Lana Grossa Cowl Knitting Pattern

Lana Grossa Cowl in Lala Berlin Lovely Cashmere

What Is Being Made

This is a luxurious knitted cowl designed by Lana Grossa, featuring the premium Lala Berlin Lovely Cashmere yarn. The finished cowl measures 32 cm wide with a circumference of 66 cm, making it a versatile neckwear accessory suitable for layering and styling. The cowl is worked as a flat rectangular piece that is seamed at the edges to create the circular neckwear shape.

Techniques Used

The cowl is constructed using seamed construction, where the cast-on edge is sewn to the bound-off edge to form the cowl shape. The piece is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier pattern management and consistent stitch tension throughout the design. The pattern incorporates color stripes, alternating between two distinct colorways every 18 rows for a total of 108 rows, creating a sophisticated striped effect. A two-stitch selvage is worked at the beginning and end of every row to create neat, finished edges that are easier to seam.

Stitches Used

The cowl features a combination of stitch patterns for visual interest and texture. Stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows) forms the foundation and is used for sections between pattern repeats. The primary decorative element is the cross stitch pattern, which creates a distinctive textured motif. This pattern involves slipping stitches to a cable needle, holding them to the front of the work, and crossing stitches over one another. The cross stitch pattern also incorporates yarn overs and decreases (pass yarn over knit two stitches) in alternating rows, adding dimensional interest. The selvage stitches are worked using the slip stitch technique, slipping stitches purlwise with yarn in front to maintain a clean edge.

Materials

This project requires Lana Grossa Lala Berlin Lovely Cashmere yarn, a premium blend consisting of 60% cashmere, 25% polyamide, and 15% Merino wool. The yarn is worked at a yardage of 60 meters per 25 grams. The pattern calls for 100 grams each of two colorways: Heather (color 3) and Greige Mélange (color 9), for a total of 200 grams of yarn. Size 9 mm needles are required for the main knitting, along with a cable needle for managing the crossed stitches in the cross stitch pattern. The recommended gauge is 12.5 stitches and 16 rows over 10 centimeters in stockinette stitch on size 9 mm needles, making it essential to knit a gauge swatch before beginning the project.