Little Holes On The Bias

Little Holes on the Bias Cowl by Katrina Workman Designs

What Is Being Made

The Little Holes on the Bias Cowl is a knitted cowl designed by Katrina Workman Designs. This project creates a circular neckwear piece measuring 32 inches in circumference and 10.5 inches in height after blocking, making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering and everyday wear.

Craft and Primary Technique

This is a knitting project worked in the round using circular needles. The cowl is constructed by casting on stitches and joining them in a circle, then working in continuous rounds rather than flat pieces. This method eliminates the need for seaming and creates a seamless, professional finish. The design incorporates a bias element through strategic stitch placement and yarn overs that create visual interest as the fabric develops.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques Used

The Little Holes on the Bias Cowl employs a variety of fundamental and intermediate knitting stitches:

• Knit (k) – the basic foundation stitch worked throughout the project
• Purl (p) – used to create textural variation and definition in the set-up section
• Yarn Over (yo) – creates deliberate holes and lacy openings that are central to the design aesthetic
• Knit 2 Together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease stitch paired with yarn overs to maintain stitch count and create the bias effect
• Slip Stitch (sl) – used to move stitches without working them, often as if to purl
• Knit Stitch with Yarn Wrapped Twice (k1w2) – an advanced variation that wraps yarn around the needle twice to create elongated stitches
• Knit from Cable Needle (kfc) – used in conjunction with cable techniques for textural elements
• Slip Stitch onto Cable Needle (slc) – holds stitches temporarily for cable work

Pattern Structure and Sections

The cowl is organized into distinct sections. The Set Up Section establishes the foundation with a repeating three-round sequence of knit, knit, and purl rounds, worked twice for a total of nine rounds. Section One introduces the signature lace pattern, featuring a repeating sequence of knit 3, yarn over, knit 2 together across 30 repeats per round. This sequence is worked for multiple rounds, creating the holes and bias characteristics that define the design.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Little Holes on the Bias Cowl is designed for fingering or sock weight yarn, which is a fine yarn category also known as 4-ply weight. The project requires approximately 270 yards of yarn in the main color, with an additional 20 yards of contrasting color yarn available for optional accent work. This yarn weight is ideal for creating delicate, detailed stitch definition and allows for the fine lace holes to be clearly visible in the finished fabric.

Tools and Equipment

This project requires US 6 (4 mm) circular needles in a 16-inch length, which is the appropriate needle size for fingering weight yarn. The pattern also calls for a cable needle to hold stitches during cable techniques, and one stitch marker to denote the beginning of the round and track pattern repeats.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern specifies a gauge of 9 stitches and 20 rows over 2 inches (5 centimeters) in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the finished dimensions of 32 inches in circumference and 10.5 inches in height after blocking. Blocking—the process of wetting and shaping the finished knit to even out stitches and set the fabric—is recommended to achieve the intended final measurements and to open up the lace holes for maximum visual impact.

Difficulty Level

This cowl is rated as an intermediate knitting project. While it uses fundamental stitches such as knit and purl, the combination of working in the round, managing yarn overs and decreases in a repeating pattern, and potentially incorporating cable techniques requires solid foundational knitting skills and comfort with reading pattern instructions and maintaining consistent tension.