Neula Cowl

Neula Cowl by Vanessa Pellisa

What Is Being Made

The Neula Cowl is a versatile knitted cowl designed by independent designer Vanessa Pellisa. This project offers two size options: a narrow cowl with a circumference of 30 cm and length of 28 cm, or a longer loop version with the same circumference but 56 cm in length. The longer option can be wrapped around the head twice for added warmth and styling flexibility. This beginner-friendly design makes it an accessible project for knitters new to cowl construction.

Techniques and Special Methods

The Neula Cowl employs several specialized techniques that add refinement to the finished piece. The pattern utilizes an Italian cast on, which creates a particularly elastic and professional-looking edge ideal for seamless circular knitting. To complement this refined beginning, the cowl is finished with an Italian bind-off, ensuring the final edge matches the cast-on in quality and appearance. A distinctive feature of this pattern is that yarn is held triple throughout the entire project, meaning three strands of yarn are worked together simultaneously. This technique creates a luxuriously textured fabric while maintaining the beginner difficulty level.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The Neula Cowl is worked in a pattern stitch that achieves a gauge of 20 stitches by 26 rounds over a 10 by 10 centimeter swatch when blocked on the appropriate needle size. The pattern is worked in the round using circular needles, creating a seamless construction. The specific stitch pattern details are contained within the downloadable PDF pattern.

Materials and Tools Required

Yarn: The Neula Cowl is designed to be worked with Sensai by Ito, a luxury yarn composed of 60% superkid mohair and 40% silk. This fiber blend creates an exceptionally soft and lustrous fabric. The yarn is classified as DK weight and requires 240 meters total yardage. For the smaller size, 3 skeins are needed, while the larger size requires 6 skeins, with each skein weighing 25 grams.

Needles and Notions: A 4 mm / US6 circular needle with a cable length of at least 40 centimeters (16 inches) is required for this project. Additional supplies include blocking tools for finishing, a darning needle for weaving in ends, and removable stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points.

Pattern Information

This is a downloadable PDF pattern originally published in March 2021 with an update issued in October 2025. The pattern includes video support links for the Italian cast-on and Italian bind-off techniques, making it particularly beginner-friendly for knitters less familiar with these methods. Designer Vanessa Pellisa provides direct support for questions at vanessa@vanessapellisa.com.