128 Superwash Pretty Cables Cowl in Cascade Yarns - C365 - Downloadable PDF

128 Superwash Pretty Cables Cowl in Cascade Yarns – Pattern Summary

The Pretty Cables Cowl is a beautifully structured knitted accessory designed by Cheryl Beckerich and published by Cascade Yarns. This pattern, catalogued as C365, creates a cozy, seamlessly worked cowl featuring classic cable detailing framed by ribbed edges. It is rated intermediate in skill level, making it an ideal next step for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to explore the satisfying world of cable knitting.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a single adult-sized cowl with a finished circumference of 26 inches and a height of 8.5 inches. The cowl is worked entirely in the round on a circular needle, resulting in a smooth, tube-shaped accessory with no seams. Its generous dimensions make it suitable for wearing looped once around the neck for warmth, or styled as a cozy collar over winter outerwear.

Techniques Used

• Knitting in the round: The entire cowl is worked circularly using a 16–20 inch circular needle, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a clean, continuous fabric.
• Cable knitting: The central body of the cowl features a repeating 12-round cable chart that is worked six times per round, producing an all-around cabled texture. A cable needle is required to hold stitches while crossing cables, which is the defining technique of this design.
• Ribbing: Both the cast-on edge and the bind-off edge are worked in k2, p2 rib for six rounds each, providing a neat, stretchy border that frames the cable panel and helps the cowl maintain its shape.
• Increases: A small shaping adjustment of two stitches is made when transitioning from the ribbed cast-on into the cable chart, bringing the stitch count from 112 to 114 stitches to accommodate the cable pattern repeat.
• Chart reading: Knitters follow a 12-round repeating chart for the cable section, making familiarity with reading knitting charts a helpful skill for this project.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) – the foundational stitch used throughout the pattern
• Purl (P) – used in the ribbed borders and as part of the cable chart
• k2, p2 Rib – a classic two-by-two ribbing stitch pattern used for the top and bottom borders
• Cable stitches – worked from a 12-round repeating chart, creating the signature twisted rope or braid effect that gives this cowl its name

Materials

• Yarn: Cascade Yarns® 128 Superwash® – a chunky weight yarn made from 100% Superwash Merino Wool. Each skein contains 128 yards (117 m) / 100 g (3.5 oz). The pattern calls for 2 skeins in color #855 (Burgundy), a rich, deep red-toned colorway that beautifully showcases the cable texture. The Superwash treatment means the finished cowl is machine washable, adding practical everyday appeal.
• Needles: US 11 (8.0 mm) circular knitting needle, 16–20 inches in length
• Notions: A cable needle, stitch marker, and yarn needle for finishing

Gauge

The recommended gauge is 18 stitches x 24 rounds = 4 inches worked in pattern. Achieving the correct gauge is especially important in a cowl like this, as it directly affects the finished circumference and height of the piece.

Why Knitters Will Love This Pattern

The Pretty Cables Cowl by Cheryl Beckerich combines the satisfying rhythm of cable knitting with the quick gratification of a chunky yarn project. The 128 Superwash® yarn knits up quickly on US