Looking for a cozy addition to your wardrobe? This free knit cowl pattern from my Wheat Collection is perfect! Explore more here.

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A Versatile Free Knit Cowl Pattern from the Wheat Collection

Sometimes, a stitch pattern is so versatile and beautiful that it becomes a cornerstone of multiple designs. That’s exactly how I feel about the Wheat Collection. This series features designs like the Baby Wheat Cardigan, Youth Wheat Cardigan, and Wheat Socks, and now I’m excited to share the newest addition: the Wheat Cowl free knit cowl pattern.

Materials for the Wheat Cowl

The Wheat Cowl uses the same soft and luxurious merino/cashmere blend yarn as the cardigans: KnitPicks Capretta (affiliate link). For this project, I used two leftover skeins from the Baby Wheat Cardigan, making it a perfect stash-buster project. The needles are the same as well—2.5mm for the 1×1 rib and 3mm for the lace section. This makes it incredibly convenient to jump right into knitting the cowl after completing any other project in the Wheat Collection.

Why You’ll Love This Free Knit Cowl Pattern

One of the best things about this free knit cowl pattern is its versatility. Depending on how you wear it, the Wheat Cowl can serve multiple purposes:

• Face and neck protection: On windy days, it can cover your nose and mouth.
• Snood-style warmth: Pull it over your head for extra coverage.
• Classic cowl: Keep it simple and cozy around your neck.

The pattern is relaxing and beginner-friendly, especially if you’ve worked on any other Wheat Collection designs. It’s perfect for those times when you want mindless knitting to unwind.

A Thoughtful Gift with a Personal Touch

This Wheat Cowl has a special destination—it’s being sent 2,000 miles away as a birthday gift for my sister. Even though it’s a little late, handmade gifts always carry that extra heartfelt touch. If you’re looking for a meaningful present idea, this free knit cowl pattern might just be the answer!

Share Your Wheat Cowl Creations!

This cowl has quickly become a favorite, and I’d love to see how you style and wear yours. Whether you’re using it for warmth, fashion, or both, the possibilities are endless. Be sure to tag me on Instagram when you knit your own Wheat Cowl using this free knit cowl pattern—I’d love to feature your creations!

Why the Wheat Cowl is Perfect for Stash-Busting

If you’re like me and love making use of leftover yarn, the Wheat Cowl is ideal. By using the soft, squishy KnitPicks Capretta (affiliate link), this project gives new life to those extra skeins while maintaining a luxurious feel. The beautiful lace section, combined with its straightforward design, makes this cowl enjoyable from start to finish.

Explore More Free Knit Cowl Patterns

If you’re inspired by the Wheat Cowl, don’t forget to check out the rest of the free cowl patterns. Every piece shares a unique stitch pattern, creating a classic and timeless look. You can find all the free patterns here.

Materials and Info

Materials

2 skeins of Knitpicks capretta (230yds, 50g) or your favorite fingering (size 1) yarn.

Needle Size

1(US) 2.5mm 16in circular

2(US) 3mm 16in circular

Gauge (tension)

32 stitches x 41 rounds in 10x10cm in stockinette

Finished Measurement Laid Flat

28x42cms

METHOD

This cowl is knit in the round. I used a tubular cast on and sewn bind off so the edges matched but you can use any cast on and bind off you prefer. It just needs to be stretchy so it goes over the head easily.

Wheat Cowl Pattern

Cowl Instructions

Cast on 168sts using smaller circular needles.

Join in the round.

Place a marker to mark beginning of round.

I used a tubular cast on for the aesthetic, but you can use any cast on.

Work in k1p1 ribbing for 4cms.

Switching to larger sized circular needles, knit 1 round.

Work in lace chart until your work measures approximately 38cms from cast on edge, ending after completing a round 8 or 16 of the lace chart below.

Switch to smaller sized circular needles.

Work in k1p1 ribbing for 4cms. Your work should measure approximately 42cms from cast on edge but if it is a little bigger or smaller if you may needed to add or not work a few rounds to get to round 8 or 16 of the lace, that is okay. It does not need to be exact.

Bind off.

I used a sewn bind off to match my tubular cast on, but you can use any bind off.

Abbreviations

K – knit                                                  

P – purl

YO – yarn over

K2TOG -knit 2 stitches

SSK – slip, slip, knit the slipped sts together

Download Wheat Cowl PDF

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