1, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Rounds 1-4 until piece measures 12½ inches from cast-on edge, ending with Round 3.
Bind off loosely knitwise.
Weave in ends and block gently.
LEARN ABOUT LINE WEIGHT + ALL OUR BEAUTIFUL YARNS
Line Weight is a lovely choice for this project because it is sumptuously soft with a subtle luster. A lithe single ply of 100% merino wool, this fingering-weight yarn knits up into a smooth fabric that blooms beautifully when you hand wash it. Enjoy 494 yards of beautiful knitting with every 100-gram skein and choose from over 20 riveting colors!
More Free Knitting Patterns
- Be sure to explore our collection of (mostly free!) Line Weight patterns and cast on!
More Fingering-Weight Yarns
- Shop our entire collection of fingering-weight yarns
- If you want to use a different yarn, be sure to take the time to get the correct gauge. Need help? Check our All About Gauge Tutorial!
More Yarns With Similar Fibers
- Shop merino wool yarn
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
Such a pretty repeat pattern. What modifications would I need to make, if I wanted to knit this as a scarf, rather than a cowl?
Hi Angela,
Thanks for the question, this seems to be a popular request! In order to knit the Willow Cowl stitch pattern flat, you will need to replace rows 1 and 3 with purl rows. Row 2 will be a knit row and Row 4 will be the pattern row as written. I would also add a few selvage stitches at the beginning and and of each row, in 1×1 ribbing or another edging stitch of your choice, both to minimize curling and to neaten the edges of the pattern.
Good luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi! I’m in love with this cowl. I’ve been saving it in “favorites” since it was published. I started it a few days ago and I struggled hard with the cast on of the 432 stitches but I’m finally (and slowly) moving forward ?
Your patterns are always such an inspiration to me, thank you so much!
Have you got a suitable cashmere yarn that could replace Line Weight yarn used in cowl pattern. I react to wool close to skin.
Moira
Hi Moira,
Thanks for reaching out! You could certainly use cashmere for this lovely cowl! While we do not have a cashmere that will work as a single strand, you could hold two strands of Jade Sapphire 2 Ply together and knit with them!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Could I use the Skinny Cotton with this pattern? If not, do you have another cotton you could recommend? Thanks!
Hi Jenny,
Thanks for your question! The Skinny Cotton is a bit heavier than the Line Weight we used, so it would require some swatching and pattern adjustment to make it work. We don’t carry a thinner cotton yarn, but I think our Cattail Silk or Field Linen would be great non-wool alternatives!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
I don’t want to knit in the round. Do you have the instructions for working it up with a seam?
Hello,
Thanks for writing in! In order to knit the Willow Cowl stitch pattern flat, you will need to replace rows 1 and 3 with purl rows. Row 2 will be a knit row and Row 4 will be the pattern row as written. If you are planning on seaming the cowl together when you are done, I would also add two stitches to the cast on and work them as a K1 before beginning the pattern repeat on row 4 and an additional K1 at the end of the row- the other rows will not be affected, and this seam allowance will make sewing the cowl together much easier in the end.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
I admire the stitch for the cowl but would like to use it for a scarf, so I would not be knitting in the round. I assume rows 2 and 4 would be purl? Does this affect how I slip the stitch off and how I put it back on the right needle?
Hi Ruth,
In order to knit the Willow Cowl stitch pattern flat, you will actually need to replace rows 1 and 3 with purl rows. Row 2 will be a knit row and Row 4 will be the pattern row as written. I would also add a few selvage stitches at the beginning and and of each row, in 1×1 ribbing or another edging stitch of your choice, both to minimize curling and to neaten the edges of the pattern. This does not affect slipping the stitch or the appearance of the stitch pattern, but it is a little trickier to purl the row after Row 4 than it is to knit it!
I hope that helps, best of luck!
Julianna
Where is the free pattern download for this scarf?
Hello,
Thanks for writing in! If you’re on a desktop version of the site, you will find a “print” icon in the right column just below the date and tags. If you’re on a mobile version of the site, you will find a “print” icon below the pattern and above the comments.
Follow the easy on-screen instructions to delete whichever parts of the pattern you don’t want to print or save. For example, you may decide to shorten the pattern by omitting certain images or the list of materials. To remove images, click the drop down next to the image icon and change from 100% to 0%. You can then either print or save as a PDF.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
I would like to make this as a scarf either twisted and joined at the end or not. I don’t particularly like cowls as I have a very short neck but I love this stitch and wool.
Thank you,
Gail
Hi Gail,
Thanks for the kind words! In order to knit the Willow Cowl stitch pattern flat, you will need to replace rows 1 and 3 with purl rows. Row 2 will be a knit row and Row 4 will be the pattern row as written. I would also add a few selvage stitches at the beginning and and of each row, in 1×1 ribbing or another edging stitch of your choice, both to minimize curling and to neaten the edges of the pattern.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Hi, thank you for the pattern. It is very pretty and sounds easy to knit. Is it possible to knit it flat? Thank you very much.
