Larkin Willow Cowl

Larkin Willow Cowl by Taiga Hilliard Designs

What is Being Made

The Larkin Willow Cowl is a lace cowl designed to provide warmth and style. This knitted accessory features an elegant lace pattern and is constructed in the round from the bottom up, creating a seamless, tubular garment that drapes beautifully around the neck and shoulders.

Construction Method

This cowl is knit entirely in the round, working from the bottom up. The construction begins with a long tail cast on and uses a start of round marker to track your position throughout the project. The circular knitting method ensures a seamless finish without requiring seaming, making this an ideal project for knitters seeking a polished, professional appearance.

Lace Techniques and Stitches

The Larkin Willow Cowl employs traditional lace knitting techniques to create its decorative pattern. Key stitches and techniques include:

• Yarn overs (YO) – creates the openwork characteristic of lace
• K2tog (knit two together) – a right-leaning decrease
• SSK (slip, slip, knit) – a left-leaning decrease that pairs with yarn overs for balanced lace
• Knit and purl stitches – form the ribbed edging and structural elements of the pattern

The lace pattern repeats across rounds, with alternating plain rounds that allow the openwork design to develop gradually. The ribbed sections created by purl stitches frame the lace motifs, adding visual interest and helping the cowl maintain its shape.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for Anzula Serenity in Fingering weight, a high-quality yarn choice for lace knitting. The project requires 250 yards for the smaller size (28 inches) or 350 yards for the larger size (36 inches). Knitters will need US size 6 (4.00 mm) needles, or whichever size produces the correct gauge. Circular needles are recommended for knitting in the round.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches over 4 inches, which is standard for fingering weight yarn at this needle size. Two sizes are provided: the smaller cowl measures 28 inches in circumference (cast on 140 stitches), while the larger version measures 36 inches (cast on 180 stitches). Achieving proper gauge is essential for the cowl to fit correctly and for the lace pattern to display as intended.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, the Larkin Willow Cowl is suitable for knitters with some experience. The combination of circular knitting, lace techniques, and pattern repeats requires comfort with reading knitting charts or written instructions, understanding yarn overs and decreases, and maintaining consistent tension. Knitters new to lace should be prepared to focus on their work, as mistakes in the lace pattern can be visible in the finished piece.