Cowl in Lang Yarns MERINO 120 & MERINO 120 DÉGRADÉ - Downloadable PDF

Unisex Cowl Knitting Pattern Using Lang Yarns Merino 120 and Merino 120 Dégradé

This free downloadable PDF pattern from Lang Yarns provides instructions for knitting a stylish, unisex cowl using the brand's celebrated Lang Yarns Merino 120 and/or Lang Yarns Merino 120 Dégradé yarns. Designed to suit all genders, this cowl is an approachable yet satisfying project rated at an intermediate skill level, making it ideal for knitters who are comfortable with basic ribbing and needle changes but are looking to refine their technique and explore premium yarn combinations.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a unisex cowl — a seamless tube-style neckwarmer that sits comfortably around the neck and can be worn as a single loop or doubled up for extra warmth. The cowl is worked flat and then seamed to close, resulting in a neat, structured tube. At a finished length of 20 cm (7½ inches), it provides excellent coverage without being overly bulky, making it a versatile accessory for layering in cooler seasons.

One of the most appealing design choices in this pattern is the option to use either the solid Merino 120 or the gradient Merino 120 Dégradé — or even a combination of both — allowing knitters to create a range of visual effects from classic tonal simplicity to softly shifting, ombré-inspired colorways. This flexibility makes the pattern highly adaptable to personal style preferences and available stash yarn.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Lang Yarns Merino 120 and/or Lang Yarns Merino 120 Dégradé — both described as pure merino superwash wool, sold in 50 g balls. The superwash treatment means the finished cowl is machine-washable, adding practicality to its luxury feel. The DK weight of these yarns gives the fabric a light, drapey quality while still providing warmth.
• Needles: ADDI knitting needles in two sizes — 4.5 mm (US 7 / UK 7) and 5 mm (US 8 / UK 6). Both sizes are used within the same project to create a deliberate change in fabric density, as described below.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs a straightforward but effective set of knitting techniques that make it well-suited to intermediate knitters:

• Long-tail or standard cast-on: The pattern begins with casting on 90 stitches using 4.5 mm needles, establishing the full width of the cowl from the outset.
• Needle size progression: A key technique in this pattern is the intentional switch from 4.5 mm needles to 5 mm needles partway through the work. After knitting 15 cm (6 inches) on the smaller needles, the knitter transitions to the larger 5 mm needles for the remaining 5 cm (approximately 1½ inches). This creates a subtle flare or ease at one edge of the cowl, which adds a relaxed, elegant drape when worn around the neck.
• Loose cast-off: The pattern specifically instructs a loose cast-off at the final length of 20 cm, which is essential to ensure the cowl opening remains stretchy and comfortable to pull over the head.
• Seaming: Once the knitted rectangle is complete, the short edges are joined to form the cowl's tube shape. Neat seaming is important here to ensure the join is as invisible and comfortable as possible against the skin.

Stitches Used

• Pattern I — k2, p2 Rib: The entire cowl is worked in Pattern I, which is a classic 2x2 ribbing (knit 2 stitches, purl 2 stitches, repeated across the row). This stitch pattern is well-known for its natural elasticity and structured texture. It pulls the fabric inward slightly, giving the cowl a snug, form-fitting quality that hugs the neck comfortably. The ribbing also means the cowl lies flat