Josephine Cowl - Knitting Pattern For Women Pattern

Josephine Cowl Knitting Pattern

What is Being Made

The Josephine Cowl is a women's cowl designed as part of the Homestead Collection by Willow & Lark. This is a versatile neckwear piece measuring 72 cm (28¼ inches) in width and 20 cm (7¾ inches) in depth. The cowl is worked in the round, creating a seamless tubular construction ideal for layering over winter garments or wearing as a standalone accessory.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level pattern combines two primary knitting techniques to create visual interest and texture. Lace work forms the decorative foundation of the design, creating an open, airy fabric with strategic decreases and yarn overs that produce elegant stitch patterns. Slip stitch technique is employed throughout the patterning, with special attention to how stitches are slipped. The pattern specifies that patterning slip stitches should be slipped purlwise with yarn held at the back (wrong side) of work, while slip stitches used in decreases (sl1, K1, psso) are slipped knitwise. This distinction is crucial for achieving the intended appearance and drape of the finished cowl.

Stitches Used

The Josephine Cowl employs several key stitch techniques:

• Stocking stitch – used as the base fabric and the tension measurement standard
• Slip stitch – applied both for patterning and as part of decrease sequences
• Lace stitches – incorporating yarn overs and decreases to create openwork sections
• Cable stitches – specifically Cr3L (cable right 3 left) and Cr3R (cable right 3 right), which add textural dimension by twisting stitches around a cable needle
• Decreases – including sl1, K1, psso (slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over) for shaping and lace patterning

Materials and Tools

The Josephine Cowl is designed specifically for Willow & Lark Ramble yarn, a 100% wool DK (double knitting) weight yarn. The pattern requires 3 balls of 50g (1¾oz) skeins, with suggested colorway options including Rose (colorway 126) and Bluebell (colorway 122). The pattern notes that yarn quantities are approximate and based on average requirements.

Two sizes of 3.25mm (UK 10, US 3) circular needles (40cm/16in length) and 4.00mm (UK 8, US 6) circular needles (40cm/16in length) are required. The smaller needles are typically used for ribbed edgings or initial cast-on, while the larger needles accommodate the main pattern work. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable stitches.

Tension and Finishing Notes

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 30 rounds to 10cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch using 4.00mm (US 6) needles. Checking tension before beginning is emphasized as vital, as incorrect tension will affect the final dimensions and fit of the cowl. The pattern recommends using the specified Willow & Lark Ramble yarn to achieve the intended appearance shown in the design photographs, as yarn fiber content, weight, and composition significantly impact the finished item's look and drape.