The Emberwood Wrap Collar Free Pattern – A Knitted Symphony of Flame Cables and Moss Stitch

Wrap yourself in the warmth of a crackling fire with this deeply textured cowl, where braided cables dance across a bed of soft moss stitch. The gradient of ember tones—from smoky charcoal to glowing amber—creates a stunning, wearable piece of art. This free knitting pattern is perfect for intermediate knitters looking to expand their cable skills while creating a cozy, luxurious accessory for autumn and winter.

Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner ready for a challenge, the Emberwood Wrap Collar offers a rewarding project that showcases the beauty of color transitions and intricate stitch work. The result is a snug, tubular cowl with a ribbed bottom edge and a gently tapered top that curves inward—a truly unique silhouette that will elevate any cold-weather outfit.

Materials Needed

Before you begin your knitting journey, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable crafting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in 3 colors:
  • Color A (Charcoal) – approximately 80 yards
  • Color B (Smoky Orange) – approximately 90 yards
  • Color C (Amber Gold) – approximately 50 yards
  Total: approximately 220 yards
• Needles: US 8 (5.0 mm) 16-inch circular knitting needle
• Cable needle (or a double-pointed needle for cabling)
• Stitch markers (at least 1 for beginning of round)
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Scissors

Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always take time to check your gauge to ensure proper sizing.

Finished Measurements

This pattern creates a cowl with a 24-inch circumference and 10-inch height—perfect for wrapping comfortably around your neck without being too bulky.

Abbreviations

Familiarize yourself with these knitting abbreviations before starting:

• CO: cast on
• K: knit
• P: purl
• C4F: slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle
• C4B: slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle
• M1: make one (increase)
• K2tog: knit two together (decrease)
• PM: place marker

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ribbing

With Color A (Charcoal), CO 108 stitches. Join in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches. PM for beginning of round.

Work K2, P2 ribbing for 6 rounds. This creates a stretchy, structured bottom edge that will hold its shape beautifully.

Body – Color B Section

Switch to Color B (Smoky Orange). Work the following 12-round pattern repeat:

• Rounds 1-2: *K4, P2, K2, P2* repeat to end of round.
• Round 3: *C4F, P2, K2, P2* repeat to end of round. (This creates the left-leaning cable twist.)
• Rounds 4-6: *K4, P2, K2, P2* repeat to end of round.
• Round 7: *K4, P2, C4B, P2* repeat to end of round. (This creates the right-leaning cable twist.)
• Rounds 8-12: *K4, P2, K2, P2* repeat to end of round.

Work this 12-round repeat 3 times total with Color B. This section will form the middle portion of your cowl, showcasing the beautiful smoky orange gradient.

Body – Color C Section

Switch to Color C (Amber Gold). Work the same 12-round pattern repeat 3 times. The amber gold will create a warm, glowing top section that evokes the brightest part of a fire.

Body – Color A Final Section

Switch back to Color A (Charcoal). Work the same 12-round pattern repeat 2 times. This grounds the cowl with a sophisticated, dark finish that ties the whole piece together.

Decrease Section – Shaping the Top

Now we'll shape the gently tapered top that curves inward. Follow these decrease rounds carefully:

• Round 1: *K4, P2, K2tog, P2* repeat to end (90 stitches remain). The K2tog decreases the knit-2 section to a knit-1.
• Round 2: *K4, P2, K1, P2* repeat to end.
• Round 3: *K4, P2, K1, P2* repeat to end. (No decreases this round—allows the fabric to settle.)
• Round 4: *K4, P2tog, K1, P2* repeat to end (72 stitches remain). Now decreasing the purl section.
• Round 5: *K4, P1, K1, P1* repeat to end.
• Round 6: *K2tog, P1, K1, P1* repeat to end (54 stitches remain). Beginning to decrease the cable section.
• Round 7: *K1, P1, K1, P1* repeat to end. Now working in a simple rib pattern.
• Round 8: *K2tog, P1* repeat to end (36 stitches remain).
• Round 9: *K2tog* repeat to end (18 stitches remain).

Finishing

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail (at least 12 inches). Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, then pass it through the remaining 18 stitches on your needle. Pull tight to gather the top closed, creating that beautiful curved inward shape. Secure with a knot.

Weave in all loose ends using your tapestry needle, being careful to weave them through the wrong side of the work so they're invisible from the outside.

Blocking: Gently wet block your cowl to open up the cables and even out the stitches. Lay flat to dry, shaping gently to the finished measurements. This step is crucial for achieving that professional, polished look where the braided cables truly shine.

Tips for Success

• Keep your cable needle handy: Always hold it in front (C4F) or back (C4B) as instructed—this determines the direction of your cable twist.
• Count your rounds: Use a row counter or mark your pattern repeat on paper to keep track of where you are in the 12-round cycle.
• Check your gauge: If your gauge is off, your cowl may be too tight or too loose. Adjust your needle size accordingly.
• Take breaks: Cabling can be intense on your hands. Stretch your fingers regularly.

The Emberwood Wrap Collar is more than just a knitting project—it's a wearable piece of art that captures the essence of a cozy evening by the fire. The gradient of colors, from deep charcoal through smoky orange to glowing amber, creates a stunning visual journey that will draw compliments wherever you go.

This pattern is perfect for gifting during the holiday season or treating yourself to a luxurious handmade accessory. The combination of cable and moss stitch textures creates depth and interest, while the tapered top adds a modern, sophisticated silhouette that sets this cowl apart from simple tube scarves.

Happy knitting, and may your Emberwood Wrap Collar bring warmth and joy to many cold winter days!