Knit the Cozy Herringbone Cowl!

Inside: Learn to knit the cozy Herringbone Cowl with my free pattern and tutorial videos for right and left handed knitters.

Get cozy with the Herringbone Cowl.  This chunky knit cowl is guaranteed to keep off the winter chill.

This pattern uses the vertical herringbone stitch to create the classic design. I’ve taught the herringbone stitch pattern before, but this one is a little different. First, it uses less yarn and not as dense. This makes it ideal for scarves, cowls, and blankets when you want a more relaxed fabric that has some drape.

The other main reason I like the vertical herringbone stitch is that it is easy. I like simple. This pattern has 2 row repeat that is easy to memorize. That means once you work through a few rows you can just keep knitting.

I chose a bulky yarn for this design so it works up quickly. You’ll want to knit the cozy Herringbone Cowl over and over for some quick Christmas gifts.

The full pattern below includes written instructions and links to fully captioned tutorial videos for right and left handed knitters.

Herringbone Cowl Pattern

By Kristen Mangus

An ad-free downloadable PDF of this pattern is available for purchase in my GoodKnit Kisses online store, Etsy or Ravelry at the links below:

MATERIALS

(Materials list may contain affiliate links to products I used to make this project. Using these links cost you nothing, but helps support GKK.) 

Yarn
Bulky (#5) worsted weight yarn – 175 yds.
Bernat Maker Home Dec (8.8 oz / 250 g 317 yds/290 m) in color Steel Blue used in sample.

Needles
US 10 (6 mm) needles
Knitters Pride Karbonz circular needles used in samples.

Notions:
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle

ABBREVIATIONS
K = Knit
P = Purl
Psso = Pass slipped stitch over
Pw = Purlwise
Rep = Repeat
RS = Right side
Sl = Slip stitch
St(s) = Stitch(es)
WS = Wrong side
YO = Yarnover

New to knitting? I’ve got a How to Knit Beginner Video Series to teach you ALL the basics.

GAUGE 24 sts x 24 rows in 4” in herringbone stitch pattern

SKILL LEVEL Easy

MEASUREMENTS 6” x 28” circumference (15.5 x 71 cm)

NOTES

The vertical herringbone stitch pattern is a multiple of 3+1 and uses an easy 2 row repeat.  This version of the herringbone stitch is less dense than some others making it better for wearables. Watch the tutorial video below to learn this stitch pattern.

TIP: Because this stitch pattern includes increases and decreases across each row, I like to double check my stitch count at the end of each row.  If you make a mistake the video includes my tips for fixing them. 

INSTRUCTIONS

Cast on 34 sts.

Foundation Row (WS): P all.

Row 1 (RS): K1, *yo, sl1 pw, k2, psso. Rep from * to end of row.

Row 2: P1, *yo, sl1 pw, p2, psso. Rep from * to end of row.

Rep Rows 1-2 until piece measures 28” or until desired length. Bind off and sew ends together.

PIN IT!

Vertical Herringbone Stitch Tutorial Videos

Select videos are available to GoodKnit Kisses YouTube members only.  To get exclusive access to GKK VIP-only content, free PDF patterns, weekly Zoom meetup and more, sign in to YouTube and join as a VIP Member today! Find out more about GKK Membership HERE!

Right handed

Left handed