The Midnight Rose Cable Cowl: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Romantic Winter Accessory
Wrap Yourself in Romance: The Midnight Rose Cable Cowl
Imagine a moonlit garden, where the air is cool and the scent of roses lingers. That's the feeling you'll capture with this deeply textured cable cowl. Featuring a lush, rose-like motif that blooms across a rich, twilight-hued backdrop, this free pattern guides you through creating a cozy, sophisticated accessory. It's the perfect project for a chilly evening, offering a warm embrace of handmade luxury.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the exact yarn and needle sizes will ensure your cowl matches the intended gauge and finished size.
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (e.g., Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in 'Midnight Blue' and 'Deep Burgundy'). You will need:
- 250 yards of Main Color (MC) - Midnight Blue
- 100 yards of Contrast Color (CC) - Deep Burgundy
- Needles: US Size 10 (6.0 mm) circular knitting needle, 16-inch length. A cable needle is also required.
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
- Gauge: 16 stitches and 20 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (blocked). Achieving this gauge is critical for the correct size.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This cowl is worked in the round from the bottom up. The cable pattern is a 12-stitch repeat that creates a twisted rose motif. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
Abbreviations
- k = knit
- p = purl
- C4F = slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, k2, then k2 from cable needle
- C4B = slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, k2, then k2 from cable needle
- M1 = make one stitch (increase)
- k2tog = knit two together
Cast On & Ribbing
Cast On: With MC, cast on 96 stitches. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
Ribbing (Rounds 1-8):
- Round 1-8: *K2, p2; repeat from * around.
Cable Pattern (Rounds 9-40)
This section creates the rose motif. Repeat the 8-round pattern four times. The cable panel is 12 stitches wide, separated by 4 purl stitches.
- Round 9: *K12 (cable panel), p4; repeat from * around (8 repeats).
- Round 10: *C4F, k4, C4B, p4; repeat from * around.
- Round 11: *K12, p4; repeat from * around.
- Round 12: *K2, C4B, C4F, k2, p4; repeat from * around.
- Round 13: *K12, p4; repeat from * around.
- Round 14: *C4B, k4, C4F, p4; repeat from * around.
- Round 15: *K12, p4; repeat from * around.
- Round 16: *K12, p4; repeat from * around.
- Rounds 17-24: Repeat Rounds 9-16 once.
- Rounds 25-32: Repeat Rounds 9-16 once more.
- Rounds 33-40: Repeat Rounds 9-16 for a total of 4 cable repeats.
Color Transition (Rounds 41-44)
This creates the elegant burgundy band near the top. Cut MC after Round 41, join CC for Rounds 42-43, then cut CC and rejoin MC for Round 44.
- Round 41: With MC, *k12, p4; repeat from * around.
- Round 42: With CC, *k12, p4; repeat from * around.
- Round 43: With CC, *k12, p4; repeat from * around.
- Round 44: With MC, *k12, p4; repeat from * around.
Ribbing & Finishing
Ribbing (Rounds 45-52):
- Round 45-52: *K2, p2; repeat from * around.
Bind Off: Bind off loosely in pattern (knit the knits and purl the purls). Weave in all ends. Block gently to open up the cables and even out the stitches. Your romantic, textured cowl is complete!
