Classic Elite Yarns Honey Locust Cowl Knitting Pattern

Honey Locust Cowl by Classic Elite Yarns

Project Overview

The Honey Locust is a seamless cowl designed by Meg Myers and originally published in the Harvest Woods 9232 printed collection. This beginner to intermediate knitting project creates a classic neckwarmer with sophisticated texture through the use of twisted stitches and ribbed patterning. The finished cowl measures approximately 22¼ inches in circumference and 8½ inches in height after blocking, making it an ideal accessory for layering and everyday wear.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for MountainTop Blackthorn yarn by Classic Elite Yarns, a premium blend consisting of 50% superfine alpaca and 50% wool. The yarn provides warmth and softness while maintaining excellent stitch definition for showcasing the twisted stitch details. Two hanks are required, with each hank weighing 100 grams and providing approximately 120 yards of yardage. A 24-inch circular knitting needle in size US 10½ (6.5 mm) is needed to work the cowl, along with a stitch marker to denote the beginning of each round. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 21 rounds over 4 inches when worked in the Crisscross Rib pattern and lightly blocked.

Knitting Techniques

The Honey Locust is worked seamlessly in the round from cast-on to bind-off, eliminating the need for seaming. This method creates a smooth, continuous fabric and allows the knitter to easily monitor the fit as the piece grows. The cowl begins with a cast-on of 100 stitches, which are joined carefully to prevent twisting before working proceeds in established rounds. The pattern employs a repeating 15-round sequence that is worked twice, creating balanced visual interest and texture throughout the finished piece.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Honey Locust features three specialized twisted stitch techniques that create the distinctive crisscross texture:

• LT-P (Left Purl Twist): This stitch is executed by skipping the first stitch on the left-hand needle, purling the second stitch through the back loop without removing it from the needle, knitting the first stitch, and dropping both stitches from the needle. This creates a left-leaning twisted crossing.
• RT-P (Right Purl Twist): Worked by skipping the first stitch on the left-hand needle, knitting the second stitch without removing it from the needle, purling the first stitch, and dropping both stitches from the needle. This creates a right-leaning twisted crossing with purl elements.
• RT (Right Twist): A standard right twist executed by skipping the first stitch on the left-hand needle, knitting the second stitch without removing it from the needle, knitting the first stitch, and dropping both stitches from the needle.

Pattern Structure

The cowl is constructed using a ribbed foundation combined with the twisted stitch crossings. The pattern begins with five rounds of basic knit and purl ribbing (K1, *P2, K2; repeat to last 3 stitches, P2, K1), establishing the vertical lines that form the base of the design. Round 6 introduces the first set of twisted stitch crossings using LT-P and RT-P stitches worked in alternation across the round. Rounds 7 through 10 alternate between ribbed rounds and twisted stitch crossing rounds, creating a balanced Crisscross Rib pattern. This 15-round sequence is repeated twice to achieve the full height of the cowl before all stitches are bound off loosely in rib to maintain elasticity and prevent a tight edge.

Finishing

Upon completion of knitting, the cowl requires light blocking to even out the stitches and set the fabric. Care must be taken during blocking to avoid flattening the ribbed texture, which is essential to the design's visual appeal and functionality. After blocking, all yarn ends are woven in securely to complete the finished piece.