Split Leaf Cowl Knitting Pattern

Split Leaf Cowl in Plymouth Yarn Homestead

What is Being Made

The Split Leaf Cowl is an intermediate-level knitted cowl designed to be worn as a versatile neckpiece. This circular cowl measures approximately 9 inches wide with a 32-inch circumference, making it a comfortable fit for most wearers. The cowl is constructed as a single piece that is knitted flat and then seamed at the edges to create the circular form. This project uses one 100-gram skein of Plymouth Yarn Homestead in the Dusty Blue colorway.

Techniques Used

The Split Leaf Cowl employs several intermediate knitting techniques that create visual interest and texture. The primary construction method involves working a repeating lace pattern over 16 rows, which is then repeated 9 times throughout the project for a total of 144 rows of patterned knitting. The pattern uses yarn overs to create decorative holes and decreases (both k2tog and ssk) to shape the lace motifs. The cowl features a ribbed edge created with alternating knit and purl stitches that frame the lace pattern, providing structure and preventing curling. After knitting is complete, the piece is blocked to measurements to open up the lace and achieve the intended dimensions, then the cast-on and bind-off edges are seamed together to form the circular cowl shape.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) – the fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl (p) – used in ribbing and pattern rows to create texture and reversibility
• Yarn over (yo) – creates the decorative openings characteristic of lace knitting
• Knit two together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease used to shape the lace motifs
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) – a left-leaning decrease that pairs with k2tog to create symmetrical leaf-shaped lace patterns
• Ribbing (k1, p1) – alternating knit and purl stitches that create the structured edge borders
• Split Leaf Lace stitch – the primary pattern combining yarn overs and decreases to form leaf-like openwork designs

Materials and Tools

This project requires Plymouth Yarn Homestead yarn, specifically one 100-gram skein in color 23 Dusty Blue. The yarn is worked on US Size 11 (8 millimeter) straight knitting needles. The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 18 rows equaling 4 inches in the split leaf lace stitch after blocking, which is important for achieving the correct finished measurements. The cowl begins with a cast-on of 31 stitches and ends with binding off all stitches in knit, then requires weaving in ends and seaming the circular edges together to complete the finished garment.