VELVET Cowl

VELVET Cowl by Dilia Lemaitre

Project Overview

The VELVET Cowl is an intermediate-level knitting pattern designed by Dilia Lemaitre of Les Tricots de Dilia. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a luxurious cowl neck accessory featuring a sophisticated construction that transitions from a wider base to a narrower top, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various neckline styles.

Finished Dimensions

The completed cowl measures 16.5 inches in height, with a 27-inch circumference at the base and 18 inches at the top. This graduated shaping creates an elegant drape that sits comfortably around the neck while providing generous coverage.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This pattern employs the false fisherman's rib stitch as its primary textural element. The false fisherman's rib is a classic knitting technique that creates a deeply textured, fabric with excellent elasticity and dimensional appeal. This stitch pattern is ideal for cowls as it produces a fabric with substantial body and visual interest while remaining relatively straightforward for intermediate knitters to execute.

The pattern incorporates cable knitting techniques, requiring the use of a cable needle to create twisted stitches and decorative cable elements that enhance the visual complexity and sophistication of the finished piece.

Materials and Tools

The VELVET Cowl pattern calls for specific materials to achieve its intended aesthetic and drape:

• Yarn: BERNAT Baby Velvet in bulky weight (100% polyester), requiring 1 ball with 240 yards used
• Needles: US 9 circular needles for working the cowl in the round
• Notions: Cable needle for cable stitch work and stitch marker for tracking rounds

Gauge and Yarn Weight

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 13 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches when working the false fisherman's rib stitch with the specified needles. The bulky yarn weight ensures quick project completion while the polyester fiber content provides a soft, velvet-like texture that justifies the pattern's name and creates a luxurious drape.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern assumes knitters are comfortable with circular needle techniques, cable stitches, and reading stitch patterns. The false fisherman's rib requires attention to stitch definition, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to expand their technical repertoire.