Brown Tassel Cowl

Classic, cozy and wearable: a simple knit cowl in a warm brown with four tasseled corners for a playful finish. Worked in the round in a reversible rib-and-seed-texture, it’s quick to knit and great for gifting.

Finished measurements

• Circumference unstretched: 24” (61 cm)
• Height: 10” (25.5 cm) (before tassels)

Yarn (Imperial & Metric)

• Worsted weight (Aran) yarn: 1 skein, approx. 250 yards (228 m) – 8 oz (227 g). Brown main color (MC). Substitute similar worsted/aran yarns; one 100g/8oz skein in this yardage is typical.

Needles (US, UK Old, Metric)

• Circular needle 16” (40 cm) recommended: US 8 / UK 6 (Old) / 5.0 mm
• Optional gauge-adjust needles: US 7 / UK 7 (Old) / 4.5 mm and US 9 / UK 5 (Old) / 5.5 mm
• Note: This is worked in the round; a short circular is easiest. You may use DPNs or longer circulars for magic loop as preferred.

Notions

• Stitch marker and tapestry needle
• Scissors
• Comb or tassel maker (or cardboard) for tassels
• Measuring tape

Gauge

18 sts x 24 rows = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette using 5.0 mm (US 8) needles. Gauge is measured before blocking; if your fabric is loose/tighter adjust needle size. The seed/rib texture will have similar gauge; swatch in pattern stitch if possible.

Abbreviations

• CO = Cast on
• BO = Bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• k2tog = knit 2 together
• p2tog = purl 2 together
• RS = right side
• WS = wrong side
• sl1 = slip 1 stitch knitwise

Notes

• Pattern is worked in the round; join carefully being sure not to twist at cast-on.
• Texture is reversible (seed + rib combination) so either side is wearable.
• Tassels are added after finishing; four tassels spaced evenly give the classic look shown.

Pattern

Cast on and rib edge

1. CO 108 sts using a stretchy cast-on and 16”/40 cm circular (US 8 / 5.0 mm).
2. Place marker and join to work in the round, ensuring cast-on edge is not twisted.
3. Ribbing: Round 1–3: *k2, p2; repeat from * to end. Continue ribbing for 1” (2.5 cm).

Body: Reversible Rib-Seed Pattern

Pattern repeats over 12 sts.

1. Set-up round (establish pattern): *k2, p1, k1, p1, k2, p1; repeat from * to end. (This aligns to the 12-st repeat.)
2. Work rounds 1–8 following this 12-st and 8-round reversible sequence: Rounds alternate to create a seeded texture between rib columns. (If you prefer a simpler instruction: alternate a round of k2,p2 rib with a round of seed stitch across each 12-st block; swatch to see how you like the drape.)
3. Work the pattern until the cowl measures 8.5” (21.5 cm) from cast-on edge, or until desired height minus ribbing and bind-off allowance.

Top rib and bind off

1. Work 1” (2.5 cm) of k2,p2 rib (same as lower rib) to mirror the cast-on edge.
2. BO loosely in pattern (k on knit sts, p on purl sts) to maintain elasticity.

Tassels (make 4)

1. Decide tassel placement: fold cowl into quarters and mark 4 equal points along the top edge (or wherever you prefer the tassels to hang).
2. Tassel size: wrap yarn around a 3” (7.6 cm) piece of cardboard or use a comb to wrap 40 times for a medium-weight tassel. This yields a tassel about 3” (7.6 cm) long before trimming.
3. Cut yarn at one end of the wrap and tie a 6” (15 cm) length of yarn around the top tightly to form the head. Slide off the cardboard and fold the tied loop in half if you want a folded attachment or leave loose for a fuller look.
4. Secure tassel to cowl: thread the hanging tails onto a tapestry needle, insert at the marked point from the inside to the outside and pull through leaving the tassel hanging on the outside. Tie the hanging tails together on the inside in a double knot and weave the remaining tails into the inside of the cowl securely. Trim tassel ends to shape.
5. Optional: Add a small wrapping around the tassel head (a 6” /15 cm piece of yarn tightly wrapped and tied under the head) for a neater finish.

Finishing

• Weave in all ends neatly on the inside with a tapestry needle.
• Lightly block the cowl to even the stitches: soak in lukewarm water with mild soap, rinse, press out excess water in a towel and lay flat to dry. Gently shape to measurements.
• Attach tassels evenly. Secure knots and weave in tails well so tassels don’t pull free in wear or washing.

Adjustments & customization

• Make cowl taller by adding more pattern repeats before the top rib. Each 8-round pattern set is approx. 1” (depending on tension).
• For a slouchier circumference, add stitches in multiples of 12 to keep the pattern repeat intact. For a narrower cowl, reduce in the same 12-st multiples.
• Swap tassels for pom-poms for a different look; you’ll need slightly more yarn for full pom-poms.

Care

• Hand wash cold and lay flat to dry. If yarn is machine-washable follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Help & resources

Pattern support: email team@verde.uk. Visit https://purljam.verde.uk and find us on socials: #purljam.

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