748 Norwich Cowl - Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Deerfield

748 Norwich Cowl – Knitting Pattern for Women by Melissa LaBarre

The 748 Norwich Cowl is a beautifully designed knitting pattern by Melissa LaBarre, published as a downloadable PDF. This pattern creates an infinity cowl — a seamless, joined loop worn around the neck — that combines the cozy simplicity of garter stitch with the elegance of a decorative rib and lace panel. The finished piece measures approximately 6.5 inches wide and 60 inches in circumference, making it a generously sized accessory that can be looped twice for a snug, layered look or worn as a single dramatic loop.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a women's infinity cowl, sometimes called an infinity scarf, knitted entirely in the round as one continuous tube. The design features a wide, flowing silhouette thanks to its 60-inch circumference. The combination of a garter stitch body with a rib and lace panel gives the cowl visual interest and texture without overwhelming the beginner knitter. It is a wearable, versatile accessory suitable for layering over coats, sweaters, or casual tops throughout cooler seasons.

Techniques Used

• Worked in the round: The entire cowl is knitted in the round on a circular needle, eliminating any seaming. This technique creates a smooth, continuous fabric and is ideal for accessories like cowls and hats.
• Lace knitting: A lace panel runs along the cowl, adding an openwork, decorative element. Lace in knitting is typically created through a combination of yarn overs and decreases that form deliberate holes in a visually pleasing arrangement.
• Long-tail cast on: The pattern specifies the long-tail method for casting on 264 stitches, a technique known for producing a neat, stretchy, and durable edge — particularly well-suited to circular projects.
• Circular garter stitch: Unlike flat knitting where garter stitch is achieved by knitting every row, circular garter stitch alternates a purl round and a knit round to produce the same characteristic ridged texture in the round.
• Stitch marker placement: Markers are used to indicate the beginning of the round and to separate pattern sections, keeping the lace panel aligned correctly throughout the project.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k): The foundational knitting stitch, used throughout the garter stitch rounds and within the lace panel.
• Purl (p): Used in alternating rounds to create circular garter stitch, and also featured within the rib and lace panel.
• Yarn over (yo): The primary stitch used to create the open, lacy holes in the lace panel. A yarn over adds a stitch and, when paired with a decrease, maintains the stitch count while forming decorative eyelets.
• SSK (slip, slip, knit): A left-leaning decrease worked by slipping two stitches as if to knit, then knitting them together through the back loop. Used in the lace panel to balance yarn overs and shape the lace motif.
• Purl front and back (pf/b): An increase stitch worked by purling into both the front and back of the same stitch, adding one stitch to the needle.

Materials Required

• Yarn: 3 skeins of Valley Yarns Deerfield, a luxurious DK weight yarn composed of 80% Baby Alpaca and 20% Silk (50g / 109 yards per skein). The pattern sample is shown in the colorway Persimmon. The baby alpaca content gives the yarn exceptional softness and warmth, while the silk adds a subtle sheen and drape that makes the lace panel particularly striking.
• Needles: A US size 7 (4.50mm) 29-inch circular needle, or the size needed to achieve the correct gauge. A 29-inch cable is recommended to comfortably hold the 264 cast-on stitches.
• Other materials: Stitch markers to mark the beginning of the round and panel divisions.

Gauge