Jittra ?
Hi Jittra,
It is possible with a few modifications! In order to knit the Willow Cowl stitch pattern flat, you will need to replace rows 1 and 3 with purl rows. Row 2 will be a knit row and Row 4 will be the pattern row as written. I would also add a few selvage stitches to the cast on and work them in 1×1 ribbing or another edging stitch of your choice at the beginning and end of each row, both to minimize curling and to neaten the edges of the pattern.
I hope that answers your question!
Julianna
Hi again Julianna, I only noticed just now that a few fellow knitters actually have asked the same question already. I apologized for asking you to repeat. Thank you for your kindness and patience ?
Jittra
Hi Jittra,
No worries, I believe everyone’s questions came around the same time as yours – I’m happy I can help everyone customize their scarf to their preferred type of knitting!
Enjoy and happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi, would it be possible to knit this beautiful Cowl in what is known as 4ply weight yarn here in the UK? I have some merino cashmere silk yarn which is baby soft against the skin. Would I need to use a different gauge needle ? Any thoughts or advice would be much appreciated. Thank you
Hello Susannah,
Thank you for reaching out! This yarn sounds beautiful and a UK 4ply yarn should work perfect;y for this pattern.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Oh Marilla,
Thankyou for your reply! That’s great news! I am delighted and very excited to begin my project. Discovering Purlsoho and your wonderful online community has re-ignighted my love for and desire to knit! Wish you were in the UK !
Many thanks
Susannah
Hi i came to your shop while i am in new york. Love, love, love your shop amd selection of yarn. I bought the yarn for willow Cowl and i got a copy of Willow Cowl sheet, but since i am a beginner its very difficult for me. Do you have a tutorial video on this?
Best, Lily – Central Java Indonesia
Hi Lily,
Thank you so much for the kind words, I’m glad you enjoyed your visit to the shop! Unfortunately we don’t have the resources at the moment to do a video tutorial of this. We will keep your request in mind though for the future! Is there a particular part of the pattern I can try to clarify for you?
Best,
Julianna
I just received my yarn today and cannot wait to begin!
Quick question, what joining method would you recommend for the Line Weight yarn?
Thank you!
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for reaching out! The only joining method I would caution against with Line Weight would be a Wet Splice or Spit Splice. I think that Line Weight may felt together a little too well, and the fuzzy and thick area would stand out in the fine lightweight fabric. However you normally join a new yarn, either by working one stitch with both the old and new yarns held together or by simply stopping knitting with the old yarn and beginning with the new yarn without tying a knot, would work well!
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi, its me again,
How to prevent the edge from curling? I use circular needles.
Hello Lily,
Thank you for reaching out! The best way to eliminate the inevitable curling at the edges is to block your cowl when it is completed.
I hope this helps and let us know if you have any other questions!
Warmly,
Marilla
Help! It finally happened… after years of knitting I twisted my cowl when I joined it and somehow (3 inches into the pattern) JUST realized it. My question is this… do I have to start all over or would this still be wearable with a twist in it (it seems longer than I would wear normally and my plan was to twist and double it around my neck anyway) thoughts? Suggestions?
Thank you in advance!
Shauna
Hi Shauna,
Oh no, a twisted cast on is such a bummer! Leaving the twist in is entirely up to you – both the wrong and right side will be visible when worn, but, as you said, you would be twisting it around your neck anyway. A twist does make the cowl feel a tiny bit shorter when worn, but the Willow Cowl is fairly generously sized.
If you do decide to start over or for future projects, I find it helpful to knit the first round before joining since it will be easier to see a twist around the needle when you have something a bit more substantial than just the cast on, and you can close up any gap when weaving in the tail of the cast on. You may also have an easier time if you use a longer circular needle – although the cowl will fit on a 32″ needle, if you choose a 40″ needle you can spread the stitches out more which will make it easier to spot a twist.
I also like to do one last check after I have completed the first round after joining, because if there is a twist, you can still untwist it at this point when there is only a strand or two of yarn joining the cowl together without creating a too-obvious lump or bunchy area!
I hope that helps, and best of luck with whatever you decide!
Julianna
Thank you SO much for the helpful response Julianna! Exactly what I was looking for and more (great tips for joining). Last question… if I start over do you think the yarn is re-useable without too much “wear” showing? Thank you again!!
