Half Linen Stitch Cowl in Plymouth Kudo - F505

Half Linen Stitch Cowl in Plymouth Yarn Kudo – Pattern F505

This free downloadable knitting pattern from Plymouth Yarn Design Studio (pattern number F505) guides knitters through creating a beautifully textured circular cowl using the elegant Half Linen Stitch. Offered free with yarn purchase, this one-size-fits-all accessory is an excellent project for knitters looking to expand beyond basic stockinette while still working with a straightforward, highly rhythmic stitch pattern.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a seamless, knitted-in-the-round cowl measuring 11 inches in height and 24 inches in diameter. Designed as a one-size-fits-all accessory, this cowl is wide enough to wear loosely around the neck or pulled up over the lower face for added warmth. The structured yet flexible fabric created by the Half Linen Stitch gives the cowl a refined, woven appearance that elevates it beyond a simple tube scarf.

Yarn and Materials

• Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Kudo, 1 hank (100g), used in color #61. Kudo is the specific yarn for which this pattern is designed and gauge-tested.
• Needles: US size 8 circular needles, either 16-inch or 24-inch length — knitters may choose based on personal preference for working small circumferences in the round.
• Notions: 1 stitch marker and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Gauge

The pattern calls for a gauge of 16 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on a US size 8 needle, or the size needed to obtain gauge. Checking gauge before beginning is important to ensure the cowl reaches its intended dimensions of 11 inches tall and 24 inches in diameter.

Techniques Used

• Knitting in the round on circular needles — the cowl is worked as a seamless tube from cast-on to bind-off, eliminating any need for seaming.
• Loose cast-on — the pattern specifically instructs a loose cast-on of 98 stitches to ensure the bottom edge remains flexible and comfortable to wear.
• Joining in the round with careful attention to avoiding twisted stitches, a fundamental technique for circular knitting.
• Stitch marker placement to track the beginning of each round throughout the project.
• Loose bind-off — mirroring the cast-on, a loose bind-off keeps the top edge stretchy and wearable.
• Weaving in ends with a tapestry needle for a clean, polished finish.

Stitches Used

The primary decorative element of this cowl is the Half Linen Stitch, a four-round repeating pattern worked over an even number of stitches. This stitch creates a fabric that mimics the look of woven linen, with subtle horizontal floats running across the surface. The four rounds of the Half Linen Pattern Stitch are as follows:

• Round 1 and Round 3: Knit all stitches.
• Round 2: *k1, sl1 wyif; repeat from * to end — alternating a knit stitch with a slipped stitch held with yarn in front.
• Round 4: *sl1 wyif, k1; repeat from * to end — the offset version of Round 2, shifting the slip-stitch position by one stitch to create the woven texture.

The slipped stitches worked with yarn in front (wyif) are the key to this stitch's distinctive appearance. By carrying the working yarn across the front of the slipped stitch, the pattern creates small horizontal floats on the right side of the fabric, producing that characteristic linen-weave look. The alternating offset between Rounds 2 and 4 ensures the floats are staggered, adding depth and visual interest to the finished fabric.

Flanking the central Half Linen section, the cowl also uses purl stitch borders — two rounds of pur