Hang Low Cowl

Hang Low Cowl by Natalie Larson

Project Overview

The Hang Low Cowl is an advanced knitting pattern designed by Natalie Larson that combines classic garter stitch with delicate lace elements. This cowl offers versatility in styling—wear it hanging low around the neck or wind it sweetly for layered warmth. The design is engineered to work beautifully with a single skein of precious yarn, making it an ideal gift or personal accessory for knitters seeking an elegant, timeless piece.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a circular cowl with finished dimensions of 50 inches in circumference and 5.75 inches in width. The cowl is worked in the round using a combination of garter stitch (alternating knit and purl rounds) and lace patterning, resulting in a lightweight, draping accessory suitable for layering or wearing as a statement piece.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Long tail cast-on: The pattern begins with a long tail cast-on method, which creates a flexible, professional-looking edge ideal for circular projects
• Circular knitting: Worked in the round using circular needles, eliminating the need for seaming
• Increasing and decreasing: Yarn overs (YO) create lace holes, while centered double decreases (S2KP—slip 2 stitches together, knit 1, pass slipped stitches over) shape the lace pattern
• Garter stitch in the round: Alternating knit and purl rounds create the textured garter stitch base
• Lace integration: The pattern combines solid garter sections with open lace rounds for visual interest and drape

Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

• K (Knit): The fundamental knit stitch
• P (Purl): The reverse of the knit stitch, used to create garter texture in circular knitting
• YO (Yarn Over): Creating decorative eyelets and lace openings by wrapping yarn around the needle
• S2KP (Slip 2 Knit Pass): A centered double decrease that slips 2 stitches together, knits 1, then passes the slipped stitches over—essential for balanced lace decreases
• CO (Cast On): The initial stitch setup
• BO (Bind Off): The finishing edge

Pattern Structure

The Hang Low Cowl is worked over 16 rounds following a charted pattern or written instructions. The pattern alternates between solid garter stitch rounds (knit or purl) and lace rounds featuring yarn overs paired with centered double decreases. This creates a repeating motif that maintains stitch count while introducing openwork texture. The 240 cast-on stitches are divided into repeating pattern units worked across all stitches in the round.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The pattern requires 200 yards of fingering weight yarn, making it an excellent single-skein project. The designer used Madelinetosh Dandelion (90% merino wool, 10% linen blend; 325 yards per skein), which provides a soft, breathable fiber content ideal for a lightweight cowl. The linen content adds structure and drape to the finished piece. Additional materials include a stitch marker for tracking round beginnings and a darning needle for weaving in ends.

Needles and Gauge

This pattern is worked on US 5 / 3.75 mm circular needles. The recommended gauge is 12 stitches and 19 rows per 2 inches (5 cm) in stockinette stitch. Achieving proper gauge is important for obtaining the correct finished dimensions and ensuring the cowl drapes as intended.

Skill Level

Classified as an advanced pattern, the Hang Low Cowl requires confident execution of multiple techniques. Knitters should be comfortable with long tail cast-ons, circular knitting, yarn overs, and centered double decreases before beginning. The combination of garter stitch and lace patterning demands attention to pattern reading and stitch consistency, making this an excellent project for experienced knitters looking to refine their lace skills.