Hi Shauna,
I’m so glad I was able to help! Usually it’s very possible to unravel and reuse yarn a few times without a problem, but Line Weight is extra soft and delicate, so it’s hard to say! If you haven’t been working on the cowl for too long I think it will be fine, but if it has been in its knitted state for a few weeks you may find that the yarn has stuck together and will be difficult to unravel without a lot of pulling, and the salvaged yarn will then be quite a bit fuzzier than the rest of your yarn.
If you don’t mind playing a bit of yarn chicken or possibly having a slightly narrower cowl, you could weigh the yarn you have left to see if you even need to re-use what you have already knitted. We used 177 grams for our sample, so if you have that much or more remaining, you could set aside the used yarn and start fresh with your remaining yarn. I would still save the used yarn just in case of an emergency, like running out during the cast off!
Best,
Julianna
Thank you for this, it looks beautiful. What yarn would you recommend. I live in Ireland.
Hello Helen,
Thank you for reaching out! This lovely project is knit using a fingering weight or 4ply yarn. We used our Line Weight yarn which is made with 100% Merino and incredibly soft.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi! I am working the Willow wrap pattern and it takes me a really long time to carry the slipped stitch and knit the surrounding stitches. I was wondering if you had a tip on how to make this process go faster.
Thanks!
Hello Charmain,
Thank you for writing us- I really hear you with this one! The only real answer here, unfortunately, it will get faster with practice. The only thing outside of practice that I would suggest is working with a needle that has a nice sharp tip.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
What is the yardage? I see you’ve written I’ll only need two skeins at 495 yards each, but I have two 400 yard skeins I’d like to use, if possible. If the cowl takes over 800, I’ll choose another yarn.
Hi Jeanne,
Thanks for writing in! We used about 880 yards for our sample, so you could use another yarn if you want to make the full sized cowl, but it would also be possible to make it just a bit shorter and narrower if you would like to squeeze it out of your yarn.
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
All I can say is there are so many cowl patterns that I too would like to have flat for a scarf and you have been so gracious to explain, in fine understandable detail, on how to accomplish this. I can’t wait to start, it’s my next project.
With much appreciation,
Deborah
I too will make this pattern as a flat scarf. What suggestions would you have to knit this longways, in other words, not casting on 432 stitches. I can figure something for myself but thought those of us wanting a scarf will want to knit lengthwise.
Again, thanks for your input.
Deborah
Hello Deborah,
Thank you for reaching out! In order to knit the Willow Cowl stitch pattern flat, you will need to replace rows 1 and 3 with purl rows. Row 2 will be a knit row and Row 4 will be the pattern row as written. I would also add a few selvage stitches at the beginning and and of each row, in 1×1 ribbing or another edging stitch of your choice, both to minimize curling and to neaten the edges of the pattern.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Here is an idea for your knitters. Once I decide to print a pattern I use my cell phone to take a photo of the model wearing the piece. I then take my phone to Costco, print the photo and staple it to my printed pattern and file it in my binder. I never have to wonder what it looks like months (or days) later.
Deborah
I am looking forward to making this. In the third picture, is that just an edging that was added? Thanks.
Hi Michelle,
Thanks so much for the kind words! The third picture shows a bit of the wrong side of the cowl peeking over the top edge, but doesn’t include any special edging. In the pattern we begin and end with three rows of stockinette so that the top and bottom edges roll slightly.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
I absolutely love this pattern! And Line Weight is my top favourite yarn just now. I have just finished the Newsprint cowl- so satisfying to knit and it looks great. BUT I live in London and so desperate to be able to buy your yarn without the hefty postage and customs duty. Out Post Office charges £8.00 just to collect the tax! Please come and do a pop up shop in the UK soon! Very best wishes Linda Pennell
Hello Linda,
Thank you for reaching out and for your words of encouragement- I will pass them along! It is so good to hear how much you are enjoying Line Weight.
Thank you for your support and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi Julianna,
I would love to make the Willow Cowl but a shorter version and not sure if that is possible. I don’t want to double wrap it. I have about 475 yds/115 g of a fingering.
Hello Carlyn,
Thanks for reaching out! This is certainly possible- this stitch pattern repeat is worked over a multiple of 4 stitches so as long as your cast on is a multiple of 4 you are good to go. I would recommend halving it with that amount of yarn so a circumference of 30″ blocked. To achieve this you will need to cast on 216 stitches.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
I also would love to knit this in a “flat”.
I’ve seen your expalnation (row 1 and 3 purl) got it. Thanks.
But my question is do we cast on an odd numbers or even numbers.
For a shawl – 56 stitches or 57 (as an exemple). So that the pattern comes out as here. Thank you.
Ludmilla
Hello Ludmilla,
Thank you for reaching out! This stitch pattern is worked over 4 stitches so your cast on needs to be a multiple of 4.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi there! I was wondering if there was another yarn that would work well with this pattern. Just looking for some other colours options besides those in Line Weight. Thanks!
