Loop de Loop Cowl - Free Knitting Pattern for Women in Paintbox Yarns Simply Super Chunky

Loop de Loop Cowl: Free Knitting Pattern

What is Being Made

The Loop de Loop Cowl is an intermediate-level knitted cowl designed by Chloé Elizabeth Birch. This versatile neckwear piece is worked flat on straight needles and features a sophisticated cable pattern. The pattern offers two finished size options: a standard circumference of 25½ inches (65 centimeters) or a larger version measuring 39½ inches (100 centimeters) around. Both versions share the same width of 10¼ inches (26 centimeters), making this design adaptable for different preferences and body sizes.

Techniques Used

This cowl is worked flat, meaning it is knitted back and forth on straight needles rather than in the round. The pattern employs slip stitch edging along the sides for a neat, finished appearance. The most prominent technique featured in this design is cable knitting, which creates the decorative twisted texture that gives the cowl its visual interest and dimensional quality. The cable crossings are worked at regular intervals throughout the pattern repeat, adding both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity to the finished piece.

Stitches Used

The Loop de Loop Cowl utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined with cable techniques. The pattern incorporates:

• Knit stitches (k) for the main fabric structure
• Purl stitches (p) to create texture contrast and frame the cable sections
• Slip stitches (sl) worked with yarn in back (wyib) and yarn in front (wyif) to create clean, professional-looking edges
• Cable stitches including C8B (cable 8 back) and C8F (cable 8 front), which involve crossing groups of stitches to create the characteristic twisted, looped appearance

The pattern is set over an 8-row repeat that establishes the rhythm of the cable crossings and supporting stitches, creating a balanced, symmetrical design.

Materials Required

This pattern is designed for use with Paintbox Yarns Simply Super Chunky, a bulky weight yarn that allows for quick project completion. Depending on the size selected, crafters will need either 3 balls (for the smaller size) or 4 balls (for the larger size) of this yarn, with each ball weighing 3½ ounces (100 grams). The pattern is available in multiple colorways, including Slate Green and Dolphin Blue.

The required tools include US 17 (12mm) knitting needles for working the main fabric, which are appropriately sized for the super chunky yarn weight. A cable needle is essential for manipulating the stitches during cable crossings. Additional supplies include scissors for cutting yarn and a large sewing needle for weaving in ends and potentially seaming the cowl into a continuous loop.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern assumes knitters have mastered basic knit and purl stitches and have some experience with cable techniques. The straightforward stitch pattern and large yarn weight make it accessible to those ready to advance beyond beginner projects, while the cable work provides enough complexity to keep experienced knitters engaged.