Hi Emma,
Thanks for reaching out! For a similar gauge I would suggest considering our Linen Quill, which would add something texturally with the rustic flecks of linen. A luxurious option would be Jade Sapphire 2-ply Cashmere. I hope this helps!
Happy Knitting,
Cassandra
Hello,
I am looking forward to making this beautiful Willow Cowl. I just finished the Nimbus Cowl and enjoyed working with the Line Weight.
I am concerned about gage. On the Nimbus my gage was almost an inch wider than the given gage, so I feel I need to check my gage for the Willow. I was hoping to get a quick gage without doing complete rounds in the stitch pattern. Would a stockinette or a garner stitch be close enough to the stitch pattern to give me an idea of far off my gage is?
Thanks much!
JoHanna
Hi JoHanna,
Great question, and since everyone’s gauge is different, a swatch is always a good idea! Because of the mini-cable or traveling stitch in this pattern, I think it would be a good idea to swatch in pattern. Since the pattern is just a multiple of 4 stitches and 4 rows, you could cast on 16-20 stitches and knit a few inches for a swatch, which will give you a much better feel for your gauge than swatching in stockinette. I hope this helps!
Best,
Cassandra
Hello!
I recently purchased two skeins of the line weight and am excited to knit this cowl, but I am having troubles understanding how to knit Round 4. Would you be able to provide some clarification for how to slip the stitches? Is it only one stitch that gets slipped and brought back on?
Thank you in advance!
Hi Joyce,
Thanks so much for writing in with your question! The Willow Cowl pattern is worked over a multiple of 4 stitches, so you’ll be doing a simple one-stitch cable every fourth stitch, a total of 108 times at every round 4. The rest of the rows are just knit, and once you get the hang of the cable, it’s fast and fun to do. We have a tutorial which might help to give you a visual reference on cabling, you can find it here:
I hope this helps, and please always feel free to reach out with any questions you have!
Best,
Cassandra
Thanks for re-stating that it is a 4-stitch pattern, Cassandra. I needed to knit that 4th stitch instead of simply slipping it and then knitting a 5th stitch. Cheers!
Hello Last winter, I went to your Purl Soho store in NYC and asked for a recommendation for a yarn similar to Line Weight (I really enjoyed working with Line Weight). I was recommended to try Manos Fino, extra fine merino & silk and I purchased it in your store. Now I’m thinking of using it for this Willow Cowl. Do you think it is a good yarn for this cowl pattern?
thanks!
Hi Suzanna,
Thanks for reaching out! Manos Del Uruguay Fino would be an excellent yarn for this cowl! I do recommend working a gauge swatch prior to beginning to insure that you are consistent with the pattern, but since Fino and Line Weight are so similar it should be perfect!
Warmly,
Gianna
Thank you!
Suzanne
Hello, thanks for providing such beautiful patterns! Is this cowl made to wrap around the neck twice? If not how would you shorten the width to fit tighter. And would it be able to be shortened in length as well?
Hi Desiree,
Thanks for writing in. This cowl is intended to wrap around the neck twice, but you can absolutely modify it so that it’s tighter! All you’ll need to do is cast on fewer stitches. To figure out your cast-on number, you will want to first knit a gauge swatch in pattern. Once you know how many stitches you are getting per inch, you can multiply that number by the width that you would like and cast on the nearest multiple of 4. I hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
I’m having difficulty with the pattern as the faux cable is every third row, so it’s a slog with such a fine yarn. I tried to slip the first stitch off the needle and let it dangle to save time by not using the cable needle, but the stitch kept shrinking, and I found myself digging around to get it. Is there a way around this?
Hi Stacy,
Thanks for reaching out! Since you’re finding that the stitch is slipping down when you take it off the needle, I would recommend using the cable needle to keep ahold of it. I’d say it’s better to take it a bit slower with the cable needle than drop the stitch!
All the best,
Lili
Hi – I didn’t catch that I had not started out straight and have a twist from incorrectly starting the rounds. I can’t tell from the photos whether this cowl is wide enough to wrap around a second time or if it’s meant to go on straight? I’m debating whether to start over so my cowl isn’t a mobeuis strip. 🙁
Hi Amy,
Thanks for reaching out. This cowl is meant to be wrapped twice around your neck, so the extra twist shouldn’t be very noticeable when worn! I hope that helps you make the decision whether to restart or not!
All the best,
Lili
Hi. I bought extra colors in line weight yarn to make the reversible hat and cowl but would like to make this cowl with one of my line weight yarns. I do not like the twice around and would prefer a once around.
Would this pattern work if I sized it down?
Hi Desiree,
This pattern will absolutely work with a smaller circumference! The stitch pattern works over a multiple of 4 stitches, so you can cast on any multiple of 4 and it will work out perfectly.
All the best,
Lili